1. FAA Mechanic Certificate Airframe Rating Powerplant Rating Become a Mechanic

2. You must be –at least 18 years old; –able to read, write, speak, and understand English. Basic Requirements – FAR Part 65

3. Basic Requirements School –Attend one of the 170 FAA FAR Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools nationwide. OR Experience –Work at an FAA Repair Station or FBO under the supervision of a certified mechanic for 18 months for either rating, or 30 months for both. –Have military training in aircraft maintenance. Make sure you are in a military occupational specialty for which FAA gives credit. A current list of acceptable specialties is at the local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). FAA.gov eligibility requirements

4. Flight Standard District Office FSDO Offices 8525 Gibbs Drive Suite 120 San Diego, California 92123 Phone: (858) 502-9882 Fax: (858) 502-9985 Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday Office hours by appointment only San Diego FSDO

5. FAR Part 147 Schools FAA Approved Mechanic Schools

6. You must pass three types of tests – a written examination – an oral test – a practical test Basic Requirements

7. To apply to take the written exam, you must present your proof of work experience or evidence of graduation from an approved school to an FAA inspector at the local FAA office. There are separate exams for airframe and powerplant mechanic certificates, as well as a general test covering both. If the inspector decides you meet the requirements to take one of the exams, you may make an appointment for testing at a computer testing facility. FAA Mechanic Written Exam FAA Form 8610-2 pdf

8. –General 60 Questions2 hours –Airframe 100 Questions2 hours –Powerplant 100 Questions2 hours FAA Mechanic Written Exams Sample Airmen Knowledge Test Questions

9. A Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME) gives you the oral and practical examination. (Fee for examinations) Covers 43 technical subjects. Typically about 8 hours for one rating - Airframe or Powerplant. Oral / Practical Examination Mechanic Practical Test Standards

10. If you fail part of a test, you must wait 30 days before you can retest, unless you give a letter to the Examiner showing you've gotten additional training in the areas you failed. You must pass all the tests within a 24- month period. The FAA will then issue you a certificate. Oral / Practical Examination Mechanic Practical Test Standards