Mechanic (Airframe)
Credential: Mechanic (Airframe)
Credentialing Agency: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Mechanic (Airframe) -This is a mid-level certification and requires years of training and experience to achieve. Airframe mechanics are authorized to work on any part of the aircraft except the instruments, power plants, and propellers. Mechanics work in hangars, repair stations, or out on the airfield on the "flight lines" where aircraft park. Mechanics often work under time pressure to maintain flight schedules or, in general aviation, to keep from inconveniencing customers. At the same time, mechanics have a tremendous responsibility to maintain safety standards, and this can cause the job to be stressful.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Mechanic (Airframe)
The following DOD Civilian Occupations provide training and/or experience that contributes to attaining this credential:
The following Federal Occupations provide training and/or experience that contribute to attaining this credential:
| Federal Occupation | Related As | |
|---|---|---|
| 8602 Aircraft Engine Mechanic |  Most |
|
| 8840 Aircraft Mechanical Parts Repairing | Most |
|
| 8852 Aircraft Mechanic | Most |
The following civilian occupations are related to this credential:
| Civilian Job | Bright Outlook | Registered Apprenticeship | Local Salary Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians |  Apprenticeship |
 find local salary |
||
| Maintenance and Repair Workers, General |  Bright Outlook |
Apprenticeship |
find local salary |
|
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | Apprenticeship |
find local salary |
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience: 18 months
- Education
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
800 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20591
Phone: (866) 835-5322
Contact Page
Education REQUIREMENTS
Applicant must be a high school graduate or an equivalent.
Training and/or Experience REQUIREMENTS
Applicant must present either an appropriate graduation certificate or certificate of completion from a certificated aviation maintenance technician school or documentary evidence, satisfactory to the Administrator, of—
- At least 18 months of practical experience with the procedures, practices, materials, tools, machine tools, and equipment generally used in constructing, maintaining, or altering airframes, or powerplants appropriate to the rating sought; or
- At least 30 months of practical experience concurrently performing the duties appropriate to both the airframe and powerplant ratings.
Note: You can get the experience to become a certified power plant mechanic in one of three ways.
- Attend one of the FAA Approved Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools nationwide.
- Work at an FAA Repair Station under the supervision of a certified mechanic for 18 months for powerplant certification, or must have 30 months of practical experience working on powerplant and airframe both at the same time.
- Join the armed services in a military occupational specialty for which the FAA gives credit.
Other REQUIREMENTS
The Mechanic (Airframe) credential has the following other requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be able to read, write, speak and understand English.
Written Exam General
- Basic Electricity
- Aircraft Drawings
- Weight and Balance
- Fluid Lines and Fittings
- Materials and Processes
- Ground Operations and Servicing
- Basic Physics
- Cleaning and Corrosion Control
- Mathematics
- Maintenance Forms and Records
- Maintenance Publications
- Mechanic Privileges and Limitations
Oral Exam Requirement
A Designated Mechanic Examiner gives you the oral exam along with the practical test. You can get a list of these examiners at the local FAA office. The oral and practical tests cover 43 technical subjects.
Practical Exam General
- Basic Electricity
- Aircraft Drawings
- Aircraft Weight and Balance
- Fluid Lines and Fittings
- Aircraft Materials,Processes and Hardware
- Safety, Ground Operations, and Servicing
- Aircraft Cleaning and Corrosion Control
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Maintenance Forms and Records
- Maintenance Publications
- Aviation Mechanic Privileges and Limitations
Practical Exam Airframe
- Airframe Structures
- Wood Structures
- Aircraft Covering
- Aircraft Finishes
- Sheet Metal and Non-metallic Structures
- Welding
- Assembly and Rigging
- Airframe Inspection
- Airframe Systems and Components
- Aircraft Landing Gear Systems
- Hydraulic and Pneumatic Power Systems
- Cabin Atmosphere Control Systems
- Aircraft Instrument Systems
- Communication and Navigation Systems
- Aircraft Fuel Systems
- Aircraft Electrical Systems
- Position and Warning System
- Ice and Rain Control Systems
- Fire Protection Systems
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Mechanic (Airframe) examination:
Testing Information
Testing for this credential is handled by PSI. The test centers are located in the U.S.
To find out more, use the following links on the PSI website:
For more information on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) testing process, visit the agency website.
Additional considerations for the Mechanic (Airframe) include:
- A Designated Mechanic Examiner gives you the oral exam along with the practical test. You can get a list of these examiners at the local FAA office.
- To be eligible to obtain General and Airframe exam permission slips from the FAA, you must present the following:
- An official letter from your military employer certifying your length of service. You may have multiple letters but they must total 18 months experience. You cannot count time you spent training for the specialty, only the time you spent working in the specialty.
- The make and model of the aircraft or engine on which you got practical experience, and where you got the experience.
- Applicant must document your experience with pay receipts, a logbook signed by your supervising mechanic, a notarized statement from your employer, or other proof you worked the required time.
- The FAA Airworthiness inspector decides if candidate meets the requirements to take the tests.
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