2 answers
Kelly
Student
Haltom City, Texas
1
Question
Updated
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How do I get my first job as an aircraft mechanic or tangential to?
I have 6-5 months (fall 2025 semester) before I test with the FAA for my general certificate with airframe endorsement. Seeking ways to get my foot in the door as soon as possible.
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2 answers
Lawrence Apfel
Aircraft Mechanic
6
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Lawrence’s Answer
Kelly,
You'll probably have to wait until you have your Airframe license before you look for work. Because there is a shortage of A&P mechanics, companies are willing to let you work part-time with only an Airframe license as long as you are actively pursuing your Powerplant.
It doesn't hurt to apply to local companies for internships or part-time work. If you can find work at a certified repair station, you don't need any license at all; you can work legally under the repair station license. Large companies such as airlines will be looking for candidates with their licenses (both A&P) with 1-2 years of experience so those won't be very hopeful.
I wish you the best of luck with your endeavors. There are jobs out there and employers are willing to accommodate your shortcomings to get you in the door with the hopes of having you come to work full-time after you reach your goal. Your ambition and hard work will definitely pay off.
Regards,
Larry A.
You'll probably have to wait until you have your Airframe license before you look for work. Because there is a shortage of A&P mechanics, companies are willing to let you work part-time with only an Airframe license as long as you are actively pursuing your Powerplant.
It doesn't hurt to apply to local companies for internships or part-time work. If you can find work at a certified repair station, you don't need any license at all; you can work legally under the repair station license. Large companies such as airlines will be looking for candidates with their licenses (both A&P) with 1-2 years of experience so those won't be very hopeful.
I wish you the best of luck with your endeavors. There are jobs out there and employers are willing to accommodate your shortcomings to get you in the door with the hopes of having you come to work full-time after you reach your goal. Your ambition and hard work will definitely pay off.
Regards,
Larry A.
Wayne Johnson
Maintenance Programs at Alaska Airlines
86
Answers
Auburn, Washington
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
Kelly - Having just the airframe certificate will limit your chances of getting hired as a mechanic. You should continue and get your powerplant certificate. When you interview for a position let them know you are going to get your powerplant certificate as soon as you finish your powerplant classes.
There seems to be a pretty good demand for aircraft mechanics.
Now where to apply:
A. Major Airlines:
Because you will be working with a licensed mechanics until you build your experience with them. Your airframe license covers a lot of different areas: basically anything that is not a powerplant/engine.
Some of them have overhaul shops, where they rebuild various components, accessories, etc.
B. Repair Stations:
Many of the airlines have repair stations do their heavy checks for them, i.e. C and D Checks, Structural Inspections, etc.
Listing of repair stations:
If you like sheet metal work, repair stations always need sheet metal mechanics, just because there are a lot of dents, corrosion, cracks, skins that need to be repaired or replaced during the major overhaul of the aircraft.
Here is a link to a list of the repair stations and other information: https://www.faa.gov/av-info#Repair_Stations
When you go to the above web page you can unselect the items you are not interested in, based on the below listed information.
The above listed web page also has airlines listed.
Here is a listing of the different classes of repair stations:
Airframe:
Class 1: Composite construction of small aircraft.
Class 2: Composite construction of large aircraft.
Class 3: All-metal construction of small aircraft.
Class 4: All-metal construction of large aircraft.
Powerplant:
Class 1: Reciprocating engines of 400 horsepower or less.
Class 2: Reciprocating engines of more than 400 horsepower.
Class 3: Turbine engines.
Propeller:
Class 1: Fixed-pitch and ground-adjustable propellers of wood, metal, or composite construction.
Class 2: Other propellers, by make.
Radio:
Class 1: Communication equipment (transmit/receive, interphone systems).
Class 2: Radar equipment.
Class 3: Gyroscopic instruments.
Instrument:
Class 1: Mechanical instruments (diaphragm, optical, etc.).
Class 2: Electrical instruments.
Class 3: Electronic instruments.
Class 4: Gyroscopic instruments.
Accessory:
Class 1: Mechanical accessories (brakes, pumps, etc.).
Class 2: Electrical accessories (generators, starters, etc.).
Class 3: Electronic accessories (temperature controls, etc.).
C. Other non-aviation companies where your aviation knowledge will transfer to their industry. The nice thing about your mechanics license is there are many industries that your knowledge will transfer to.
The following types of companies may work for you until you can get an aviation job.
1. Hydraulic companies which manufacture hydraulic components or repair them.
2. Heating and air conditioning companies: Usually have sheet metal and duct work.
3. Electrical companies which manufacturer and/or repair components.
D. Continue to build your toolbox. You can never have enough tools. Once you get your basic wrenches and socket sets you can start adding "unique" tools.
I bought Channellock 748 pliers with have a cutter on the ends. This became one of my most used tools to put bolts into small areas where my fingers reach. I put the bolt / nut etc. at the end and the bolt doesn't slip out of the jaws because the cutter end "traps" it. Works perfect for reinstall light aircraft flight control components: flaps, ailerons, elevators, etc.
Best of luck on your journey.
Wayne
There seems to be a pretty good demand for aircraft mechanics.
Now where to apply:
A. Major Airlines:
Because you will be working with a licensed mechanics until you build your experience with them. Your airframe license covers a lot of different areas: basically anything that is not a powerplant/engine.
Some of them have overhaul shops, where they rebuild various components, accessories, etc.
B. Repair Stations:
Many of the airlines have repair stations do their heavy checks for them, i.e. C and D Checks, Structural Inspections, etc.
Listing of repair stations:
If you like sheet metal work, repair stations always need sheet metal mechanics, just because there are a lot of dents, corrosion, cracks, skins that need to be repaired or replaced during the major overhaul of the aircraft.
Here is a link to a list of the repair stations and other information: https://www.faa.gov/av-info#Repair_Stations
When you go to the above web page you can unselect the items you are not interested in, based on the below listed information.
The above listed web page also has airlines listed.
Here is a listing of the different classes of repair stations:
Airframe:
Class 1: Composite construction of small aircraft.
Class 2: Composite construction of large aircraft.
Class 3: All-metal construction of small aircraft.
Class 4: All-metal construction of large aircraft.
Powerplant:
Class 1: Reciprocating engines of 400 horsepower or less.
Class 2: Reciprocating engines of more than 400 horsepower.
Class 3: Turbine engines.
Propeller:
Class 1: Fixed-pitch and ground-adjustable propellers of wood, metal, or composite construction.
Class 2: Other propellers, by make.
Radio:
Class 1: Communication equipment (transmit/receive, interphone systems).
Class 2: Radar equipment.
Class 3: Gyroscopic instruments.
Instrument:
Class 1: Mechanical instruments (diaphragm, optical, etc.).
Class 2: Electrical instruments.
Class 3: Electronic instruments.
Class 4: Gyroscopic instruments.
Accessory:
Class 1: Mechanical accessories (brakes, pumps, etc.).
Class 2: Electrical accessories (generators, starters, etc.).
Class 3: Electronic accessories (temperature controls, etc.).
C. Other non-aviation companies where your aviation knowledge will transfer to their industry. The nice thing about your mechanics license is there are many industries that your knowledge will transfer to.
The following types of companies may work for you until you can get an aviation job.
1. Hydraulic companies which manufacture hydraulic components or repair them.
2. Heating and air conditioning companies: Usually have sheet metal and duct work.
3. Electrical companies which manufacturer and/or repair components.
D. Continue to build your toolbox. You can never have enough tools. Once you get your basic wrenches and socket sets you can start adding "unique" tools.
I bought Channellock 748 pliers with have a cutter on the ends. This became one of my most used tools to put bolts into small areas where my fingers reach. I put the bolt / nut etc. at the end and the bolt doesn't slip out of the jaws because the cutter end "traps" it. Works perfect for reinstall light aircraft flight control components: flaps, ailerons, elevators, etc.
Best of luck on your journey.
Wayne
Thank you. Defiantly understood, one more year for my powerplant endorsement.
I am excited to start as soon as allowable for the on the job learning aspect. The regulated repair space is understandable but I am also a part time student and chafing under the academic atmosphere presented so far.
Kelly
Kelly - There is always the military - which is where I got my interest and training. Didn't have to go to school, the Navy gave me my 30 months experience. Just another avenue for you.
Wayne Johnson