Aspiring aircraft mechanics often compare the pros and cons of on-the-job training (OJT) and enrolling in a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS, or 147 School) when trying to decide which path fits their goals and timeline.
The FAA allows OJT candidates to through either:
- 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.
Graduates of FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools (AMTS) can qualify by completing an training program which also prepares students for A&P certification as they study.
Although each path offers clear benefits, the right fit for you depends on your financial needs, learning style, and long-term career goals.
What Qualifies as On-the-Job Training for Aspiring Aircraft Mechanics?
On-the-job training allows you to gain supervised experience in real aircraft maintenance roles. Many students start this way because it allows them to earn .
To qualify for FAA approval, your experience must be:
- Documented. Inspectors review daily tasks, time spent, and the type of work completed when determining A&P eligibility.
- Supervised appropriately. A certificated A&P mechanic or authorized military supervisor must verify your experience.
- Based on real maintenance duties. Civilian work, military service, and certain volunteer positions can all qualify.
- Broad enough to show progression. OJT varies widely by employer, so FAA inspectors use your log to determine whether your experience aligns with required knowledge areas.
Clear documentation can help streamline the approval process. Since each employer structures work differently, eligibility is always confirmed at the moment an FAA inspector reviews your experience log.
Pros of Pursuing On-the-Job Training as Your Entry Point
OJT can be a helpful way to confirm your long-term interest in aviation maintenance before committing to a structured AMTS program because it offers real income and real experience from the start.
You develop a sense of how maintenance teams operate, how schedules and deadlines shape daily work, and how different shops approach training. Some environments also create mentorship opportunities when seasoned A&P mechanics are available to guide you.
Cons of Relying on On-the-Job Training for Your A&P Eligibility
Although on-the-job training provides practical exposure, the path can be slower and less predictable. The FAA requires 18 months of experience per rating or 30 months combined before you can take the A&P exams, and some workplaces focus on narrow job functions that do not provide balanced system exposure.
Documentation can also feel demanding because you must verify each task for FAA review.
Since operational needs drive the workload, you might not work on every system required for eligibility, which can delay approval and limit advancement into roles that require certification.
How an AMTS Compares to On-the-Job Training
A FAA-certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician School provides a structured alternative to the longer on-the-job training timeline since most programs take 18 to 24 months, and can give you a more predictable path to A&P exam eligibility.
:
- FAA-approved curriculum that covers airframe, powerplant, electrical systems, hydraulics, composites, and more.
- Step-by-step training that builds knowledge in a logical sequence.
- Hands-on labs that allow supervised practice before you work on operational aircraft.
- Eligibility to test for both ratings after graduation.
- Standardized preparation that many employers trust when hiring entry-level mechanics.
This structure can help students move through increasingly complex tasks while staying aligned with FAA expectations.
Pros of Attending an AMTS
Students who choose an AMTS often appreciate its reliable timing and comprehensive structure. Program hours replace the long on-the-job training requirement, which creates a direct path to A&P testing.
Training typically covers every FAA-mandated system in a logical sequence, and hands-on labs help you build familiarity before transitioning to live aircraft. Employers recognize the consistency of AMTS education, which supports entry-level opportunities across airlines, MROs, manufacturers, and corporate aviation.
Cons of Attending an AMTS
An AMTS requires an upfront investment of time and tuition, which can feel challenging for students who need income.
Full-time study means delaying full-time work until graduation, although scholarships, and military benefits can offset costs. Program quality may also vary by school, so it is important to evaluate equipment, lab access, and career support.
Even with structured training, graduates still experience a learning curve while adjusting to operational aircraft environments, although this period is typically shorter than the learning curve for students who enter the field without formal instruction.
AIM works to reduce financial concerns through its Scholarship Match Program, which matches qualifying scholarships dollar for dollar and can cover up to 10% of program cost. Military students may also be eligible for GI Bill庐 benefits, Tuition Assistance, and other military programs that may reduce tuition.
Why AIM May Be a Fit for Students Comparing OJT and AMTS Pathways
花季传媒鈥檚 21-month Aviation Maintenance Technician program provides hands-on instruction in real hangars with FAA-standard tools and equipment.
Students gain experience across multiple propulsion systems, including:
- Jet engines
- Turboprops
- Reciprocating engines
A certification-focused capstone supports A&P exam preparation, while AIM鈥檚 Career Services team assists students with job placement throughout their training and after graduation.
The structured curriculum minimizes the risk of missing key learning areas that are sometimes overlooked in on-the-job training environments due to shop workload or job specialization.
You Have AMT Training Options
Both on-the-job training and AMTS pathways can lead to meaningful aviation maintenance careers. The right fit depends on your goals, financial situation, and preferred pace of learning.
On-the-job training may be a starting point if you need to earn income or if you want to explore the field before committing to a formal program. An AMTS offers a clearer route to certification, especially for students who want consistent training and reliable exam preparation.If you would like support comparing these options, reach out to our team for more information.
