Keeping aircraft in peak operating condition is the job of aircraft and aviation equipment mechanics and aviation service technicians. Aviation maintenance professionals and aeronautical mechanics complete inspections, perform scheduled aircraft maintenance, and make necessary aircraft repairs.
Some aircraft mechanics and aviation maintenance technicians specialize in performing preventive maintenance and inspecting and replacing worn parts in engines and landing gear, as well as on accessory parts such as brakes, pumps, and air-conditioning systems.
Most of the mechanics who work on aircraft are certified by the FAA as avionics repair specialists. And, while some people become mechanics through on-the-job training, most learn their job at one of the FAA-certified trade schools that are located across the country. Roughly one-third of these schools offer 2- and 4-year degrees in avionics, aviation technology or aviation maintenance, and meet the FAA's requirement that students have 1900 hours of class time. Classes at these aviation maintenance schools usually take 24 to 30 months to complete. One of the payoffs of studying aircraft maintenance is the pay: the median hourly earnings of aircraft mechanics and service technicians were about $20.71 in 2002. Of course, this will vary based upon the type of job, location and total experience and course of study a student may have.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for aircraft mechanics are expected to increase by roughly 10-20% through 2012, making aviation maintenance a great career opportunity.
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Aviation schools : Find schools near you
New England Institute of TechnologySchool Information
New England Institute of Technology in Rhode Island is an accredited school offering tech focused degrees in 28 fields of study.
Hallmark College
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Get the training you need to take prepare for an exciting, high-paying career in as little as just 11 months at Hallmark College.
Hallmark College of Aeronautics - San Antonio
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Get the training you need to take prepare for an exciting, high-paying career in as little as just 11 months at Hallmark College.
Aviation Institute of Mainenance
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The Aviation Institute of Maintenance can give you the solid educational foundation you need to launch your career in the aircraft industry. Choose from two campus locations nationwide.
Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Indianapolis
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The Aviation Institute of Maintenance can give you the solid educational foundation you need to launch your career in the aircraft industry. Choose from two campus locations nationwide.
Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Kansas City
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The Aviation Institute of Maintenance can give you the solid educational foundation you need to launch your career in the aircraft industry. Choose from two campus locations nationwide.
Everglades University
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Everglades University combines innovative degree programs, small classes, and convenient scheduling to accommodate adult learners and working students. As an accredited not-for-profit, private university, Everglades University offers both bachelor's and master's degree programs to prepare students to advance in their current careers or future fields of study. Undergraduate students complete each class in just one month.
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Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management
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Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Technology
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Master's Degree in Aviation Science
Everglades University - Orlando Campus
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Everglades University combines innovative degree programs, small classes, and convenient scheduling to accommodate adult learners and working students. As an accredited not-for-profit, private university, Everglades University offers both bachelor's and master's degree programs to prepare students to advance in their current careers or future fields of study. Undergraduate students complete each class in just one month.
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Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management
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Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Technology
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Master's Degree in Aviation Science
Everglades University - Sarasota Campus
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Everglades University combines innovative degree programs, small classes, and convenient scheduling to accommodate adult learners and working students. As an accredited not-for-profit, private university, Everglades University offers both bachelor's and master's degree programs to prepare students to advance in their current careers or future fields of study. Undergraduate students complete each class in just one month.
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Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management
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Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Technology
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Master's Degree in Aviation Science
Southern Skies Aviation
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Become an employable pilot in just 10 months. Southern Skies Aviation Ltd. flight school provides a clear advantage. We are so confident that we offer guaranteed fixed pricing.
ARTICLE: aviation In-Depth
