Mechanic (Airframe)
Credential: Mechanic (Airframe)
Credentialing Agency: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Mechanic (Airframe) credential is for mechanics who perform or supervise the maintenance, preventive maintenance or alteration of airframes. Airframe mechanics are authorized to work on any part of the aircraft except the instruments, power plants, and propellers. Airframe mechanics work in hangars, repair stations, or out on the airfield on the "flight lines" where aircraft park. Mechanic (Airframe) applicants must be at least 18 years old, be able to read, write, speak and understand English, and meet education, training and experience requirements. Applicants must also pass written, oral, and practical exams.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Mechanic (Airframe)
The following Marine Corps Enlisted MOSs provide training and/or experience that contributes to attaining this credential:
| Enlisted Occupation | Occupation Type | Related As | COOL$ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6019 Aircraft Maintenance Chief | MOS |  Some |
 COOL Bucks |
|
| 6062 Aircraft Intermediate Level Hydraulic/Pneumatic Mechanic | MOS | Some |
COOL Bucks |
|
| 6092 Aircraft Intermediate Level Structures Mechanic | MOS |  Most |
COOL Bucks |
|
| 61XX Aircraft Maintenance (Rotary-Wing) | MOS | Most |
COOL Bucks |
|
| 62XX Aircraft Maintenance (Fixed-Wing) | MOS | Most |
COOL Bucks |
The following civilian occupations are related to this credential:
| Civilian Job | Job Family | Bright Outlook | Registered Apprenticeship | Local Salary Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | Installation, Maintenance, and Repair |  Bright Outlook |
 Apprenticeship |
 find local salary |
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Attainability: 
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience: 18 months
- Education
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for a Service member to meet eligibility requirements. Requirements listed here are based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
Exam Administration (View Details)
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
800 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20591
Phone: (866) 835-5322
Contact Page
Education REQUIREMENTS
Applicant must be a high school graduate or an equivalent.
Training and/or Experience REQUIREMENTS
Applicant must present either an appropriate graduation certificate or certificate of completion from a certificated aviation maintenance technician school or documentary evidence, satisfactory to the Administrator, 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
- At least 30 months of practical experience concurrently performing the duties appropriate to both the airframe and powerplant ratings.
Note: Candidate may gain the experience to become a certified power plant mechanic in one of three ways.
- Attend one of the FAA Approved Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools nationwide.
- Work at an FAA Repair Station under the supervision of a certified mechanic for 18 months for powerplant certification or must have 30 months of practical experience working on powerplant and airframe both at the same time.
- Join the armed services in a military occupational specialty for which the FAA gives credit.
Military Specific REQUIREMENTS
To obtain funding through USMC COOL service members must provide:
- FAA Form 8610-1 and FAA Form 8610-2, signed by approving official from the FAA, along with voucher request. The 8610 forms will justify military experience through the FAA.
- The testing agency's name, address and point of contact information must be on the voucher request.
- Please indicate which exam(s) are being requested for funding: FAA Mechanic (Airframe/Power Plant) written exam, practical exam, oral exam, or all three on the voucher form before submitting for approval.
Other REQUIREMENTS
The Mechanic (Airframe) credential has the following other requirements:
- Applicant must be at least 18 years old.
- Applicant must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
Written Exam General
- Basic Electricity
- Aircraft Drawings
- Weight and Balance
- Fluid Lines and Fittings
- Materials and Processes
- Ground Operations and Servicing
- Basic Physics
- Cleaning and Corrosion Control
- Mathematics
- Maintenance Forms and Records
- Maintenance Publications
- Mechanic Privileges and Limitations
Oral Exam Requirement
A Designated Mechanic Examiner gives you the oral exam along with the practical test. You can get a list of these examiners at the local FAA office. The oral and practical tests cover 43 technical subjects.
Practical Exam General
- Basic Electricity
- Aircraft Drawings
- Aircraft Weight and Balance
- Fluid Lines and Fittings
- Aircraft Materials, Processes and Hardware
- Safety, Ground Operations, and Servicing
- Aircraft Cleaning and Corrosion Control
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Maintenance Forms and Records
- Maintenance Publications
- Aviation Mechanic Privileges and Limitations
Practical Exam Airframe
- Airframe Structures
- Wood Structures
- Aircraft Covering
- Aircraft Finishes
- Sheet Metal and Non-metallic Structures
- Welding
- Assembly and Rigging
- Airframe Inspection
- Airframe Systems and Components
- Aircraft Landing Gear Systems
- Hydraulic and Pneumatic Power Systems
- Cabin Atmosphere Control Systems
- Aircraft Instrument Systems
- Communication and Navigation Systems
- Aircraft Fuel Systems
- Aircraft Electrical Systems
- Position and Warning System
- Ice and Rain Control Systems
- Fire Protection Systems
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Mechanic (Airframe) examination:
- Best Sources
An additional resource is O'Reilly Learning Safari Books Online, a searchable digital library that provides online access to thousands of books, training videos and conference sessions. See the Educational Resources section on the Related Sites page here on COOL to learn how to get free access.
Testing Information
-
Exam Administration
Credential exams may be administered in-person at a testing site, proctored on-line remotely, or have options for both. If an exam is administered through a test vendor, the third-party test vendor box will be checked. The following test administration options apply to the Mechanic (Airframe) credential where checked:
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
For more information on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) testing process, visit the agency website.
-
Third-Party Test Vendor Information
Testing for this credential is handled by the following vendor:
PSI
The test centers are located in the U.S.
To find out more, use the following links on the PSI website:
Additional considerations for the Mechanic (Airframe) include:
- A Designated Mechanic Examiner gives the oral exam along with the practical test. Applicant can get a list of these examiners at the local FAA office.
- To be eligible to obtain General and Airframe exam permission slips from the FAA, applicant must present the following:
- An official letter from the military employer certifying the length of service. Applicant may have multiple letters but he/she must total 18 months of experience. Applicant cannot count time spent on training for the specialty, only the time spent working in the specialty.
- The make and model of the aircraft or engine on which the applicant gained practical experience, and where the experience was gained.
- Applicant must document his/her experience with pay receipts, a logbook signed by the applicant's supervising mechanic, a notarized statement from the employer, or other proof the applicant worked the required time.
- The FAA Airworthiness Inspector decides if the applicant meets the requirements to take the exams.
OTHER