Aircraft maintenance technician: Difference between revisions
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'''Aircraft Maintenance Technician''', as used in the [[United States]], refers to an individual who holds a [[ |
'''Aircraft Maintenance Technician''', as used in the [[United States]], refers to an individual who holds a [[Mechanic]] certificate issued by the [[Federal Aviation Administration]]; the rules for certification, and for certificate-holders, are detailed in Subpart D of Part 65 of the [[Federal Aviation Regulations]] (FAR's), which are part of Title 14 of the [[Code of Federal Regulations]].<ref name="Subpart D">{{cite web | url=http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=9064767d66df7ef8f2ceb726fafde02d&rgn=div6&view=text&node=14:2.0.1.1.4.4&idno=14 | title=Subpart D—Mechanics | author=Federal Aviation Administration | work=Part 65—Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers | accessdate=2008-03-04 }}</ref> Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMT's) inspect and perform or supervise maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration of [[aircraft]] and aircraft systems. |
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The [[Canada|Canadian]] equivalent of an AMT is an [[Aircraft Maintenance Engineer]]. |
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The general requirements for eligibility for a mechanic certificate include the following: |
The general requirements for eligibility for a mechanic certificate include the following: |
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*Be 18 or older; |
*Be 18 or older; |
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*Be able to read, speak, and understand [[English language|English]]; and |
*Be able to read, speak, and understand [[English language|English]]; and |
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*Pass a set of required tests within a maximum of 24 months.<ref name="65.71">{{cite web | url=http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=9064767d66df7ef8f2ceb726fafde02d&rgn=div8&view=text&node=14:2.0.1.1.4.4.1.1&idno=14 | title=65.71 Eligibility requirements: General | author=Federal Aviation Administration | work=Part 65—Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers | accessdate=2008-3-4 }}</ref> |
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*Pass a set of required tests within a maximum of 24 months. |
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The required tests include, first, a set of knowledge tests; these are followed by a practical test, which includes an oral examination component, and which is administered by a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME). |
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Eligibility for the mechanic tests depends on the applicant's ability to document her or his knowledge of required subject matter and ability to perform maintenance tasks. The FAA recognizes two ways of demonstrating the needed knowledge and skills: On-the-job experience or completion of a training program at a [[school]] certified under 14 CFR Part 147[http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=307a155d2a901466cf9f21e54c8ef676&rgn=div5&view=text&node=14:3.0.1.1.6&idno=14]. |
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| ⚫ | A person who fulfills the necessary requirements is issued a Mechanic certificate with either an Airframe or Powerplant rating, or both.<ref name="65.73">{{cite web | url=http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=9064767d66df7ef8f2ceb726fafde02d&rgn=div8&view=text&node=14:2.0.1.1.4.4.1.2&idno=14 | title=65.73 Ratings | author=Federal Aviation Administration | work=Part 65—Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers | accessdate=2008-03-04 }}</ref> It is these ratings which together account for the common practice of referring to mechanics as "A&P's." Until 1952, instead of the Powerplant rating, an Engine rating was issued, so the abbreviation "A&E" may appear in older documents.<ref name="65.73"/> |
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===14 CFR Part 147 schools=== |
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These regulations specify each class and topic the applicant must become proficient in and how many hours each class must contain, for a total of 1900 hours of training. Completion of the program usually takes between 18 months and two years. The FAA requires that mechanics be taught all systems of the aircraft, such as: |
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Eligibility for the mechanic tests depends on the applicant's ability to document her or his knowledge of required subject matter and ability to perform maintenance tasks.<ref name="65.75">{{cite web | url=http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=9064767d66df7ef8f2ceb726fafde02d&rgn=div8&view=text&node=14:2.0.1.1.4.4.1.3&idno=14 | title=65.75 Knowledge requirements | author=Federal Aviation Administration | work=Part 65—Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers | accessdate=2008-03-04 }}</ref><ref name="65.79">{{cite web | url=http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=9064767d66df7ef8f2ceb726fafde02d&rgn=div8&view=text&node=14:2.0.1.1.4.4.1.5&idno=14 | title=65.79 Skill requirements | author=Federal Aviation Administration | work=Part 65—Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers | accessdate=2008-03-04 }}</ref> The FAA recognizes two ways of demonstrating the needed knowledge and skills: Practical experience or completion of a training program at a [[school]] certificated under Part 147 of the FAR's.<ref name="65.77">{{cite web | url=http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=9064767d66df7ef8f2ceb726fafde02d&rgn=div8&view=text&node=14:2.0.1.1.4.4.1.4&idno=14 | title=65.77 Experience requirements | author=Federal Aviation Administration | work=Part 65—Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers | accessdate=2008-03-04 }}</ref> |
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*Airframe sheet [[metal]] structures |
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*Cabin pressurization and climate control systems |
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*Composite structures |
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*Deicing systems |
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*[[aircraft dope|Dope-and-fabric]] |
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*Electrical and charging systems |
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*[[Flight controls]] |
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*[[Hydraulics]] |
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*[[Ignition system]]s |
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*[[Landing gear]] |
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*[[Propeller]]s |
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*Reciprocating Engines |
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*Rigging (fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft) |
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*Turbine Engines |
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*[[Welding]] |
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===Applications based on experience=== |
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Applicants for a Mechanic certificate with a single rating—either Airframe or Powerplant—and who base their application on practical experience must demonstrate 18 months of work experience applicable to the chosen rating. Those applying for both ratings must show a total of 30 months of applicable experience.<ref name="65.77"/> Most military-trained aircraft mechanics are eligible to use their work experience as the basis for an application for a civilian Mechanic certificate.<ref name="USAF">{{cite web | url=https://augateway.maxwell.af.mil/ccaf/certifications/a_and_p/ | title=Air Force Airframe and Power Plant (A & P) Certification Program | work=Community College of the Air Force | accessdate=2008-03-04 }}</ref> |
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===Applications based on education=== |
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After a maintenance student completes the required academic and hands-on coursework, he/she is then required by the FAA to pass a written General test, an Airframe written test, and a Powerplant written test in order to proceed to the next phase of testing. |
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Applicants who attend an Aviation Maintenance School program certificated under Part 147 study an FAA-approved and supervised curriculum. Those applying for a Mechanic certificate with a single rating—either Airframe or Powerplant—study a "general" set of subjects for at least 400 hours, as well as at least 750 hours of material appropriate to the chosen rating, for a total of 1,150 hours. Those who pursue both ratings study the "general" material, as well as the 750 hours for each rating, for a total of at least 1,900 hours.<ref name="147.21">{{cite web | url=http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=02faf0ccbd4b5b6273776a3dfca2f79b&rgn=div8&view=text&node=14:3.0.1.1.6.2.1.6&idno=14 | title=147.21 General curriculum requirements | author=Federal Aviation Administration | work=Part 147—Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools | accessdate=2008-03-04 }}</ref> Completion of such a program of study typically requires between 18 and 24 months. |
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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), who will further test the knowledge of the prospective mechanic using a question and answer format, as well as requiring the candidate to perform several tasks using the correct methods. After successful completion of the Oral & Practical examination, the candidate will receive a temporary A&P certificate from the DME and will shortly receive a permanent license from the FAA. This certificate allows the A&P mechanic to perform all privileges granted to him/her by the FAA, including returning aircraft to service after maintenance. |
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Required areas of study in the "general" curriculum include [[electricity]], [[technical drawing]]s, [[center of gravity of an aircraft|weight and balance]], [[hydraulics]] and [[pneumatics]], ground operation of aircraft, cleaning and [[corrosion]] control, basic mathematical calculations, forms and record-keeping, basic [[physics]], maintenance manuals and publications, and applicable federal regulations.<ref name="General">{{cite web | url=http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=02faf0ccbd4b5b6273776a3dfca2f79b&rgn=div9&view=text&node=14:3.0.1.1.6.3.1.12.16&idno=14 | title=Appendix B to Part 147—General curriculum subjects | author=Federal Aviation Administration | work=Part 147—Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools | accessdate=2008-03-04 }}</ref> |
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Required areas of study in the airframe curriculum include inspection, structures—wood, [[sheet metal]], [[composite material|composite]]—and fasteners, covering, finishes, [[welding]], assembly and rigging, hydraulics, pneumatics, cabin atmosphere control systems, instrument systems, communication and navigation systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, position and warning systems, ice and rain control systems, and fire protection systems.<ref name="Airframe">{{cite web | url=http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=02faf0ccbd4b5b6273776a3dfca2f79b&rgn=div9&view=text&node=14:3.0.1.1.6.3.1.12.17&idno=14 | title=Appendix C to Part 147—Airframe curriculum subjects | author=Federal Aviation Administration | work=Part 147—Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools | accessdate=2008-03-04 }}</ref> |
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Required areas of study in the powerplant curriculum include inspection, reciprocating and turbine engine theory and repair, instrument systems, fire protection systems, electrical systems, lubrication systems, ignition and starting systems, fuel metering systems, fuel systems, induction and airflow systems, cooling systems, exhaust and reverser systems, propellers, unducted fans, and auxiliary power units.<ref name="Powerplant">{{cite web | url=http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=02faf0ccbd4b5b6273776a3dfca2f79b&rgn=div9&view=text&node=14:3.0.1.1.6.3.1.12.18&idno=14 | title=Appendix D to Part 147—Powerplant curriculum subjects | author=Federal Aviation Administration | work=Part 147—Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools | accessdate=2008-03-04 }}</ref> |
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= Inspection Authorization = |
= Inspection Authorization = |
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== Aircraft Maintenance Organizations == |
== Aircraft Maintenance Organizations == |
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There are several organizations that have been formed to support the profession of Aircraft Maintenance, including the [http://www.pama.org Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA)] and the [http://www.ncatt.org/ National Center for Aircraft Technician Training (NCATT)]. |
There are several organizations that have been formed to support the profession of Aircraft Maintenance, including the [http://www.pama.org Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA)] and the [http://www.ncatt.org/ National Center for Aircraft Technician Training (NCATT)]. |
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==References== |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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[[Category:Aviation licenses and certifications]] |
[[Category:Aviation licenses and certifications]] |
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[[Category:Aviation in the United States]] |
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[[Category:Transportation occupations]] |
[[Category:Transportation occupations]] |
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Revision as of 05:35, 5 March 2008
 | The examples and perspective in this article may not represent a worldwide view of the subject. |
 |
Aircraft Maintenance Technician, as used in the United States, refers to an individual who holds a Mechanic certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration; the rules for certification, and for certificate-holders, are detailed in Subpart D of Part 65 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR's), which are part of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations.[1] Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMT's) inspect and perform or supervise maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration of aircraft and aircraft systems.
The Canadian equivalent of an AMT is an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.
Certification
The general requirements for eligibility for a mechanic certificate include the following:
- Be 18 or older;
- Be able to read, speak, and understand English; and
- Pass a set of required tests within a maximum of 24 months.[2]
The required tests include, first, a set of knowledge tests; these are followed by a practical test, which includes an oral examination component, and which is administered by a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME).
A person who fulfills the necessary requirements is issued a Mechanic certificate with either an Airframe or Powerplant rating, or both.[3] It is these ratings which together account for the common practice of referring to mechanics as "A&P's." Until 1952, instead of the Powerplant rating, an Engine rating was issued, so the abbreviation "A&E" may appear in older documents.[3]
Eligibility for the mechanic tests depends on the applicant's ability to document her or his knowledge of required subject matter and ability to perform maintenance tasks.[4][5] The FAA recognizes two ways of demonstrating the needed knowledge and skills: Practical experience or completion of a training program at a school certificated under Part 147 of the FAR's.[6]
Applications based on experience
Applicants for a Mechanic certificate with a single rating—either Airframe or Powerplant—and who base their application on practical experience must demonstrate 18 months of work experience applicable to the chosen rating. Those applying for both ratings must show a total of 30 months of applicable experience.[6] Most military-trained aircraft mechanics are eligible to use their work experience as the basis for an application for a civilian Mechanic certificate.[7]
Applications based on education
Applicants who attend an Aviation Maintenance School program certificated under Part 147 study an FAA-approved and supervised curriculum. Those applying for a Mechanic certificate with a single rating—either Airframe or Powerplant—study a "general" set of subjects for at least 400 hours, as well as at least 750 hours of material appropriate to the chosen rating, for a total of 1,150 hours. Those who pursue both ratings study the "general" material, as well as the 750 hours for each rating, for a total of at least 1,900 hours.[8] Completion of such a program of study typically requires between 18 and 24 months.
Required areas of study in the "general" curriculum include electricity, technical drawings, weight and balance, hydraulics and pneumatics, ground operation of aircraft, cleaning and corrosion control, basic mathematical calculations, forms and record-keeping, basic physics, maintenance manuals and publications, and applicable federal regulations.[9]
Required areas of study in the airframe curriculum include inspection, structures—wood, sheet metal, composite—and fasteners, covering, finishes, welding, assembly and rigging, hydraulics, pneumatics, cabin atmosphere control systems, instrument systems, communication and navigation systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, position and warning systems, ice and rain control systems, and fire protection systems.[10]
Required areas of study in the powerplant curriculum include inspection, reciprocating and turbine engine theory and repair, instrument systems, fire protection systems, electrical systems, lubrication systems, ignition and starting systems, fuel metering systems, fuel systems, induction and airflow systems, cooling systems, exhaust and reverser systems, propellers, unducted fans, and auxiliary power units.[11]
Thorough knowledge of FAA rules and regulations (especially with regard to accepted repair/modification procedures) is also expected of A&P mechanics.
Inspection Authorization
Some AMTs, after at least three years of working in their field, choose to acquire an Inspection Authorization. These individuals are allowed to perform annual inspections on aircraft and sign off for return to service on major repairs and alterations on the required block of the FAA form 337. Certification and limitations, including renewal requirements, of mechanics with Inspection Authorization is contained in 14 CFR Part 65.
The requirements for obtaining an Inspection Authorization is that the AMT must be licensed for a minimum of three years and actively exercising the rights of an A&P for the two years prior to the date that the IA examination is to be taken.
Renewal of the IA certificate must be done every two years (on odd years) by submitting to the FAA a form showing a minimum of activity in which the IA exercised his or her authority. This activity comprises of either annual inspections, major repairs, major alterations, or a minimum of 8 hours of FAA approved training. This activity must be accomplished every 12 months even though the renewal period is every 24 months.
European authorities
Aircraft Maintenance Technicians in Europe must comply with AMC Part 66, Certifying Staff, issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
AMC Part 66 is based on Joint Aviation Regulations (JAR) promulgated by the Joint Aviation Authorities and on Air Transport Association (ATA) Specification 104. There are four levels of authorization:
- Level 1: General Familiarisation, Unlicensed
- Level 2: Ramp and Transit, Category A
- Level 3: Line and Base Maintenance, Category B1 (Mechanical) and/or B2(Avionics)
- Level 4: Release to Service, Category C
Aircraft Maintenance Organizations
There are several organizations that have been formed to support the profession of Aircraft Maintenance, including the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA) and the National Center for Aircraft Technician Training (NCATT).
References
- ^ Federal Aviation Administration. "Subpart D—Mechanics". Part 65—Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
- ^ Federal Aviation Administration. "65.71 Eligibility requirements: General". Part 65—Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers. Retrieved 2008-3-4.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ a b Federal Aviation Administration. "65.73 Ratings". Part 65—Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
- ^ Federal Aviation Administration. "65.75 Knowledge requirements". Part 65—Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
- ^ Federal Aviation Administration. "65.79 Skill requirements". Part 65—Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
- ^ a b Federal Aviation Administration. "65.77 Experience requirements". Part 65—Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
- ^ "Air Force Airframe and Power Plant (A & P) Certification Program". Community College of the Air Force. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
- ^ Federal Aviation Administration. "147.21 General curriculum requirements". Part 147—Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
- ^ Federal Aviation Administration. "Appendix B to Part 147—General curriculum subjects". Part 147—Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
- ^ Federal Aviation Administration. "Appendix C to Part 147—Airframe curriculum subjects". Part 147—Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
- ^ Federal Aviation Administration. "Appendix D to Part 147—Powerplant curriculum subjects". Part 147—Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools. Retrieved 2008-03-04.