Overview of the Aviation Maintenance Profession

1. PURPOSE OF THIS ADVISORY CIRCULAR (AC). This AC was prepared by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Standards Service (FS) to provide information to prospective Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanics and other aviation maintenance professionals interested in a career in aviation maintenance. It contains general information on the requirements to become a certificated or noncertificated aviation maintenance professional. This AC supports regulatory requirements in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 65. The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way, and the document is intended only to provide information to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.

2. PRINCIPAL CHANGES. This change clarifies eligibility guidance for military applicants applying for a Mechanic Certificates, incorporates information from 14 CFR part 3 subpart C rule change regarding U.S. agents for service, and updates references throughout the AC.

Robert M. Ruiz for Lawrence Fields Executive Director, Flight Standards Service

Subject: Overview of the Aviation Maintenance Profession Date: 5/23/23 AC No: 65-30B Initiated by: AFS-300

1 PURPOSE OF THIS ADVISORY CIRCULAR (AC)

This AC was prepared by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Standards Service (FS) to provide information to prospective Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanics and other aviation maintenance professionals interested in a career in aviation maintenance. It contains general information of the requirements to become a certificated or noncertificated aviation maintenance professional. This AC supports regulatory requirements in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 65. The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way, and the document is intended only to provide information to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.

2 AUDIENCE

This AC applies to those interested in A&P mechanic, repairman, or other technician jobs in professional aviation maintenance.

3 WHERE YOU CAN FIND THIS AC

You can find this AC on the FAA’s website at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars and the Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS) at https://drs.faa.gov.

4 WHAT THIS AC CANCELS

AC 65-30A, Overview of the Aviation Maintenance Profession, dated November 9, 2001, is canceled.

5 RELATED 14 CFR PARTS

These U.S. regulations include safety rules that govern work performed on civil aviation products and articles. Persons in the civil aviation maintenance profession need to be familiar with the specific rules that apply to a professional’s specific occupation. These and other government requirements are available through the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (e-CFR) website at https://www.ecfr.gov. Regulations of particular importance to persons interested in the field of civil aviation maintenance include the following:

5.1 Part 43, Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration

Prescribes rules governing the maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alteration for aircraft having a U.S. airworthiness certificate; foreign-registered civil aircraft used in common carriage or carriage of mail under 14 CFR part 121 or 135; airframe, aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, and component parts of such aircraft; life-limited parts that are removed from a type-certificated product, segregated, or controlled as provided in part 43; and any aircraft issued a Special Airworthiness Certificate in the light-sport category. Part 43 addresses how that work must be performed and who may inspect and approve that work for return to service.

5.2 Part 65, Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers

Prescribes rules governing the certification of airmen other than flight crewmembers, including air traffic control (ATC) tower operators, aircraft dispatchers, mechanics, repairmen, and parachute riggers. This AC discusses the general certification and operating rules for holders of FAA Mechanic Certificates and Repairman Certificates. Part 65 addresses requirements for becoming a mechanic or repairman and the privileges and limitations for each.

5.3 Part 147, Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools

Prescribes rules governing the requirements for issuing Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) certificates and associated ratings and the general operating rules for the holders of those certificates and ratings.

5.4 Part 187, Fees

Prescribes rules governing fees the FAA may collect for performing certain services.

6 RELATED READING MATERIAL

6.1 FAA Documents (current editions). FAA orders can be found at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/orders_notices/, FAA ACs can be found at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/, and FAA Airman Knowledge Test Guides can be found at https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/.

6.2 FAA Web Pages

6.3 Financial Aid and Employment Resources

Refer to the U.S. Department of Education website for information on loans and grants at https://www.ed.gov. Additional possible financial aid and other resources, such as employment information, may be found by searching the internet for:

7 BACKGROUND

7.1 Aviation Maintenance Professionals

Aviation maintenance personnel work in a number of highly technical specialty occupations involving the continued operational safety of airframes, engines, and appliances such as avionics and other electronic-based systems. These individuals hold the important responsibility of keeping U.S.-registered aircraft operating safely and efficiently. Duties of these maintenance professionals include maintaining, servicing, repairing, and overhauling aircraft, aircraft engines, and aircraft components and systems. For the purposes of this AC, aviation maintenance professionals are FAA-certificated and noncertificated individuals that are paid for their services. These may include:

7.2 Aircraft Maintenance

Aviation maintenance is a dynamic career field. It has changed a great deal since Charles E. Taylor, the first aircraft mechanic, helped design, build, and maintain the engine for the 1903 Wright Flyer, and it will continue to change. This is due to the introduction of new designs and materials in aircraft construction and the interface between complex, space-age systems, such as navigation computers, fly-by-wire and solid-state fuel controls, and improvements in time-proven systems, such as hydraulics, flight controls, and propellers. The skills used in the professional aircraft maintenance field are often equivalent to a professional mechanic, carpenter, plumber, structural engineer, and electrician, and include other highly specialized skills all in one occupation.

7.2.1 The basic requirement of nearly all aviation maintenance professionals is to be highly skilled in mechanics. In aviation, this is a highly varied activity due to the diversity of systems and types of aircraft involved. Aircraft maintenance professionals may have to work on a propulsion system that may be turbine, piston, hybrid-electric, or electric-powered on any given day. Aircraft systems require rigging, repair, and/or inspection and can be hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, or manual. Specialized equipment, such as borescopes, nondestructive inspection (NDI), liquid dye penetrant, x ray, and ultrasound may have to be used to perform required inspections. Items on aircraft that require mechanical skills and are normally not on ground equipment are aircraft and engine fire protection equipment, ice and rain control systems, and position warning systems.

7.2.2 For some aviation maintenance professionals, carpentry skills are required to properly select, handcraft, fit, and finish wood that safely distributes internal and external flight loads. Expert plumbing skills are required with repairing, installing, fabricating, and replacing aircraft fuel, hydraulic, water, and septic systems. An advanced understanding of structural engineering and physics is required to interpret aircraft drawings, select materials and processes in a structural repair, and perform critical Weight and Balance (W&B) measurements.

7.2.3 Professional electrical skills are required when working with alternating current and direct current (AC/DC). It is critical to use the correct math operations, identify and select proper components, and use the right materials when repairing, installing, and replacing aircraft electrical items. In aviation, great attention to detail in electrical work is required to prevent dangerous short circuits due to a corrosive environment caused by dissimilar metals used in aircraft construction and for the demands of the flight environment where items must not fail regardless of the weather.

7.2.4 Another highly specialized area is heating and air conditioning systems used in aircraft cabin atmosphere control systems. Aviation maintenance professionals may have to apply their skills in soldering, brazing, gas-welding, arc-welding steel, or welding aluminum, stainless steel, magnesium, or titanium. Some aviation maintenance professionals need to be expert fabricators in tubular construction, composites, fabric coverings, and sheet metal.

7.2.5 Aviation maintenance professionals may have to apply their skills in highly technical systems providing cabin and passenger conveniences, connectivity, and other nontraditional aviation-specific functions.

8 OUTLOOK FOR THE FUTURE

The FAA regulates aircraft maintenance and those aircraft maintenance professionals who perform the maintenance. To ensure safety, the dedicated aircraft maintenance professional must be held to a base standard outside of a business entity through regulations, as set forth through the FAA’s statutory authority in Title 49 of the United States Code (49 U.S.C.) §§ 44701–44703. An FAA-issued Mechanic Certificate or Repairman Certificate is essential to ensuring the continuation of the safest aviation system in the world.

8.1 Demand

There are both traditional areas and up-and-coming enterprises that will continue to demand aviation professionals and upcoming enterprises that may create jobs for aviation professionals. Cutting across all aviation maintenance areas, rapidly expanding technologies like remote communications, hybrid-electric and other advanced propulsion, and cyber and system software that rapidly develop may create opportunities for technically skilled professionals who can understand the current instructions of the manufacturer and the maintenance manuals for the specific operation concerned. Demand for aviation maintenance professionals may continue in traditional large operations, such as air carriers and repair stations, and commercial and small FBOs due to new technologies. Areas that have seen rapid development include:

9 GENERAL INFORMATION

Part 65 subpart A contains the general requirements and expectations to obtain or retain a certificate issued by the FAA for airmen other than flight crewmembers. This subpart contains information on:

10 THE FAA MECHANIC CERTIFICATE

Part 65 subpart D sets forth the rules for obtaining and using a Mechanic Certificate.

10.1 Ratings

Under § 65.73, the FAA may issue two ratings on a Mechanic Certificate:

Airframe and Powerplant. Although most certificated mechanics hold both ratings and are referred to in the industry as “A&Ps,” mechanics may be certificated only with an Airframe (A) rating or only a Powerplant (P) rating.

10.2 Eligibility

Section 65.71 provides the eligibility requirements for a Mechanic Certificate. Specifically, to be eligible for a Mechanic Certificate and the associated ratings, an applicant must:

Note: Applicants with a foreign address for official record purposes must comply with the U.S. agent for service requirements in 14 CFR part 3 subpart C, which require any individual who has a foreign address and no U.S. physical address of record on file with the FAA to designate a U.S. agent for service if they apply for a certificate, rating, or authorization issued under 14 CFR part 47, 61, 63, 65, 67, or 107 or hold a certificate, rating, or authorization issued under any of these parts. Refer to AC 3-1, U.S. Agents for Service on Individuals with Foreign Addresses Who Hold or Apply for Certain Certificates, Ratings, or Authorizations, for information on designating a U.S. agent for service.

10.3 Knowledge, Experience, and Skill Requirements

Applicants for a Mechanic Certificate must meet the experience requirements in § 65.77 and, within a period of 24 months, pass the knowledge, oral, and practical tests pursuant to §§ 65.75 and 65.79. The Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) expires 24 calendar months after the month the applicant completes the written test pursuant to § 65.71(a)(3) and (b). If the AKTR expires and the applicant is not covered by a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) before completion of the practical test, the applicant must retake, pass, and present the AKTR to start or continue the practical test.

11 TESTING PROCESS

Each applicant for a Mechanic Certificate or rating must meet the applicable experience requirements of § 65.77 before they are authorized to take the written test. Except under § 65.75(c), an applicant for a Mechanic Certificate or rating may take the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) exam prior to meeting the applicable experience requirements of § 65.77 provided the applicant presents an authenticated document from a certificated AMTS that demonstrates satisfactory completion of the general portion of the school’s curriculum and specifies the completion date. Unless testing under § 65.80, all written tests for the rating sought must be passed before the applicant is eligible to take the oral and practical tests (refer to § 65.75(b)).

11.1 Authorization Process

Pursuant to § 65.77, an applicant may meet the experience requirements in two ways: (1) graduation from an AMTS, or (2) practical experience.

11.2 Graduation From an AMTS

An applicant for a Mechanic Certificate or rating under § 65.77(a) may present an authenticated document from an FAA-certificated AMTS to knowledge testing center (KTC) personnel for the written test and to a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME) for the oral and practical skills tests. Holders of an authenticated document from an FAA-certificated AMTS do not need to go to a FSDO to receive authorization to test. Authenticated documents from an FAA-certificated AMTS must comply with part 147, § 147.21 (i.e., the document must be an authenticated document that indicates the student’s date of graduation and the curriculum completed).

11.3 Practical Experience

An applicant for a Mechanic Certificate or rating under § 65.77(b) must present documentary evidence, satisfactory to the Administrator, of:

Note: The FAA considers a month of practical experience for applying for a Mechanic Certificate as being an average of 160 hours per month based on a 40-hour workweek.

11.4 Acceptable Manner to Present Documentary Evidence of Practical Experience

Under § 65.11(a), an application for a certificate and appropriate class rating or for an additional rating must be made on a form and in a manner prescribed by the Administrator. Specifically, the FAA maintains certain forms those persons seeking certificates, ratings, and authorizations under part 65 subpart D must complete (i.e., FAA Form 8610-1, Mechanic’s Application for Inspection Authorization (14 CFR Part 65), and FAA Form 8610-2, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application – Mechanic and Parachute Rigger (14 CFR Part 65)). This AC provides information to the public on acceptable practical experience and the manner in which it must be presented to the FAA. The practical experience the FAA accepts includes civilian aircraft maintenance experience, U.S. military aircraft maintenance experience, and foreign civilian aircraft maintenance experience, as subsequently described.

11.5 Acceptable Manner to Present Documentary Evidence of Civilian Practical Experience

Applicants must present evidence that meets § 65.77 requirements to an Airworthiness aviation safety inspector (ASI) who holds a Mechanic Certificate with A&P ratings at a FSDO or IFO. The evidence presented must be satisfactory to the Administrator that the applicant meets the applicable months of practical experience for the rating sought. An applicant may present this evidence as a list of their experience obtained in procedures, practices, materials, tools, machine tools, and equipment generally used in constructing, maintaining, or altering airframes or powerplants, appropriate to the rating(s) sought. When listing the experience stated above there is no requirement to meet any subject or task listed in the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for the rating(s) sought. However, even though meeting any number, percentage, or particular subject in the ACS is not required, it would be helpful for the applicant to list a broad range of experience that directly or indirectly aligns with a range of subjects contained in the ACS that align with the rating(s) sought. Documentation establishing practical experience requirements is verified on a case-by-case basis and may include, but is not limited to:

11.5.1 Pay receipts for tasks accomplished or a record of work signed by an FAA-certificated mechanic that the applicant has at least the required number of months and task experience. In this context, proof of practical experience is not limited to work performed with the oversight of a single FAA-certificated mechanic. Rather, documentation may be comprised of work performed from a series of FAA-certificated mechanics.

11.5.2 A statement from a certificated repairman (§ 65.101), or a series of certificated repairmen, verifying work completed at a certificated air carrier or repair station. Documentation should be in a format such as a personal maintenance log or a notarized letter(s) that shows (1) the number of hours accumulating to months spent performing the work, and (2) the type of work performed. The log entries or letters must be verifiable and must include the supervisor’s signature, certificate number, and the job for which the repairman was employed.

11.5.3 Maintenance records for work performed as a light-sport repairman with a maintenance rating includes work performed on special light-sport category aircraft (SLSA) and Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft (ELSA) after receipt of an Airworthiness Certificate. Documentation should be in a format such as a personal maintenance log and showing (1) the date, (2) the number of hours accumulating to months spent performing the work, (3) the type of work performed, and (4) the registration number of the aircraft the work was performed on. The maintenance record must be verifiable, by either statements and/or initials from the individual’s employer or supervisor or the owner of the aircraft following each entry.

11.6 Acceptable Manner to Document U.S. Aviation Military Experience

Certain military occupations may receive credit for practical experience towards the A and/or P rating for a Mechanic Certificate. A list of military occupations with their respective codes for Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marines that may qualify for experience towards a Mechanic Certificate may be found in Appendix A, Military Occupational Specialty Codes. Time spent in training for the military occupation is not credited toward the 18- or 30-month practical experience requirement. To apply for authorization to test for the FAA Mechanic Certificate based on military aviation maintenance experience, you may present applicable evidence for current or past experience in one of the forms listed below.

11.6.1 Military personnel and veterans who have completed the Joint Services Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council (JSAMTCC) certificate training and received a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) are considered to have met § 65.77 for the rating sought listed on the COE by specifying the military training and experience acquired in a level of detail satisfactory to the Administrator and are authorized to test.

11.6.2 Non-JSAMTCC COE recipients that have an acceptable military occupational specialty (MOS) must meet with an FAA Airworthiness inspector to verify the applicant’s qualifications. Pending a successful verification of the evidence that satisfies part 65 subpart D, the inspector authorization to test will be granted. To find the nearest responsible Flight Standards office to set up an appointment for verification of the practical experience, go to https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/fsdo. Verification of the evidence satisfactory to the Administrator is required to show that the applicant performed the duties of the accepted military aviation maintenance occupation that meets the § 65.77 experience requirements for the required months for the rating sought. Military applicants may present evidence in the following manner:

11.6.2.1 Present a letter from an executive officer, maintenance officer, classification officer, supervisor, or a holder of an FAA Mechanic Certificate with both Airframe and Powerplant ratings that certifies the service member’s:

11.6.2.2 Veterans may present DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, with the applicable military aviation maintenance occupation for the rating(s) sought and service length time in that occupation listed.

Note: In some cases, it may be necessary for military veterans to present a letter outlining their aircraft maintenance experience from a former executive officer, maintenance officer, classification officer, former supervisor, or holder of an FAA Mechanic Certificate with both Airframe and Powerplant ratings. The purpose of this letter is to clearly identify their aircraft maintenance experience, which may be helpful during the authorization process.

11.7 Acceptable Manner to Document Foreign Aviation Experience

Foreign applicants must meet the requisite part 65 requirements to obtain a certificate, as well as § 65.3. Foreign applicants who cannot or do not wish to come to a FSDO in the United States to present evidence to an Airworthiness ASI may make arrangements with an IFO to present evidence and be interviewed by a visiting Airworthiness ASI conducting surveillance operations. There is no guarantee this can happen, and it will be subject to part 187. If applying at a FSDO, the foreign applicants must meet the same requirements as a U.S. citizen or foreign resident. All FAA IFOs are in the United States. To find an IFO that services a foreign location, go to https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/ifo and review the Service Area (SA) information for each IFO.

11.8 Required Form

Pursuant to § 65.11(a), applicants must complete two copies of FAA Form 8610-2. The form may be found at https://www.faa.gov/forms/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/185870.

11.8.1 If applying on the basis of graduation from a certificated AMTS: Applicants should present (1) an authenticated document in accordance with § 147.21 and (2) two completed copies of FAA Form 8610-2 without an ASI signature to the KTC. Once the applicant receives (3) a copy of satisfactory results on the knowledge test, the applicant will then take all listed documentation to the DME for further testing and processing.

11.8.2 If applying on the basis of practical experience with a JSAMTCC COE: Applicants should present (1) the applicable COE and (2) two completed copies of FAA Form 8610-2 without an ASI signature to the KTC. Once the applicant receives (3) a copy of satisfactory results on the knowledge test, the applicant will then take all listed documentation to the DME for further testing and processing.

11.8.3 If applying on the basis of (1) practical experience or (2) a non-JSAMTCC COE:

Applicants should present (1) two completed copies of FAA Form 8610-2 with an ASI signature to the KTC. Once the applicant receives (2) a copy of satisfactory results on the knowledge test, the applicant will then take all listed documentation to the DME for further processing.

12 THE FAA MECHANIC TESTS

The FAA mechanic tests are issued by the FAA. Each rating for a certificate requires the passage of three tests: written, oral, and practical. The FAA-approved KTCs administer the FAA written knowledge tests. DMEs administer the FAA oral and practical skills tests. Various fees apply; contact the testing provider for cost information. Prior to taking the first knowledge test, an applicant must sign up with the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) at https://iacra.faa.gov/IACRA/Default.aspx. The applicant must then schedule the knowledge test by creating a login through PSI Exams, where the applicant can find the list of DMEs to contact regarding fees and scheduling a test, at https://faa.psiexams.com/faa/login.

12.1 Written Tests

The FAA administers three written tests:

Note: All Mechanic Certificate applicants, regardless of the rating sought, must successfully complete the AMG exam (refer to § 65.75). However, this test need only be taken and passed once; in other words, if an applicant meets all eligibility requirements for an Airframe rating, including passage of the AMG and AMA exams, and seeks a Powerplant rating, the applicant need only take the AMP exam, as the applicant has already passed the AMG exam.

12.1.1 Oral and Practical Skills Test. The FAA oral and practical tests are a unique and random selection of technical and regulatory subject areas for each applicant tested. The tests combine oral questions with demonstration of practical technical skills. Pursuant to § 65.79, each applicant for a Mechanic Certificate or rating must demonstrate satisfactory understanding of the knowledge, risk management, and skill element for each subject contained in the Mechanic ACS. The Mechanic ACS may be found at https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs. An applicant may obtain sample test questions and additional information on testing requirements, methods, and protocol at https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing.

12.2 Further Information

Contact the appropriate FAA representative, either a DME or ASI, for additional guidance pertaining to FAA forms.

13 BEING AN FAA MECHANIC

When the applicant satisfactorily completes all tests within a 24-month period and meets the required eligibility standards of § 65.71, the mechanic will be issued FAA Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman Certificate, which is valid for 120 days or until the Airmen Certification Branch in Oklahoma City, OK issues a permanent certificate (whichever happens first).

13.1 Privileges and Limitations

The privileges, limitations, and obligations that apply once the certificate is obtained include:

14 INSPECTION AUTHORIZATION (IA)

An IA permits the holder to inspect and approve for return to service any aircraft or related part or appliance after a major repair or major alteration in accordance with part 43 if the work was done in accordance with technical data approved by the Administrator. Additionally, the holder of an IA may perform an annual inspection and perform and supervise a progressive inspection pursuant to part 43. In summary, the IA permits the A&P mechanic to perform a greater variety of maintenance and alterations than any other single maintenance authorization.

Note: Per § 65.95, an IA holder may inspect and approve for return to service any aircraft or related part or appliance after a major repair or alteration, except for aircraft maintained under a Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program (CAMP).

14.1 Initial IA Requirements

The first step in taking the Inspection Authorization Knowledge Test (IAR) is to contact the responsible FSDO or IFO to make an appointment with an Airworthiness ASI to determine eligibility before registering for the knowledge test. During the appointment, the ASI will verify if the mechanic meets the requirements in § 65.91. If the mechanic meets the first four of the IA requirements (i.e., § 65.91(c)(1)–(4)), the mechanic will receive a test endorsement in block 14 on FAA Form 8610-1, which is valid for 30 days. Once all five of the IA requirements listed below are met, the mechanic is entitled to an IA, per § 65.91.

14.2 The IA Test

Prior to taking the IAR, the mechanic must be signed up with IACRA at https://iacra.faa.gov/IACRA/Default.aspx. The IAR is comprehensive and tests the applicant’s knowledge in many subject areas.

14.3 Retest Requirement

An applicant who fails the IAR prescribed in § 65.91(c)(5) may not apply for retesting until at least 90 days after the date the applicant failed the test.

14.4 Required Form

The application for an IA must be made on FAA Form 8610-1. The form can be found at https://www.faa.gov/forms/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/1035448.

14.5 Further Information

For further information on the IAR, obtaining an IA, and the requirements of an IA, refer to FAA-G-8082-19 at https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/ia_info_guide.pdf.

15 REPAIRMAN CERTIFICATE

A repairman is a maintenance technician certificated by the FAA for specific tasks. Differing from other certificated maintenance technicians, the repairman can only exercise the privileges of the Repairman Certificate in the employment of a certificated repair station, a certificated commercial operator, or a certificated air carrier. This oversight requires a commercial operator or Air Carrier Operating Certificate or approved operations specifications (OpSpecs) to provide a CAMP according to its maintenance manuals.

15.1 Eligibility

The eligibility requirements for a Repairman Certificate are set forth in § 65.101(a). Specifically, an applicant must:

Note: Under 14 CFR part 145, § 145.153, supervisors for repair stations located outside the United States are not required to hold a Repairman Certificate but must have either (1) a minimum of 18 months of practical experience in the work being performed or (2) be trained in or thoroughly familiar with the methods, techniques, practices, aids, equipment, and tools used to perform the maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations. Additionally, a certificated repair station must ensure its supervisors understand, read, and write English, regardless of the physical location of the part 145 certificated repair station.

15.2 Required Form

The application for a Repairman Certificate is accompanied by a recommendation from the employer of the repairman applicant, to the satisfaction of the Administrator. The form used for applying for a Repairman Certificate is FAA Form 8610-3, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application – Repairman (14 CFR Part 65), and can be found at https://www.faa.gov/forms/.

15.3 Further Information

For further information on becoming a repairman, refer to AC 65-24 at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/99865.

16 REPAIRMAN CERTIFICATE FOR LSA

The holder of a Repairman Certificate (LSA) with a maintenance rating may work as a professional and approve and return to service an aircraft that has been issued a Special Airworthiness Certificate in the light-sport category under 14 CFR part 21, § 21.190 or any part thereof in the class in which the repairman is rated. The experience gained as an appropriately rated LSA repairman may be used towards eligibility requirements for an FAA Mechanic Certificate.

16.1 The Aircraft

LSA means an aircraft, other than a helicopter or powered-lift, that since its original certification has continued to meet the following, per 14 CFR part 1, § 1.1:

16.2 Eligibility

To be eligible for a Repairman Certificate (LSA) with a maintenance rating, per § 65.107(a), an applicant must:

Note: Applicants with a foreign address for official record purposes must comply with the U.S. agent for service requirements in part 3 subpart C, which require any individual who has a foreign address and no U.S. physical address of record on file with the FAA to designate a U.S. agent for service if they apply for a certificate, rating, or authorization issued under 14 CFR part 47, 61, 63, 65, 67, or 107 or hold a certificate, rating, or authorization issued under any of these parts. Refer to AC 3-1 for information on designating a U.S. agent for service.

16.3 LSA Classes

All repairmen for certification for a maintenance rating in light-sport are required to attend mandatory training for classes of LSAs, pursuant to § 65.107. The training courses are broken up into eight modules. The class of LSA the repairman is going to be trained on will dictate what modules the future LSA repairman will have to take. For more information on the LSA Maintenance Rating Maintenance Rating Modules, refer to AC 65-32 at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/. Currently, the five classes of LSA that a repairman may receive training to acquire a maintenance rating on are:

16.4 Required Form

The application for a Repairman Certificate (LSA) with a maintenance rating is FAA Form 8610-3 and can be found at https://www.faa.gov/forms.

16.5 Further Information

For further information on obtaining a Repairman Certificate (LSA) with a maintenance rating, refer to AC 65-32 at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/1020758.

17 NONCERTIFICATED PROFESSIONS

There are two major types of noncertificated aviation maintenance professions: the noncertificated mechanic and the technician not holding FAA certification.

17.1 Noncertificated Mechanic

Sometimes called a “mechanic’s helper” and works only under the supervision of an FAA-certificated mechanic to gain experience. Since the FAA does not certificate these mechanics, there are no Federal certification requirements to meet. Individuals can work under the supervision of an A&P mechanic to gain the practical experience required towards receiving authorization to test for an FAA Mechanic Certificate. A noncertificated mechanic cannot sign off a maintenance record approving the aircraft or component for return to service.

17.2 Technician Not Holding FAA Certification

Technicians who do not hold an FAA certificate or that have specialized skills for which an FAA certificate does not exist may perform maintenance for an operator but cannot return the item to service for the maintenance performed. Noncertificated technicians commonly perform maintenance requiring specialized skill in avionics, composite maintenance, and NDI. However, specialized skills are not limited to these areas and may include any maintenance activity.

17.2.1 Avionics Occupations. Avionics technicians work on electronic equipment and aircraft systems that require specialized technical skills. Technicians may or may not hold an FAA Mechanic Certificate or Repairman Certificate.

17.2.1.1 An individual who holds an FAA Mechanic Certificate or Repairman Certificate with an Airframe rating is authorized under the rating to maintain avionics equipment; however, this privilege is allowed only if that individual is properly trained, qualified, and has the proper tools and equipment to perform the work.

17.2.1.2 There are also noncertificated individuals working for air carrier avionics departments or FAA-certificated avionics repair stations. These individuals have gained experience in avionics repairs from serving in the military and working for avionics manufacturers, non-FAA-recognized certification entities, and other related industries.

17.2.2 Composite Maintenance. The maintenance and repair of composites is complex and requires knowledge and skills to assure the continued airworthiness of these products. Practical experience is also vital for proper processing and repair of composite structures. For more information on the type of training for qualification and certification of composite technicians, refer to AC 65-33 at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/1031508.

17.2.3 Nondestructive Inspection (NDI). NDI is a method of inspection of aircraft, engines, propellers, accessories, and other aviation components that entails more than a visual inspection using specialized equipment. Common types of NDI methods include radiographic, magnetic particle, ultrasonic, liquid penetrant, eddy current, and thermography/infrared. Due to the hazards, liabilities, and complexity involved in using such things as x ray equipment, ultrasonic equipment, and corrosive chemicals, training for these activities is usually specialized. The FAA has developed training guidance in AC 65-31 for repairman training, qualification, and certification of NDI personnel. For further information pertaining to this training, refer to AC 65-31 at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/ 1023552.

18 EMPLOYMENT FOR AVIATION MECHANICS

Industries with the highest levels of employment for aviation mechanics are:

18.1 Employment for Avionics Technicians

Industries with the highest levels of employment for avionics technicians are:

Note: For current and further statistical information relating to these occupations, refer to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians web page at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-and-avionics-equipment-mechanics-and-technicians.htm.

19 WORKING CONDITIONS

The majority of mechanics and avionics technicians work in hangars, on flight lines, or in repair stations on or near large airports. They use hand and power tools to conduct maintenance. They also may use traditional hand instruments as well as computer test equipment to conduct troubleshooting. The noise level, both indoors and on the flight line, can be very high. Mechanics and technicians performing flight line maintenance often work in all kinds of weather and temperatures.

19.1 Physical Activity

Aircraft mechanics and technicians will perform moderate to heavy physical activity, from climbing ladders to crawling under wings. Physical demands can be arduous, and frequent lifts or pulls of up to 50 pounds are routine.

19.2 Stress

When working for a scheduled airline, the pressure to meet a gate time or deadline for a corporate aircraft can be high. However, a mechanic or technician must never sacrifice the high standards of workmanship and public trust to meet a schedule.

20 BENEFITS

The aviation maintenance industry is broken down into two areas: Air Carriers and General Aviation.

20.1 Air Carriers

20.1.1 Air carrier maintenance may be performed subject to any day and time. New mechanics and technicians may be required to work nights and weekends. For current information relating to salary ranges by occupations, location, and industry, refer to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wages web page at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493011.htm.

20.1.2 Some benefits that air carriers have traditionally offered include paid holidays, vacations, insurance plans, retirement programs, sick leave, and free or reduced-cost air travel within the airline’s route structure. These benefits vary dependent on the air carrier. There may also be opportunities to bid for maintenance positions at other locations the airline serves. With a larger workforce, the opportunities for advancement may be greater with an air carrier than with other segments of the aviation maintenance industry.

20.2 General Aviation

20.2.1 General Aviation is composed of many different types of organizations. These organizations are involved in various aviation activities from corporate transportation to agricultural application. Many aviation mechanics and technicians work for small FBOs or part 145 repair stations that service and maintain a private/corporate aircraft fleet. For current information relating to salary ranges by occupations, location, and industry, refer to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wages web page at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493011.htm.

20.2.2 Traditionally, General Aviation operates during business hours on weekdays. However, working nights, overtime, or weekends is not uncommon in this industry.

20.2.3 General Aviation benefit packages may vary greatly depending on the organization that one works for. Many General Aviation corporation operations rival the compensation packages of large air carriers while other General Aviation maintenance operations offer less competitive benefits.

20.2.4 Some individuals are drawn to General Aviation despite less competitive benefits because most of the Genera Aviation jobs are found at the local airport or in smaller cities where the cost of living may be less than working at the large hub airports.

20.3 Conclusion

FAA-issued Mechanic Certificate or Repairman Certificate requirements are regulated by the FAA to ensure the continuation of the safest aviation system in the world. These certificates offer highly technical job opportunities that do not require a college degree for those individuals that prefer to diagnose and fix aircraft in the technical field of aviation maintenance.

21 AC FEEDBACK FORM

For your convenience, the AC Feedback Form is the last page of this AC. Note any deficiencies found, clarifications needed, or suggested improvements regarding the contents of this AC on the Feedback Form.

APPENDIX A. MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY CODES

A.1 Following are the updated, new, and older occupational specialty codes for U.S. military enlisted personnel in the:

Note: The codes in this appendix are current as of 10/30/24.

A.2 Aviation maintenance experience does not expire; therefore, the codes in the “Previous Codes” column are still valid for persons wishing to credit their military aviation maintenance experience toward meeting the requirements of an FAA Mechanic Certificate. Additionally, when codes appear in both the “current” and “previous” columns, the codes are no longer active, but remain listed and creditable.

A.3 Aviation safety inspectors (ASI) are not to accept specialty codes “carte blanche” as qualifications for experience per Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 65, § 65.77. The ASI will only endorse FAA Form 8610-2 after ensuring, by a thorough review of the documentary evidence of experience, and if necessary, a discussion with the applicant, that the applicant spent the requisite time obtaining practical aviation maintenance experience in the duties appropriate to the rating sought.

A.4 Time spent in training, or in a specialty code for supervision and/or inspection, does not count toward the 18 or 30 months of practical experience required in § 65.77.

Advisory Circular Feedback Form

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