How do I become an aircraft mechanic?
In order to become an aircraft mechanic, you must take oral and practical tests as well as written tests. A Designated Mechanics Examinere (DME) gives you the oral and practical tests. The oral and practical tests cover 43 technical subjects, typically tests take about 8 hours.

If I fail a section or part of a test what must I do?
If you fail part of a test, you have to wait 30 days before you can take it again, unless you give a letter to the examiner showing you've gotten additional training in the areas you failed.

How long do I have to pass all the tests?
You have 24 months to pass all the test, at which time you will be issued a Temporary Airmans Certificate.

What are the basic requirements to become an Aircraft Mechanic?

United States Citizens:
1. You must be 18 years old be able to read, write, and understand English.
2. You must meet the experience requirements.
3. You must pass all the written, oral and practical tests.

Non-United States Citizens:
1. You must meet all the requirements for a United States.
2. Demonstrate you need a mechanic certificate to maintain U.S.-registered civil aircraft and you are niether a U.S. citizen nor a resident alien.
3. Show the examiner your passport.
4. Provide a detailed statement from your employer saying what specific types of maintenance you preformed on each aircraft, and how long you performed it.
5. Provide a letter from the foreign airworthiness authority of the country in which you got your experience, or from an advisor of the International Civel Aviation Organization (ICAO), valadating your maintenance experience.
6. Make sure all the documents you provide are signed and dated originals.
7. Pay the fee for the document review.

What are the experience requirements to become an Aircraft Mechanic?
You can get the experience you need to become a certified airframe or power plant mechanic in one of three ways.

1. You can attend a Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School. You will need a high school diploma or a General Aviation Diploma (GED) to get into most schools.
2. You can work for a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 145 Repair Station or Fixed Base Operator (FBO) under the supervision of acertified mechanic for 18 months for each certificate, or 30 months for both.
3. You can join one of the Armed Services and get the training and experience requirements in aircraft maintenace. Make sure you are in a Military Occupational Specialty for which the FAA gives credit. You can get a list of these codes from the local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).

With both types of on-the-job training you should set aside additional study time to prepare for the written tests as well as the oral and practical tests. The FAA will give you credit for your practical experience only after reviewing your paperwork and you have satisfactory interview with an FAA Airworthiness Inspector.