Aircraft Mechanic Career Assessment
Keeping airplanes safe to fly
Welcome
Aircraft mechanics inspect, repair, and maintain airplanes and helicopters so they are safe to fly.
You will explore what this detailed, high-responsibility trade is really like and whether it fits you.
This takes about 15 minutes.
What is a Aircraft Mechanic?
An aircraft mechanic (often called an "A&P mechanic") inspects engines, landing gear, brakes, wings, and electrical systems. They follow strict checklists and federal rules, fix problems, and sign off that the aircraft is safe.
The Reality: People's lives depend on your work. Every bolt and every signature matters. There is a lot of paperwork, and you must follow the manual exactly, every time.
Your Responsibilities:
- Inspect aircraft on a set schedule
- Find and fix problems with engines, brakes, and landing gear
- Repair and replace parts
- Test electrical and hydraulic systems
- Follow FAA rules and maker manuals exactly
- Keep detailed records of all work
- Sign off that an aircraft is safe to fly
- Work with pilots to fix reported problems
You are the reason passengers and pilots can trust the airplane.
A Day in the Life
6:00 AM — Arrive at the hangar. Review the work list: two inspections and a pilot-reported problem.
6:30 AM — A pilot reported a brake that feels soft. You inspect and replace a worn part.
9:00 AM — Start a scheduled inspection on a small plane. Follow the checklist step by step.
11:30 AM — Find a small crack in a part. Look it up in the manual and order a replacement.
12:00 PM — Lunch.
1:00 PM — Change engine oil and check filters for metal pieces.
3:00 PM — Write up every step in the logbook.
4:30 PM — Final checks and sign-off. The plane is ready to fly tomorrow.
Careful, hands-on work where details really matter.
Training in North Dakota
You need an FAA mechanic certificate. Most people go to an FAA-approved (Part 147) school for about 2 years. You can also qualify with 18–30 months of supervised work experience.
Training Pathways:
- FAA-approved school (about 2 years): Classes and hands-on hangar training that prepare you for the FAA tests.
- On-the-job experience: 18 months for one rating, or 30 months for both, working under a certified mechanic.
- Military: Aircraft maintenance experience in the military can count toward FAA eligibility.
Where to Train in North Dakota:
- ND State College of Science (Fargo) — Aviation Maintenance Technology, AAS or certificate; teaching hangar at Hector International Airport; the only FAA-certified mechanic program in North Dakota (first class started August 2025)
Before You Start: Age 18 or older to be certified. Must read, write, speak, and understand English (FAA rule). Basic math and mechanical skills. Drug testing is common in aviation.
Tip: Start with financial aid, scholarships, and any help an employer offers — that is where the money starts. After that, ask a career counselor or Job Service North Dakota whether WIOA or other programs can help with what is left over, like training, tools, work boots, or exam fees. What can be paid for depends on the program and on your own situation, so ask before you sign up rather than after. Registered apprenticeships let you earn a paycheck while you learn — see jobsnd.com/job-seeker/apprenticeships for ND programs.
Certification & Licensing
Federal certification is required (no state license). The FAA issues the Mechanic certificate with Airframe (A) and/or Powerplant (P) ratings.
What You Need:
- Three written tests: General, Airframe, and Powerplant
- Oral and practical tests with an FAA-designated examiner
- Airframe and Powerplant ratings (A&P) — most employers want both
The Exams: The written tests are multiple choice, taken at a testing center. Then an examiner asks questions and watches you do real tasks.
Cost: About $175 per written test (three tests), plus the examiner's fee, which varies. Prices change, so check before you pay.
Keeping It Current: The FAA mechanic certificate does not expire, but you must keep up with training to stay current.
Salary & Job Outlook
North Dakota Aircraft Mechanic Pay (May 2025):
- Starting out (bottom 10–25%): $25.05–$30.02/hour ($52,100–$62,440/year)
- Middle (median — half earn more, half earn less): $37.38/hour ($77,740/year)
- Experienced (top 25–10%): $41.93–$47.68/hour ($87,210–$99,170/year)
What that means: ND pay is close to the national median. Airline and larger repair station jobs usually pay more.
Jobs in North Dakota: About 190 people do this work in ND today. By 2034, that should be about 200 (about 8% growth). Expect about 20 job openings every year in ND from growth and people retiring or changing jobs. Across the U.S., the change is about 4% growth — average.
Outlook: Steady, with about 20 openings a year in ND. Many experienced mechanics are nearing retirement nationwide, so certified mechanics are in demand.
Who Hires in ND: Airport repair shops, air ambulance services, crop-spraying operators, charter and regional airlines, the ND Air National Guard, and aircraft maintenance companies.
Work Setting: Hangars and airport ramps. Some outdoor work in cold and wind. Some jobs have night or weekend shifts so planes can fly during the day.
Physical Demands: Moderate to high. Climbing ladders and stands, kneeling, reaching into tight spaces, lifting parts, and working around loud noise.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, North Dakota, May 2025 (SOC 49-3011); North Dakota and U.S. long-term employment projections 2024–2034, via O*NET OnLine. Numbers are rounded.
Where This Leads
Path 1: Inspection Authorization (IA) — Advanced FAA rating to approve major repairs.
Path 2: Avionics Technician — Specialize in aircraft electronics.
Path 3: Airline Mechanic — Work on larger aircraft, often with higher pay.
Path 4: Lead or Shop Manager — Run a maintenance team.
Path 5: Air Ambulance or Crop Spraying — Support aviation work across rural ND.
Path 6: Pilot — Some mechanics also learn to fly.
The Real Talk
What's Great:
- Important work that keeps people safe
- Hands-on and never boring
- National certification works in any state
- Strong demand for certified mechanics
- Clear ladder to higher ratings
- Aviation is exciting
What's Hard:
- High responsibility for safety
- Lots of paperwork
- Only one training program in ND
- Cold, loud hangars and ramps
- Some night and weekend shifts
- Drug testing required
- Few openings in ND each year
- Must follow rules exactly, every time
Be Honest: Can you follow detailed instructions exactly every time? Are you OK with lots of paperwork? Can you handle the responsibility of signing that a plane is safe?