What Does it Take To Become an A&P?
成为飞机维修人员（A&P）需要做什么呢？
Have you ever thought about getting your A&P? Maybe you want to learn more about aircraft systems to become a better pilot. Perhaps you would like to save money doing maintenance on your own aircraft. Or maybe you’re looking for a career change or retirement job. Whatever the motivation, many pilots have considered getting their mechanic’s certificate but don’t know what is involved or how to begin. Getting your A&P just might be more accessible than you think.
你曾想过获得飞机维修人员执照（A&P）吗？也许你想学习更多飞机系统的知识，以便成为一名更好的飞行员。也许你想为自己的飞机做维护来省点钱。或者你正在寻找一份职业改变或退休工作。无论动机是什么，许多飞行员都考虑过获得飞机维修机械师证书，但不知道涉及什么内容或如何开始。获得飞机维修人员执照（A&P）可能比你想象的更容易。
Why Get Your A&P?
为什么要拿飞机维修人员执照（A&P）呢？
Obtaining your mechanic certificate, more commonly known as an A&P, for the airframe and powerplant ratings on it, offers many advantages. As pilots, we all need to understand how the systems on our aircraft operate. Beginning with initial flight training, we need to understand how the aircraft, engine, electrical, and other systems function—or malfunction—to ensure a safe outcome in any situation. Having a deeper understanding of aircraft systems can help you make better preflight or en route decisions or simply help you to operate your aircraft more efficiently and take better care of it.
获得机械师证书（通常被称为飞机维修人员执照）有许多优势，因为它包含机身和动力装置评级。作为飞行员，我们需要了解飞机上的系统是如何运作的。从最初的飞行训练开始，我们需要了解飞机、发动机、电力系统和其他系统如何运转的——或故障——以确保在任何情况下的安全结果。对飞机系统有更深入的了解可以帮助你在飞行前或飞行中做出更好的决定，或者只是帮助你更有效地操作你的飞机，更好地照顾它。
For aircraft owners, the biggest attraction is the cost savings from doing your own maintenance. Even if it’s something you can’t do yourself, you’ll be better informed to evaluate and make decisions about the work your mechanic recommends. In addition to doing your own maintenance, having your mechanic certificate can create the opportunity for some extra income, working part time as aside gig or retirement job.
对于有飞机的人来说，获得这个证书最大的吸引力是自己进行维护，进而节省了成本。即使这是你自己做不到的事情，你也可以更好地评估和决定你的机械师推荐的东西。除了维修你自己的飞机，拥有飞机维修证书可以为你创造一些额外收入的机会、做一些临时工或退休后的兼职工作。
If you are interested in a career change, there’s never been a better time to find work in aviation maintenance. While the pilot shortage has been widely publicized, alls ectors of aviation are desperate to fill mechanic slots as well. General aviation shops are especially shorthanded, causing lengthy delays in scheduling annual inspections, engine overhauls and other maintenance for aircraft owners.
如果你对转行感兴趣，现在正是找航空维修工作的最佳时机。虽然飞行员短缺已经广为人知，但航空业的所有部门也迫切需要填补航空机械师的空缺。通用航空商店尤其人手不足，这导致飞机所有者在安排年度检查、发动机大修和其他维护方面出现长时间延误。
Requirements
要求
The requirements for obtaining an aircraft mechanic certificate are outlined in 14 CFR Part 65 Subpart D. You must be at least 18 years old; read, write, speak and understand English; and complete the required testing. No medical is required. Like pilot certificates, a mechanic certificate is issued with no expiration date. To maintain currency, you must work as a mechanic or in a supervisory capacity for six months out of the preceding 24 months.
获得飞机机械师证书的要求在美国联邦法规（CFR）第14章 65部分D中进行了概述：申请人必须年满18岁；具备英语读、写、说的能力；并完成要求的测试。不需要体检。像飞行员证书一样，机械师证书没有截止日期。为了保持技能通用，你必须在之前的24个月中有6个月从事技工或监管工作。
As with pilot ratings, the experience, knowledge and skill requirements are outlined in the FARs and the newly-revised Airmen Certification Standards (ACS), which replaced the existing mechanic practical test standards on September 21, 2022. Applicants must demonstrate experience and knowledge in a range of subjects under three categories: general, airframe and powerplant. The general portion includes topics such as basic math and physics, materials, basic electricity, an understanding of the FARs, and safety. Airframe topics include fuel systems, assembly and rigging, landing gear, sheet metal, and more. Powerplant subjects cover everything engine-related, including piston and turbine powerplant operation, ignition systems, fuel and lubrication, and propellers.
与飞行员评级一样，美国联邦航空法（FARs）和新修订的飞行员认证标准（ACS）中概述了飞行员所需的经验、知识和技能要求，该标准于2022年9月21日取代了现有的飞机维修机械师实践测试标准。申请人必须证明具备在三个类别下的一系列主题的经验和知识：一般知识：机身和动力装置。一般部分包括基础数学和物理、材料、基础电学、对美国联邦航空法的理解和飞机安全等主题。机身主题包括燃料系统、装配和索具、起落架、金属板等等。动力装置课程涵盖了与发动机相关的一切，包括活塞和涡轮动力装置操作、点火系统、燃料和润滑以及螺旋桨。
After acquiring the required knowledge and experience, applicants must pass a knowledge (computer-based) test with at least 70 percent for each category. After passing the knowledge test, the applicant will schedule their “check ride,” that is, the oral and practical test (O&P) with a designated mechanic examiner (DME). You must pass the oral and practical tests within 24 months after taking the knowledge test.
在获得所需的知识和经验后，申请人必须通过以计算机为基础的知识测试，并且每个类别至少占比70%。通过知识测试后，申请人将安排他们的“检查骑行”，即由指定的机械考官（DME）进行口试和实践测试（O&P）。你必须在参加知识考试后的24个月内，通过口试和实践考试。
The mechanic certificate cannot be issued for general alone; it must be combined with either an airframe or powerplant rating for initial certification. After that, you can complete a separate knowledge and O&P test for the other rating. While getting both airframe and powerplant ratings is not required, as a practical matter, most people do obtain both to give them the knowledge and privileges to work on the entire aircraft.
飞机机械师证书不能单独发给一般人员；它必须与机体或动力装置等级相结合，以获得初始认证。之后，您可以为其他评级完成单独的知识和口语和实践测试。虽然并不要求同时获得机身和动力装置的评价，但作为一个实际问题，大多数人确实同时获得了这两个评价，以给予他们在整个飞机上工作的知识和特权。
Privileges and Limitations
特权和限制
Like your pilot certificate, a mechanic certificate is a license to learn. The FAA has designed the requirements to ensure a broad foundation in aviation maintenance. With your ticket in your pocket, it is up to you (or your employer) to seek out information and training specific to the aircraft or equipment you will be working on.
就像你的飞行员证书一样，机械师证书也是学习的执照。美国联邦航空局（FAA）设计了这些要求，以确保航空维修的广泛基础。你的机票在你的口袋里，这是由你（或你的雇主）来决定去寻找你将要维修的飞机或设备的信息和培训细节。
The privileges and limitations of a mechanic certificate are outlined in 14 CFR part 65. Mechanics can perform maintenance, minor repairs, minor alterations and 100-hour inspections as permitted by their rating—airframe and/or powerplant. A&Ps may not work on certain equipment, such as propellers and avionics, which must be serviced at an appropriately certified repair station. Major repairs, major alterations and annual inspections must be performed by a mechanic holding an Inspection Authorization rating (IA).This is an additional rating that can be added after three years’ experience as a mechanic and passing an additional knowledge test.
美国联邦法规（CFR）第14章第65部分概述了机械师证书的特权和限制。机械师可以在他们的等级允许的范围内对机身和/或动力装置进行维护、小修、小改和100小时检查。飞机维修机械师可能不适用于某些设备，如螺旋桨和航空电子设备，因为这些设备必须在经过适当认证的维修站进行维修。大修、重大改造和年度检查必须由持有检查授权等级（IA）的机械师进行。这是一个额外的评级，可以在三年的机械师经验并通过额外的知识测试后添加。
Knowledge
知识
To become an A&P—also called an AMT, or aircraft maintenance technician—you will need to build a foundation of maintenance knowledge. The Part 147 Airmen Certification Standards detail the specific items you must know and understand. The FAA publishes general, airframe, and powerplant handbooks covering all the required material, and they are available for free in PDF format on the FAA website or can be purchased in paperback from various retailers. Test prep programs and apps are available to help you study for the written and oral tests.
要成为一名飞机维修师(A&P)——也称为飞机机械师（AMT），或飞机维修技师——你需要建具备维修基础知识。飞行员认证标准第147部分详细说明了你必须知道和理解的具体项目。美国联邦航空局出版涵盖所有所需材料的通用、机身和动力装置手册，这些手册可以在美国联邦航空局网站上免费获得PDF格式，也可以从各种零售商处购买平装本。备考程序和应用程序可以帮助你准备笔试和口试。
Read More: King Schools Launches New Curriculum to Address Aviation Mechanic Shortage
阅读更多：国王学校推出新课程解决航空技工短缺问题
Experience
经验
Part 65.77 states that prior to taking the knowledge tests, applicants must have “at least 18 months of practical 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” or a minimum of 30 months’ practical experience for both airframe and powerplant. This experience is typically interpreted as the equivalent of working full-time hours for the given period of time.
第65部分第77条规定，在参加知识测试之前，申请人必须“在建造、维护或改造机身或动力装置时通常使用的程序、实践、材料、工具、机床和设备方面具有至少18个月的实践经验”，或者在机身和动力装置方面具有至少30个月的实践经验。这种经历通常被解释为相当于在给定的时间内全职工作。
Two pathways exist for gaining the knowledge and experience you need to become an A&P: attending a Part 147 AMT school or on-the-job training (OJT) through civilian or military experience. The path that works best for you depends on your individual situation. If you have already served in the military in certain aircraft maintenance roles, you can use your time in the service toward the experience requirements. You will need to present specific documentation of your time to the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) for review. Additional information about what is required can be found on the FAA website Experience Requirements page.
获得成为飞机维修师证书所需的知识和经验有两种途径：参加第147部分 飞机技师培训（AMT）学校或通过民事或军事经验进行在职培训（OJT）。最适合你的路径取决于你的个人情况。如果你已经在军队中担任过某些飞机维修角色，你可以利用你在军队中的时间来满足经验要求。您需要向当地飞行标准地区办公室（FSDO）提交您时间的具体文件以供审查。关于要求的更多信息可以在美国联邦航空局（FAA）网站经验要求页面上找到。
The on-the-job route appeals to many people because it can be the most cost-effective way to gain necessary experience because you are getting paid while working in a maintenance facility. The rates for apprentices or mechanic’s assistants are at a lower, entry level of pay than for certified mechanics. However, you have the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience and connections, which are especially helpful if you plan to seek future employment in the field. OJT can be part of a formally structured program at a large repair station or employment working at your local FBO. In some cases, if you are rebuilding or restoring your own airplane under the supervision of an A&P, you can log that time, too.
在职路线吸引了许多人，因为它可能是获得必要经验的最具成本效益的方式，因为你在维修设施工作时可以获得报酬。学徒或技工助理的工资比注册技工的工资低。然而，你有机会获得宝贵的行业经验和关系，如果你计划在该领域寻求未来的就业机会，这特别有帮助。在职训练（OJT）可以是大型维修站正式组织的项目的一部分，也可以是在当地以固定机场为基地的飞行活动（FBO）工作的一部分。在某些情况下，如果你在飞机维修师的监督下重建或修复你自己的飞机，你也可以记录那个时间。
Whatever your situation is, you are responsible for carefully tracking the hours worked and type of work you do. The FAA does not specify a particular format for documenting your time. You can use an electronic spreadsheet or written log. Maintenance logbooks, just like pilot logbooks, are available from aviation shops and online retailers. Whatever format you choose, you must include the following information: type of maintenance task performed, amount of time spent on each task, and validation by a certificated Airframe and/or Powerplant Technician. Just like the military pathway, when you have completed your experience, you will need to present your documented time to the FSDO for review to receive a signoff to take the knowledge test. The on-the-job training route provides interesting, real-word experience, as you never know what type of work might roll into the hangar.
无论你是哪一种情况，你都有责任仔细跟踪你的工作时间和工作类型。美国联邦航空局没有规定记录你的时间的特定格式。你可以使用电子表格或书面日志。维修日志，就像飞行员日志一样，可以从航空商店和在线零售商那里买到。无论您选择哪种格式，您都必须包括以下信息：执行的维护任务的类型、在每项任务上花费的时间，以及由经过认证的机身和/或动力装置技术人员进行的验证。就像军事途径一样，当你完成你的经历时，你需要向飞行标准区域官（FSDO）提交你记录的时间以供审查，从而获得参加知识测试的签字。在职培训路线提供了有趣的真实体验，因为你永远不知道什么类型的工作会进入机库。
However, depending on the type of shop you work at and the position you hold, you may get to see a wide range of maintenance issues that meet many of the FAA requirements, or your work may be focused on a narrower range of jobs on specialized systems or equipment. Whatever the case, it is up to you to seek experience with the range of tasks the FAA expects. Similarly, it is up to you to gain the knowledge required through self-study, test prep books and apps, online courses or other instructional tools and prepare for the written, oral and practical tests.
但是，根据您工作的商店类型和您担任的职位，您可能会遇到符合美国联邦航空局许多要求的各种维护问题，或者您的工作可能会集中在专门系统或设备的较窄范围的工作上。无论是哪种情况，都取决于你在联邦航空局期望的任务范围内寻求经验。同样，通过自学、备考书籍和应用程序、在线课程或其他教学工具获得所需的知识，并为笔试、口试和实践考试做准备，也取决于你。
Because it can be a challenge to piece together the necessary experience in a working shop, many people choose the school route. Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools (AMTS) are technical programs that operate under the requirements of Part 147 and design their instructional programs to meet the requirements of the Part 147 ACS. AMTS may be run by for-profit companies, public and private universities, community colleges or other technical schools.
因为在工作场所拼凑必要的经验可能是一个挑战，所以许多人选择了学校路线。航空维修技师学校（AMTS）是在第147部分的要求下运作的技术项目，并设计其教学项目以满足第147部分ACS的要求。航空维修技师学校可能由营利性公司、公立和私立大学、社区学院或其他技术学校运营。
[Abbye Garcia for Rock Valley College]The big advantage of the school setting is that the curriculum is designed to cover the range of FAA-required subjects and tasks in a structured, organized manner. The maintenance ACS dictates the specific knowledge, skills and risk management elements required to pass the knowledge test and O&Ps. Part 147 AMTS programs typically take around two years of full-time attendance to complete, but the actual schedule varies by school. These programs prepare you for the knowledge, oral, and practical tests.
[岩石谷学院的Abbye Garcia]学校环境的最大优势在于，课程设计以结构化、有组织的方式涵盖了FAA要求的科目和任务的范围。维护ACS规定了通过知识测试和机械师所需的特定知识、技能和风险管理要素。第147部分航空维修技师学校项目通常需要大约两年的全日制学习才能完成，但实际时间表因学校而异。这些课程为你准备知识、口试和实践测试。
Students who successfully complete the program receive certificates of completion that authorize them to take the knowledge tests. College and university programs also provide opportunities to earn associate’s or bachelor’s degrees by completing additional general education requirements.
成功完成该计划的学生将获得结业证书，授权他们参加知识测试。学院和大学课程还提供通过完成额外的普通教育要求获得大专或学士学位的机会。
When selecting a school, be sure that it is an FAA Part 147-approved program. The FAA website has a search engine that allows you to search for AMTS by state. Because all schools must meet Part 147 requirements, you will learn the same content wherever you go. Factors such as location, cost, schedule and school facilities vary, so you should research and visit the programs that interest you and choose the one that best fits your needs.
选择学校时，确保它是美国联邦航空管理局第147批准的项目。美国联邦航空管理局网站有一个搜索引擎，可以让你按州搜索AMT。因为所有的学校都必须满足第147部分的要求，所以无论你去哪里，你都会学到同样的内容。地点、费用、时间表和学校设施等因素各不相同，因此您应该研究和访问您感兴趣的项目，并选择最适合您需求的项目。
Tuition can range widely from $17,000 to $40,000 or more for a two-year program depending on the type of institution. Additional costs include tools, books, lab or materials fees, and testing fees.
根据学校的类型，两年制项目的学费从17,000美元到40,000美元不等，甚至更多。额外费用包括工具、书籍、实验室或材料费以及测试费。
Keeping Costs Down
降低成本
While the costs of attending an AMTS may leave you with sticker shock at first glance, if you know where to look, you can find many ways to defray the expense. By choosing your program carefully, you can cut the overall tuition expense before you even start. All Part 147 AMTS teach the same FAA-required content and prepare you to get your mechanic certificate. Community colleges are usually the most cost-effective, as they have lower per-hour tuition rates than other types of schools, especially for in-district students. Because only a few AMTs operate in each state, you may live in an area served by a community college without a maintenance program. If this is the case, the community college in your district may have a charge-back or joint agreement with a nearby school that has an AMTS, allowing you to attend that school at in-district rates.
虽然参加航空维修技师学校的费用乍一看可能会让你大吃一惊，但如果你知道去哪里找，你可以找到很多方法来支付这笔费用。通过仔细选择你的项目，你可以在开始之前就削减总的学费。所有第147部分AMT教授相同的FAA要求的内容，并为您获得机械师证书做准备。社区大学通常是最具成本效益的，因为它们的每小时学费比其他类型的学校低，尤其是对区内学生而言。因为每个州只有几个AMT在运行，所以你可能住在一个没有维护计划的社区大学服务的地区。如果是这种情况，您所在地区的社区学院可能会与附近有航空维修技师学校的签订退款或联合协议，允许您以区内价格就读该学校。
Retirees can do even better. In many states, senior citizens can enroll in and attend credit courses at community colleges tuition-free on a space-available basis (additional college, lab or testing fees are not covered). Restrictions vary widely and may limit which programs are eligible for this discount, either by policy or due to high demand and lack of available slots in the program. However, if the program rules and space allow, it is possible to earn your A&P for drastically reduced costs.
退休人员可以做得更好。在许多州，老年人可以在有空位的情况下免费注册和参加社区大学的学分课程（不包括额外的大学、实验室或测试费用）。限制差异很大，可能会限制哪些计划有资格享受此折扣，这可能是由政策决定的，也可能是由于计划中的高需求和可用位置的缺乏。然而，如果项目规则和空间允许，你有可能以大幅降低的成本获得飞机维修师证书。
Discounted tuition may be available to veterans and active members of the military. Veterans can contact the individual school for information about using their GI bill benefits to pay for tuition. Financial aid, loans and grants are available at most institutions for military personnel, veterans and civilians.
退伍军人和现役军人可以享受学费折扣。退伍军人可以联系个别学校，了解有关使用他们的GI法案福利支付学费的信息。大多数机构为军人、退伍军人和平民提供财政援助、贷款和赠款。
Perhaps one of the best-kept secrets is the number of scholarships available—and you don’t have to be a perfect student or a young person to be eligible. If you’re willing to put in a little time to search for them and apply, there’s money to be found. National organizations such as the Association of Women in Aviation Maintenance (AWAM) and National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA) and numerous maintenance and manufacturing companies offer scholarships every year. Check out the organizations’ websites to learn more.
也许保守得最好的秘密之一是奖学金的数量——你不一定要成为一个完美的学生或年轻人才有资格。如果你愿意花一点时间去寻找并申请，你会找到钱的。航空维修妇女协会（AWAM）和全国商务飞机协会（NBAA）等全国性组织以及许多维修和制造公司每年都提供奖学金。查看这些组织的网站以了解更多信息。
Sometimes the best place to find scholarships is close to home. While the local organizations may offer smaller dollar amounts, every little bit helps. Most colleges have lists of scholarships available to their students set up by alumni or other donors. Scholarship money frequently goes unclaimed because of lack of qualified, or even any, applicants. Look to your local airport or groups in which you are already involved. Local chapters of national organizations, aviation clubs and museums may offer scholarships—and if you are already involved in these groups, you’re more likely to be considered.
有时候找到奖学金的最好地方是离家近的地方。虽然当地组织可能会提供较少的金额，但一点一滴都有帮助。大多数大学都有由校友或其他捐赠者为学生设立的奖学金清单。奖学金经常无人认领，因为缺乏合格的，甚至没有申请人。看看你当地的机场或你已经参与的团体。国家组织、航空俱乐部和博物馆的地方分会可能会提供奖学金——如果你已经加入了这些团体，你更有可能被考虑。
Getting Started
入门
So, you’ve decided to get your A&P? Where do you begin? For an overview of requirements and answers to frequently asked questions about becoming a mechanic, visit the FAA website.
那么，你决定去拿你的飞机维修师证书了？你从哪里开始？有关成为机械师的要求和常见问题的概述，请访问FAA网站。
Next, talk to mechanics and pilots you know. Networking is a great way to learn more about the opportunities out there and anyone who can help guide you. Your own local mechanic may be looking for help in the shop or know someone who is. Plus, they will be able to give you some insight on the industry and day-to-day work.
接下来，和你认识的机械师和飞行员谈谈。人际关系网是一个很好的方式来了解更多的机会和任何可以帮助指导你的人。你当地的机械师可能正在商店寻求帮助，或者认识这样的人。此外，他们还能给你一些关于行业和日常工作的见解。
If you are interested in going to an AMTS, start by searching for Part 147 schools in your area. Then, check the school website and contact the program administrator for information about the program requirements, costs and enrollment.
如果你有兴趣去AMTS，从搜索你所在地区的第147部分学校开始。然后，查看学校网站并联系项目管理员，了解有关项目要求、费用和注册的信息。
Ready to start learning? Check out the Part 147 ACS to learn more about the specific knowledge and skills you need. You can start reading up on them in the Aviation Maintenance Technician General, Airframe (Vol. 1 & 2) and Powerplant (Vol. 1 & 2) handbooks.
准备好开始学习了吗？查看第147部分ACS，了解更多您需要的特定知识和技能。你可以从《航空维修技师总论》、《机身》（第1卷和第2卷）和《动力装置》（第1卷和第2卷）手册中开始阅读。
Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in the NOV/DEC 2022 issue of Plane & Pilot magazine.
编者按：这个故事最初出现在2022年11月/12月的《飞机与飞行员》杂志上。
