To become a certified helicopter mechanic in the United States, you must obtain certification through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This process involves meeting specific educational and experience requirements, as outlined below.
Educational Requirements
The primary pathway to becoming an FAA-certified helicopter mechanic is to graduate from an FAA-Approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School. These schools provide comprehensive training in aircraft maintenance, including both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, such as airframe and powerplant systems, avionics, and aircraft inspection and repair procedures.
Experience Requirements
Alternatively, you can become an FAA-certified helicopter mechanic by having at least 18 months of experience working on aircraft powerplants or airframes. If you want to be certified in both airframe and powerplant, you’ll need 30 months of experience.
During this experience, you’ll need to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in various maintenance tasks, such as inspecting, repairing, and overhauling helicopter components and systems.