If you want to become an FAA certified aircraft mechanic, there’s multiple ways to do it, but how really all depends on you and where you’re at in your life.

This video explains your options and the pros and cons of doing so:

1. School

This is the most common way for the majority of people. Hit the books and go to class for 1-2 years and take your A&P tests. If you’re fresh out of High School, this is probably your best option. If you have a family to provide for, it most likely isn’t.

2. Military

The military can train you to work on exciting aircraft while you travel the globe. After you finish your service, you can take the tests you qualify for. But there are inherent risks with this option of course.

3. AMT/ Repair Station Apprentice

You can get an apprentice position with an FAA Repair Station and build the necessary experience. The FAA expects it to take you 30 months for both airframe and powerplant working full time. Not every shop is willing to take on an apprentice and you may need to commute a further distance than you’d like. But at least your getting paid to do it!

4. Light Sport Repairman: Maintenance

This option requires you to take an approved 120 hr LSRM course, but this rating gives you the ability to work on and inspect aircraft with S-LSA and E-LSA airworthiness certificates. You can work for a shop or manufacturer that specializes in Light Sport Aircraft or start your own business doing so.

5. Build Your Own Experience

Any aircraft maintenance performed under the supervision of an IA, or any aircraft maintenance defined as preventative may be logged towards the experience requirements to take your tests. Although it is absolutely possible to do it this way, this is certainly the most time consuming method of doing so. Instead of 30 months, it will likely take over 5 years or more.

You can do it!