Pathway · School
Aviation Maintenance School
Attend an FAA-certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician School (Part 147). Graduating gives you the document you need to take the FAA tests, with no separate work-experience paperwork.
Best for: High school students, recent grads, and career changers who want the most direct, structured route.
Typical time
Usually about 18–24 months full-time (accelerated programs can be shorter; part-time takes longer)
Typical cost
Roughly $10,000–$55,000+ all-in, depending mostly on the school
Earn while learning?
Usually part-time only. Some employers sponsor students or reimburse tuition.
What to do next
This week
- Browse the Part 147 school directory (/schools) and list 3 schools within commuting distance; note tuition, schedule, and start dates.
- Ask each school for its recent FAA test pass rates and job placement numbers.
This month
- Submit the FAFSA and search for aviation maintenance scholarships.
- Visit a campus and a local repair shop or airline maintenance base if you can.
Typical timeline
Research & apply
1–3 monthsCompare schools, visit, apply, and line up funding.
General section
~4–6 monthsBasics shared by both ratings: electricity, materials, regulations, weight and balance.
Airframe & Powerplant sections
~12–18 monthsHands-on labs and theory for each rating.
FAA tests
1–3 monthsKnowledge tests, then oral & practical with an examiner. All tests must be passed within 24 months.
Cost ranges
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition: public / community college In-district can be lower; out-of-state or university programs higher. | Often ~$8,000–$25,000 | In-district can be lower; out-of-state or university programs higher. |
| Tuition: private school Ask what's included (tools, books, test fees). | Often ~$30,000–$50,000+ | Ask what's included (tools, books, test fees). |
| Starter tool set Some schools bundle a kit into fees. | Often $2,000–$5,000+ | Some schools bundle a kit into fees. |
| Knowledge tests (3) General, Airframe, and Powerplant are separate tests. Prices change; check the current price when you book. | Roughly $175 each | General, Airframe, and Powerplant are separate tests. Prices change; check the current price when you book. |
| Oral & practical (examiner fee) Set by each examiner, not the FAA. Can be more depending on examiner and region. | Often ~$1,000–$2,500 for both ratings | Set by each examiner, not the FAA. Can be more depending on examiner and region. |
Step by step
- 1
Find a Part 147 school
Compare community colleges (often much cheaper) with private schools. Ask about FAA test pass rates, job placement, and employer partnerships.
- 2
Line up funding
FAFSA and Pell grants, state workforce funds, aviation scholarships, employer tuition programs, and GI Bill if eligible.
- 3
Complete the curriculum
General, Airframe, and Powerplant sections. Attendance rules are strict, and missed time must be made up.
- 4
Pass the knowledge tests
General, Airframe, and Powerplant written exams at an FAA-approved testing center.
- 5
Pass the oral & practical
With a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME). Many schools help you schedule.
Upsides
- ✅ Most structured path
- ✅ No need to document work experience
- ✅ Schools often have employer pipelines
Trade-offs
- ⚖️ Up-front cost
- ⚖️ Hard to work full-time while enrolled
Official sources
Aircraft Mechanic Paths is for orientation only. It does not decide eligibility. Only the FAA can authorize you to test or issue a mechanic certificate. Content last reviewed 2026-10-17. Questions? See the FAQ.