Aircraft Mechanic FAQ
Becoming an Aircraft Mechanic
How do I get into this career?
Many people get their training in the military or through an aviation course at an aircraft mechanic school or technical college.
Most people that sign up for an aviation school or college course don’t realize that you don’t have to go to college to get started in this career.
Should I go to an aviation school or college?
The only reason people go to an aircraft mechanic school is to get an A&P license or a Part 66 licence (outside of the United States).
As I discuss later in this FAQ you don’t need an A&P license or any other kind of license to get into this career and start making money.
In fact, you don’t even have to go to school to get an A&P license, but the aviation schools will never tell you this.
So, if you are thinking about going to an aviation school or college, you are probably making a big mistake.
You will probably end up spending anywhere from $20,000 - $50,000 for the school.
Paying a bunch of money for an aviation school or college course is one of the biggest mistakes most people make.
But don’t I need a degree to become an aircraft mechanic?
Here’s the truth: You don’t need any type of degree or license to start your career and work in this field.
When I first started my career, all I had was a high school diploma. You can also do this once you know how, and by using my knowledge of the industry.
Most aircraft mechanics don’t have a college degree of any kind.
I’m thinking about signing up for an online aircraft mechanic course. Is this a good idea?
In all my time in the aviation maintenance field, I’ve never met an aircraft technician who used an online course.
Here’s the truth when it comes to these courses: They’re the same as most of the real-world aviation schools, which means that all they care about is getting your money.
As you already know, going to school is a huge mistake for most people because it costs a lot of money and you don’t even have to go to school to become an aircraft mechanic.
After reviewing over 20 of these online courses, I would stay far away from them. Not only will you waste your money, but you also won’t have any of the real-world experience you need.
What is the best way to become an aircraft mechanic?
One of the best ways to get into this career is to find a company that will hire you and train you.
This will allow you to begin making money as fast as possible, and you’ll also begin gaining the real-world experience that you need.
But, to find the best companies and do this, usually you have to know someone already working in the industry, like me.
Making Money as an Aircraft Mechanic
How much money can I make as an aircraft mechanic?
Like most careers, when you’re first starting out you might not make as much as mechanics who have more experience.
One of the keys to making good money is choosing the right career, because there are many different careers and some pay more than others.
Right now there are many aircraft mechanics making $80,000 - $100,000 a year, and some make even more.
Which type of aircraft mechanics have the biggest salary?
Like I said in the last answer, there are different careers in the aviation field. Some careers pay more than others.
Generally speaking, A&P mechanics and Avionics technicians usually have the biggest salaries. However, these careers might not be the best choice for you.
I’ve seen nearly every type of aircraft mechanic make $80,000 - $100,000 a year during my career.
If I become an aircraft mechanic, do I have to work in the United States to make the most money?
I don’t know why so many people ask me this question, but the answer is:
It really doesn’t matter which country you’re working in, because you can make good money as an aircraft mechanic in many companies all over the world.
In fact, I’ve met many mechanics working in other countries that make even more than some mechanics in the United States.
How can I make the most money?
My biggest paycheck as an aircraft mechanic was for $2,811 and 56 cents, and I’ve worked with mechanics who have made even more than that.
To make this kind of money, you need to become an aircraft mechanic as fast as you can so you can begin building up your experience.
Like most careers, once you begin building up your experience, you will make more money.
That’s the main reason I made The Aircraft Mechanic—to help you start your career the right way and avoid making the same mistakes so many others make.
If you follow the right steps, you can easily make $700 - $1,000 a week when you’re first starting. I was making $500 a week when I first started, and that was nearly 20 years ago.
The A&P License
What is an A and P License?
An A and P license, commonly written as “A&P license” or “A&P certificate”, is the short form of "Airframe and Powerplant license".
The A&P license is issued to qualified individuals, or Airmen, other than flight crew members.
What can I do with an A&P License?
As a mechanic holding an A&P license, you will be certified to inspect, perform, and supervise maintenance of aircraft and aircraft systems.
A&P mechanics are certified to accomplish their duties on both commercial and private aircraft.
Some aircraft mechanics who have an A&P choose to work on airplanes, while others choose to work on helicopters.
Do I need an A&P License?
Again, it’s important that you understand that you don’t need an A&P certificate to become an aircraft mechanic.
I really can’t say this enough, because a lot of people think they need to have an A&P before they begin their career, and that isn’t true.
Most major airlines require all maintenance personnel to hold an A&P license. Some third-party maintenance facilities, also commonly referred to as MROs, don't require all of their maintenance personnel to hold an A&P.
Here’s the truth: If you’re just starting out in this career, getting an A&P certificate should be the last thing on your mind.
I’m going to show you how to start your career without an A&P, and once you begin making money you can then begin to train for your certificate.
If you’re already working as an aircraft mechanic:
Whether or not you should get your A&P really depends on your situation. However, I would suggest you go ahead and get one eventually, since I’m going to show you how to get your A&P for free.
If you're already an aircraft mechanic, I'm going to show you how to get your A&P certificate for free.
How can I get an A&P License?
The most common method used to acquire an A&P license is paying tuition to an A&P school, technical school, or community college. Most programs are two-year programs, and most cost anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000.
Again, here's the fact of the matter: Most of the aviation schools don't care about you. They only want to get you through the door so you can start paying them tuition.
You don’t have to spend crazy amounts of money to go to school.
How much does it cost to get an A&P License?
If you know the right steps, you can get your A&P for nothing. Otherwise, a license will cost you thousands of dollars.
Some people pay over $50,000 to get an A&P license. That is insane!
Whenever someone pays a lot of money to go to school and get an A&P, I can guarantee you it’s because they don’t know any better.
Can I really get a free A&P License?
Yes, and it isn’t hard to do once you know how. I’m going to tell you everything you need to do step-by-step.
When you’re ready, you’ll be able to get your A&P without spending thousands of dollars.
I’ve helped thousands of mechanics get their A&P certificate for free, without paying for school or college.
How much can I make with an A&P License?
I discuss aviation pay scales thoroughly in The Aircraft Mechanic. It can be hard to calculate a specific average when discussing aviation pay scales because there are so many different positions available.
However, an individual holding an A&P license that has been working in the field for a couple of years can expect to earn $70,000 to $100,000 annually.
Sometimes you can make even more working as a licensed mechanic, once you know how.
How To Get A Free A&P License
As I mentioned, there are methods you can use to get an A&P License for free.
I made the How To Get A Free A&P License video to explain exactly how these methods work and how you can use them.
This book helped me make some real money
I bought this book to get a free A&P certificate.
Fast forward a year... Using the methods in the book I found a spot with a company here in Florida where I’ve been working as an A&P mechanic. Sometimes the days can be long, but the other mechanics are friendly and helpful and I’m making some really good money. I should have my A&P certificate in 4 or 5 more months, which is the best part.
If you are looking to get your A&P certificate, I recommend you read this book. It will help you and save you some money.
Read this before you go to school to be an aircraft mechanic
Luckily I found this book online a few weeks ago and it has been really helpful. I didn’t know that you can get into this line of work without even going to college or an aviation school. If you like me and thinking about going to school for aircraft maintenance, read this book first.
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