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Aircraft Maintenance Technician




Charles Taylor , often referred to as the first aircraft mechanic, worked on the planes of the Wright Brothers . He is also credited with creating the first aircraft engine.

The Canadian equivalent of an AMT is an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer .


LICENSING

A mechanic certificate can be earned either through practical experience or by attending an FAA certified school under Part 147 of the FARs. These regulations specify each class and topic the applicant must become proficient in and how many hours each class must contain. A mechanic certificate may have two ratings: Airframe and/or Powerplant.

Completion of the program usually takes between 18 months and two years.
The FAA usually requires the mechanics be taught all systems of the aircraft, such as:

  • Airframe sheet metal structures

  • Composite structures

  • Deicing systems

  • Dope-and-fabric

  • Electrical systems

  • Flight controls

  • Hydraulics

  • Ignition systems

  • Landing gear

  • Reciprocating Engines

  • Turbine engines

  • Welding


After a maintenance student completes the required academic and hands-on course work, he is then required by the FAA to pass a written General test, an Airframe written test, and a Powerplant written in order to then go on to the next phase of testing.
After all written tests are satisfactorily completed the candidate is now able to take an Oral & Practical exam given by a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME) test to achieve the A&P certificate from the FAA. This certificate allows the A&P mechanic to return aircraft to service after maintenance.


INSPECTION AUTHORIZATION

Some AMTs, after at least three years or working in their field, choose to acquire an inspection authorization. These individuals are allowed to perform annual inspections on aircraft and sign-off on their airworthiness.


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