Aircraft Maintenance Technician Internship: Requirements and Career Path

Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) play a crucial role in the aviation industry, ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft. These skilled professionals are responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing aircraft airframes, engines, and other essential systems. Becoming an AMT requires specialized training and certification, and internships can provide invaluable hands-on experience. This article explores the requirements for aircraft maintenance technician internships and the broader career path in this field.

The Role of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs)

Behind every safe departure is a skilled technician working with precision, problem-solving, and purpose. Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) technicians - sometimes shortened to A&P technicians - are the mechanics who ensure these powerful machines fly safely in the air and land correctly on the ground. This is truly essential work, as people all over the world across diverse industries rely on safe working aircraft. This guide walks prospective candidates through what it takes to build a career as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician.

An aircraft mechanic is an individual who inspects, diagnoses, and repairs the various systems on an airplane for any potential problems. Unlike a traditional automobile mechanic, an aircraft mechanic is highly specialized and must meet stringent certification guidelines set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A&P mechanics work in hangars and repair stations and on airfields to perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft so they stay in working condition and don’t run the risk of failure. The mechanics also work on aircraft in need of repairs, fixing components and parts so they can get back up and running. A&P technicians follow instructions, repair procedures and maintenance manuals set by the FAA.

Key Responsibilities of A&P Mechanics

Troubleshooting electrical and mechanical issues.
Inspecting aircraft components for wear and defects.
Repairing airframe components and electronic systems.
Maintaining communication systems.
Performing aircraft maintenance and repairs in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations and company standards.
Conducting inspections.
Troubleshooting mechanical issues.
Ensuring all work is properly documented.
Handling various repair tasks, from routine maintenance to complex diagnostics.

Pathways to Becoming an Aircraft Maintenance Technician

There are several common routes into an AMT role. Many candidates attend an FAA-certified Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) for formal instruction aligned with federal requirements. A third pathway includes individuals transitioning from military aviation maintenance into civilian airline roles.

To become an A&P mechanic, individuals typically need education from an FAA-approved technician school or on-the-job training in the military or another aviation setting. They must also be certified by the FAA, which requires passing written, oral and practical tests. The FAA sets specific guidelines for eligibility, including being at least 18 years old and having practical experience with airframe and powerplant tools.

Read also: Internships at Piper Aircraft

FAA-Approved Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools (AMTS)

An AMTS (also known as a “147 School”) is an educational facility certificated by the FAA in accordance with 14 CFR part 147. These schools train prospective aircraft mechanics for careers in the airline industry, aviation maintenance facilities, and commercial and general aviation (GA). Programs at FAA-approved schools prepare students for FAA licensing and entry-level positions in the aviation industry.

Military Training

The Department of Defense (DoD), in collaboration with the FAA, established the Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council (JSAMTCC). The JSAMTCC delivers civil aviation training courses to military personnel, through a partnership with the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF).

To find out which military specialties the FAA may grant credit for, look for your BOS and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC), or Naval Enlistment Code (NEC). These specialties are listed in FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS) Volume 5, Chapter 5, Section 2, Figure 5-135. If you are an active duty military member, you should make application at your local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). An FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) will interview you to evaluate your experience.

Note: You will not be authorized to test just because you served in the military.

On-the-Job Training (OJT)

Instead of attending an FAA-approved school, you can qualify through practical training: at least 18 months working on either airframe or powerplant systems, or 30 months working on both. You will need to consistently document your OJT activities. We recommend you document your experience on an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) log. You can purchase a logbook, develop a log of your own, or document your activities using a sample log you find online.

Civilian Experience - You may gain OJT by working or volunteering at a maintenance facility. For example, you may wish to request assistance from a Flying or Aero Club in finding OJT opportunities at local airports. The FAA may give you credit for your practical experience after an ASI has reviewed your documentary evidence. Your documentary evidence must show that you meet the time requirements (18 or 30 months, as applicable) and during that time you gained actual experience with the procedures, practices, materials, tools, machine tools, and equipment generally used in constructing, maintaining, or altering airframes or powerplants, appropriate to the rating sought. The more documentary evidence you provide to the ASI, the better. (Please be advised that practical experience means actually performing maintenance. Documentary evidence is any record you provide that shows proof of training and OJT the practical experiences you have completed.

Requirements for A&P Certification

Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification is the industry standard for aviation maintenance professionals. These credentials are earned through approved training and successful completion of written, oral, and practical FAA exams.

FAA Guidelines for A&P License

For how to get your A&P license, the FAA sets these guidelines to qualify for taking the Aircraft Mechanic Oral, Practical and Written tests. But even before testing, the candidate seeking how to get an A&P license must:

Be at least 18 years old.
Be able to read, write, understand and speak the English language.
Have at least 18 months of practical experience with airframe and powerplant tools and equipment.
Graduate from an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician school or complete the Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council training course for military personnel.
Be familiar with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations part 65, subpart D, Mechanics.

Licensing candidates must pass the FAA written, oral and practical tests. The good news is, when you attend an FAA-approved A&P school, the airframe & powerplant curriculum and training prepares you for the tests and license requirements. Once you graduate, you’ll be ready to test for an A&P license.

Aircraft Maintenance Technician Internship Programs

Internship programs offer aspiring AMTs the opportunity to gain practical experience and exposure to the aviation maintenance environment. These programs can be a valuable stepping stone towards a successful career in the field.

Horizon Air Maintenance Technician Development Program

Aspiring aircraft technicians who enroll in our program will receive a $10,500 stipend and up to $1,800 in A&P test fee reimbursement. After completing the program and meeting all qualifications, you’ll be given a contingent job offer and assigned to a new hire class date with Horizon Air.

Steps of Our Maintenance Technician Development Program

APPLY TO PROGRAM Complete the application.
INTERVIEW & SIGN Complete the Maintenance Technician Development Program interviews in-person & sign contract.
START PROGRAM After program acceptance & 1 year of training, receive stipend.
COMPLETE PROGRAM Start working as a Horizon aircraft technician.

Skills and Qualities of Successful AMTs

Successful aviation maintenance technicians bring together technical skill and professional discipline. Mechanics must solve complex mechanical problems independently, understand mathematical and logical principles, and exhibit strong hand-eye coordination and dexterity.

To be successful in the field of aircraft maintenance, you must be able to understand, examine and solve complex mechanical problems with little to no supervision. Mathematics and logic play an important part in the job, as these individuals must be able to test and articulate weaknesses within all facets of the engineering of the aircraft.

Essential Skills

Aircraft mechanical repair
Aircraft structural repair
Understanding of aircraft systems
Metal work
Composite repair
Electrical theory and troubleshooting
Paint applications

Important Qualities

Reliability
Teamwork
Willingness to learn
Strong safety mindset

Career Advancement Opportunities

PSA supports long-term professional growth within its maintenance organization. With experience, AMTs may advance into Lead Technician roles, Inspection positions, Maintenance Control, training assignments, or leadership pathways.

A&P mechanics can explore various career advancement opportunities, such as supervisory roles, specialized positions in avionics or structural repair, or even transitioning into managerial positions within aviation companies. Obtaining further certifications can also open doors to more complex aircraft work or higher-paying roles.

Salary and Job Outlook

Aircraft mechanics make a comfortable living, averaging about $55,000 annually with benefits. Less than 10% of individuals in the field make under $40,000 per year with the top 10% earning over $77,000 annually. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% earn more than $120,080, while the lowest 10% make less than $47,790.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for all fields of aircraft mechanics are expected to increase over the next decade by a rate of 11%. That being said, individual specialties are expected to see much smaller gains of only 2-3%. It is expected the largest employment gains will be for individuals who acquire or maintain multiple certifications in several specialties. Those with a bachelor’s degree in a related field will have a better chance for placement in this competitive field although a degree is not a requirement for all organizations.

Overtime is common, especially for those working night, weekend, or holiday shifts. Job growth is expected to be 5% from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Working Conditions

Professionals in this field work in numerous different environments, which may or may not be open to the elements. Some work directly out in the airfields while others work in hangars. Most aircraft mechanics work an 8-hour rotating schedule. Weekend work is commonplace and expected. Because of the physically demanding nature of the job, workplace injuries and illnesses can be high.

Mechanics work in hangars or full‑size airfields, often in physically demanding conditions with exposure to weather. Most follow rotating eight-hour schedules, and weekend shifts are routine.

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