Aviation Technician Education Council: FAA’s Mechanic Career Info Guide: A Must-have Reference

Looking for an overview of aviation maintenance careers and a comprehensive guide to U.S. regulatory requirements for becoming a certified airframe and powerplant (A&P) professional or a non-certified technician?

The FAA has one–and it’s just been updated.

Advisory Circular (AC) 65-30B with Change 1, “Overview of the Aviation Maintenance Profession,”  in late October, adding references (the Change 1) to the significantly revamped AC issued last year. The updates cover recent regulatory changes, including airman certification standards and military occupation codes.

Last year’s re-write completed a years-long process to update the document, last revised in 2001. A 2014 draft AC stalled. This latest version was shaped by input from an industry coalition that included the council.

The result is a one-stop reference that provides an overview of the relevant, personnel-related maintenance regulations, including how to become a certified A&P professional, training and testing requirements, and other career paths. It also provides a general overview of aviation mechanic employment opportunities in both commercial and general aviation.

Arguably the most useful parts of the 36-page document are the updated links to the relevant rules, guidance and industry data.

The list includes more than nice-to-know information–it also connects readers with required forms, applications, and other must-have items for starting or advancing an aviation maintenance career.