Question 1

I'm not a US Citizen, and I live outside the United States.  How do I get a mechanic's certificate?

Accepted Answer

You must meet all the same requirements as a United States citizen.
Additionally, you must meet the following requirements:
Demonstrate you need a mechanic certificate to maintain U.S.-registered civil aircraft and you are neither a U.S. citizen nor a resident alien.
Show the examiner your passport.
Provide a detailed statement from your employer saying what specific types of maintenance you preformed on each aircraft, and how long you performed it.
Provide a letter from the foreign airworthiness authority of the country in which you got your experience, or from an advisor of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), validating your maintenance experience.
Make sure all the documents you provide are signed and dated originals.
Pay the fee for the document review.

Question 2

What if I can't meet the English language requirements?

Accepted Answer

We may waive the language requirement if you live outside the United States.  We would stamp your certificate "Valid only outside of the U.S."

Question 3

Do I need any other certificate to work on avionics equipment?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. If you do not have a mechanic’s certificate or a repairman’s certificate with an appropriate rating from the FAA, you may only perform aviation-related work when supervised by a person with a valid mechanics certificate with airframe rating, power plant rating or airframe and power plant ratings (A&P). Also, without a certificate, you are not authorized to approve aircraft, airframes, aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, or component parts for return to service and you are less likely to advance to the top of the aviation career field.

Question 4

How do I get a repairman's certificate?

Accepted Answer

To get a repairman's certificate, you must be recommended by a repair station, commercial operator, or air carrier. You must
be at least 18 years old;
be able to read, write, speak, and understand English
be qualified to perform maintenance on aircraft or components
be employed or a specific job requiring special qualifications by an FAA-certified Repair Station, commercial operator, or air carrier.
be recommended for the repairman certificate by your employer
have either 18 months of practical experience in the specific job or complete a formal training course acceptable to the FAA. (For more information click here)

International Students

Basic Requirements to Become an Aircraft Mechanic

I'm not a US Citizen, and I live outside the United States. How do I get a mechanic's certificate?

What if I can't meet the English language requirements?

Do I need any other certificate to work on avionics equipment?

How do I get a repairman's certificate?