How to Get a Helicopter Mechanic Job

Those interested in helicopters can consider pursuing a career as a helicopter pilot. However, there is another set of aviation professionals who work directly with helicopters on a daily basis. Helicopter mechanics work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that these aircraft are ready and safe to fly.

Being a helicopter mechanic is a dynamic and rewarding career choice. Helicopter mechanics to work with sophisticated machines that are critical to the aviation industry.

Here is what you need to know about getting a job as a helicopter mechanic. 

Helicopter mechanics have an important safety-oriented job. Pilots, crewmembers, and passengers trust mechanics to keep their aircraft safe.

Furthermore, helicopters are complicated machines with hundreds of thousands—if not millions—of parts. Mechanics therefore need to have a high level of attention to detail.

Performing maintenance on an aircraft is often a team effort. Having the ability to work well both individually and as a team is an important attribute for prospective mechanics. Similarly, mechanics should possess strong communication skills.

There are also physical demands for helicopter maintenance jobs. Working on helicopters can involve standing for long periods of time, operating equipment, or working in small spaces. Aspiring mechanics can set themselves up for success by being in good physical shape and having a working knowledge of basic tools. 

Helicopter mechanics need to be certified as aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs).

In the United States, aviation mechanics are also often referred to as airframe and powerplant technicians (A&Ps) due to the government certification requirements. To be a helicopter mechanic in the United States, you will need to have an A&P certificate from the FAA.

Here are the basic steps:

Meet basic eligibility requirements: The FAA requires A&Ps to be at least 18 years old. You also need to have to be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Obtain formal training or experience: Before being certified, helicopter mechanics need to meet certain FAA training or work experience requirements. There are three ways:

First, you can attend and graduate from an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician (AMT) school. This is the most common option. Many schools across the country offer FAA-approved AMT programs. The training in these programs is not helicopter-specific but it will prepare you to work on all types of aircraft.

The second is to complete 18 months of practical work experience with either airframes or powerplants, or 30 months of experience with both systems. Although this option may appear to be the best one, it can be hard to find entry-level apprenticeships that will accept applicants without any previous training or experience.

The final option is for those who have experience as an aviation mechanic in the military. If this is the case, you have the option of completing a Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council training course.

Complete FAA testing: After meeting the training or experience requirement through one of the methods above, aspiring helicopter mechanics have to pass a set of standardized FAA tests.

The first part of the testing process involves three knowledge tests. Once you pass these, you will need to complete an oral test and a practical test.

Receive your FAA certificate: Passing the tests means that you can obtain your FAA certificate. The name A&P comes from the fact that the FAA certificate consists of two ratings: airframe and powerplant. While you can have one without the other, most mechanics obtain both to earn the A&P designation.

Unlike pilot certificates, there is no medical testing for the A&P certificate. The certificate also does not have an expiry date. 

Once you are a certified helicopter mechanic, you can work for a variety of different employers.

Private and corporate aviation companies: Some nonaviation companies have helicopters to transport their workers. There are also companies that offer private helicopter charters.

Many other companies use helicopters to provide their services as well. These include news agencies, flight schools, aerial photography providers, and logging companies.

While some of these firms outsource their helicopter maintenance, others have their own maintenance teams that employ mechanics.

Government and emergency services: Many public entities, such as law enforcement agencies, also operate helicopters to help them in their work. Similarly, medical air transportation providers and aerial firefighting companies also fly helicopters to perform their missions.

As is the case with private companies, some of these entities will hire helicopter mechanics to perform in-house maintenance work.

Third-party maintenance companies: Many aviation mechanics are employed by companies that specialize in helicopter maintenance. These companies are contracted by aircraft operators—including the types mentioned above—to provide maintenance services for their helicopters.

These companies can offer helicopter mechanics the opportunity to work on a variety of different aircraft.

Aircraft manufacturers: Helicopter manufacturers also employ mechanics to support the design and production of their aircraft.

Mechanics at these companies can be involved in the design and assembly of helicopters or participate in the testing process. Some manufacturers also offer ongoing maintenance services for their customers.

Yes, aircraft mechanics are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates 5 percent growth for aircraft and avionics mechanics through 2033. Aviation training company CAE also projects a need for 138,000 AMTs by 2033. Many companies are actively hiring helicopter mechanics.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for aircraft mechanics in 2023 was $75,400.

Being a helicopter mechanic is a challenging and rewarding job. It requires hard work and extensive training. Each mechanic has a unique journey that depends on their strengths and personal situation. Aviation mechanics also gain experience and develop skills throughout their careers.