AMT Day Honors Aircraft Mechanics

Education is pricey, tools are expensive, and it takes years to earn a living wage as an aircraft mechanic.

Richard Scarbrough

Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 03:47 PM ET

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A&P mechanics often work in the elements. [Credit: Richard Scarbrough]

Key Takeaways:

Becoming an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) is a demanding profession that requires significant investment in education, tools, and long hours, yet appeals to those committed to precision.
AMTs are highly skilled, analytical professionals who adhere to strict safety standards and procedures, never guessing or compromising on the airworthiness of an aircraft.
Despite their critical and indispensable role in ensuring flight safety, AMTs are often underappreciated compared to pilots, with AMT Day (May 24) highlighting their vital contributions to aviation.

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I have been an airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic for 30 years. My first rating was powerplant, which was odd because I was a structures mechanic in the Navy. Nevertheless, it was just how the classes fell, and I finished the powerplants first. It is also embarrassing to admit that I had that license confiscated by the FAA about a week after I received it. Allow me to explain.

I was in class when our director unceremoniously strode into the classroom and bellowed, “Scarbrough! Do you have your powerplant license on you?”