How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in the UK
Aircraft mechanics inspect, service and repair aircraft in hangars and on the ramp. A typical shift might mean changing wheels and brakes, replacing components, running engine and systems checks, and recording every task in the maintenance paperwork so the aircraft can be certified as airworthy.
Most people get in through an aircraft maintenance apprenticeship with an airline, maintenance organisation or manufacturer, or through technician training in the armed forces. To certify work yourself, you build towards a UK Part-66 aircraft maintenance licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Our aircraft mechanic salary guide shows how pay rises with your licence, type ratings and shift pattern.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £28,000 - £34,000
- Mid-career salary
- £35,000 - £42,000
- Senior salary
- £45,000 - £55,000
- Work environment
- Hangar / ramp, often shift work
- Time to entry
- 2 - 4 years (apprenticeship)
- Degree required
- Not required
- Category
- Aviation and Aerospace
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: No-degree careers.
What a Aircraft Mechanic does
Hands-on maintenance, inspection and turnaround on aircraft - engines, airframes and systems.
How to become an aircraft mechanic in the UK
Employers usually ask for GCSEs at grade 4 or above in maths, English and science. The main route is a Level 3 aircraft maintenance apprenticeship, often followed by further training towards certifying status. Alternatively, you can study full time at a CAA-approved Part-147 training organisation, which covers the Part-66 basic knowledge modules and can reduce the practical experience you need. To sign off work you need a UK Part-66 licence in category A (minor line maintenance), B1 (mechanical) or B2 (avionics), which means passing the module exams and logging practical experience. Armed forces aircraft technician roles are another established route.
- Get GCSEs at grade 4 or above in maths, English and a science, as aircraft maintenance apprenticeships and Part-147 courses usually ask for them.
- Apply for aircraft maintenance apprenticeships with airlines, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) companies and aerospace manufacturers, which are usually based at or near airports.
- If you can't find an apprenticeship, consider a full-time course at a CAA-approved Part-147 training organisation covering the Part-66 basic knowledge modules.
- Decide between mechanical (B1) and avionics (B2) work early, because the Part-66 modules and experience you log differ for each licence category.
- Log your practical experience carefully, as the CAA needs evidence of maintenance tasks on real aircraft before it will issue your licence.
- Pass the remaining Part-66 module exams and apply to the CAA for your licence, then gain type ratings on specific aircraft to become a certifying engineer.
- Consider an RAF or other armed forces aircraft technician role, which trains you fully and gives experience that can count towards a civil licence.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 aircraft maintenance apprenticeship | 3-4 years | Paid by the employer | School leavers who want to earn while training |
| Part-147 approved full-time course | About 2 years | Varies by provider | People who can fund study before finding a job |
| Armed forces aircraft technician | Training plus a service commitment | Paid while training | People open to a military career first |
How long it takes
Expect 2 to 4 years through an apprenticeship before you work as a fully trained mechanic. Becoming a licensed aircraft engineer with a full B1 or B2 licence and type ratings usually takes longer, as it depends on logged experience.
Aircraft Mechanic salary in the UK
Aircraft mechanics in the UK typically start on around £28,000 to £34,000. With experience and a Part-66 licence, pay rises to around £35,000 to £42,000, and senior licensed engineers earn around £45,000 to £55,000. Shift allowances for nights and weekends add to base pay, and type ratings on in-demand aircraft push you higher. Pay also varies by employer, with airline line maintenance, heavy maintenance hangars and defence contractors all paying differently.
Key skills
- Manual dexterity
- Following procedures
- Mechanical aptitude
- Teamwork
Aircraft Mechanic FAQs
How do I become an aircraft mechanic in the UK?
Most people start with a Level 3 aircraft maintenance apprenticeship at an airline, maintenance organisation or manufacturer. Others take a full-time course at a CAA-approved Part-147 school or train in the armed forces. You then work towards a UK Part-66 licence so you can certify your own work.
Do I need a degree to be an aircraft mechanic?
No. Apprenticeships and Part-147 courses are the usual routes, and most employers ask for GCSEs in maths, English and science. A degree in aerospace engineering is only needed if you want to move into design or engineering roles rather than hands-on maintenance.
How much does an aircraft mechanic earn in the UK?
Starting pay is around £28,000 to £34,000. Experienced mechanics earn around £35,000 to £42,000, and senior licensed engineers around £45,000 to £55,000. Shift allowances and type ratings on popular aircraft can add to this.
What is the difference between a Part-66 A, B1 and B2 licence?
Category A lets you certify limited, minor line maintenance tasks. B1 covers mechanical work on airframes, engines and mechanical systems, and B2 covers avionics and electrical systems. B1 and B2 holders with the right type ratings can certify more complex maintenance.
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