To work on civilian aircraft, aviation mechanics must hold an airframe or powerplant mechanic certificate issued by the FAA. Mechanics who are not licensed must work under the supervision of licensed mechanics.

New safety standards within the FAA dictate stricter requirements for aviation mechanics. To be eligible for certification, mechanics must complete an accredited aviation school program or have a minimum of 18 months of work experience. Before earning a certificate, aviation mechanics must pass both written and oral exams. They must also be able to demonstrate that they can do the work that will be authorized by the certificate.

If an aviation mechanic is interested in specializing in inspections, they must hold an airframe or powerplant mechanic certificate for at least three years. They must also have at least two years of work experience.

Most mechanics who enter this field are graduates of an aviation school or training program. Most schools offer two-year and four-year programs. Admission requirements for aviation schools vary, but a high school diploma or an equivalent is almost always a necessity. Curriculum also varies depending upon the aviation school, but courses usually include mathematics, physics, electronics, and computer science.

Aviation mechanics must also be committed to continuing education. The FAA requires aviation mechanics to complete at least 16 hours of training every two years to keep their certificate.