Eligibility To Test
General requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language
- Have passed all of the required written tests within a period of 24 months
Knowledge/Experience requirements
- Each applicant must present either an appropriate graduation certificate or certificate of completion from a certificated aviation maintenance technician school or
- Documentary evidence of 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
- Documentary evidence of at least 30 months of practical experience concurrently performing the duties appropriate to both the airframe and powerplant ratings
Full eligibility criteria listed in 14 CFR part 65
Free electronic version is accesible on FAA web page www.ecfr.gov
- Search title 14, volume 2 (60-109), part 65, subpart D-Mechanics
Paperwork: Application Process
Application
- The form 8610-2 is available on FAA web page www.faa.gov/forms
- Blank copies of the application form are also available at the testing center and can be filled out there prior to testing
- If utilizing practical experience (civilian or military), the application must be signed off by the local FSDO
The day of test - what to bring
- ID - current, valid, government-issued identification with a photograph and signature ( (e.g., passport, U.S. military identification, U.S. driver’s license, green card)
- Test scores (written test per rating sought, and also general if initial testing)
- Graduation certificates (per rating sought, and also general if initial testing)
- Application (can be obtained and filled at the testing facility except for applicants requiring local FSDO sign off)
- Testing fee (see pricing list). Currently credit cards or checks are not accepted.
- NAA applicants are to request check from the school at least 7 days prior to testing, The school will issue a check in your name, which needs to be cashed.
Test Structure
General
The general portion of the test consists of 2 sections - oral questions and 9 practical projects that will have two research guestions per practical project.
Airframe
The airframe portion of the test consists of 2 sections. Oral questions and 11 practical projects that will have two research questions per practical project.
Powerplant
The powerplant portion of the test consists of 2 sections. Oral questions and 11 practical projects that will have two research questions per practical project.
Subject areas
The subjects areas are listed on FAA web page under practical test standards https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_standards/
Study Materials and Tips
Practical test standards (PTS) and textbooks
- Applicant can use multiple resources to prepare for the test
- Practical test standards (PTS)
- FAA web site provides PTS. These 3 documents (one for General, one for Powerplant, and one for Airframe) contain list of reference materials to study for each section, as well as summarizing test prerequisites, and expectations from the applicants
- here is a link for PTS https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_standards/#mechanics
- Free, full versions of handbooks and manuals are listed on the FAA web site https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aircraft/
- There are also textbooks such as Jeppesen or Glencoe
- Practical test standards (PTS)
Testing tips
- Understanding how a system works is usually better than memorizing answers to practice questions
- Don't procrastinate, test for the rating sought as soon as you are eligible and ready
- Come to test when you are fresh, ideally in the morning
- Know the directions to testing facility, have required documents ready night before the test
- Get good night sleep and nutritious breakfast to fuel your brain
Prep courses
- For applicants using civil or military experience it is suggested to take a preparatory course prior to attempting the oral and practical test