Mechanic Training Guide

A mechanic training guide provides an overview of the knowledge and skills needed to repair cars and airplanes and how to obtain them. Mechanics need to know how things work to repair problems. The frame or chassis holds the product together while the engine provides the power that moves it. Cooling systems protect the mechanics and keep people comfortable while suspensions make the ride smooth.

Steering systems and brakes let the drivers or pilots control the powerful beasts while the electronics and computer systems keep the motors purring. The easiest way to get this knowledge is through classes at community colleges or vocational and technical schools. Developing necessary skills is faster under the guidance of trained teachers who have the latest technology and newest tools. Graduates from these programs qualify to take tests for coveted, nationally recognized certificates of competency.

 

Car Mechanic

Special training courses can be as short as six months or one year, depending on the field of study and certificate or degree desired. Community colleges offer two year programs. Graduates from a community college get an associate degree or a certificate.

A car mechanic discovers what is wrong and repairs the vehicle or services the unit so it continues to operate. Hands-on training includes using specialized equipment like diagnostic computers to pinpoint problems, removing and replacing necessary parts and testing the vehicle to make sure it is operating properly. Maintenance includes changing oil, transmission and radiator fluids, checking seals for signs of leakage and keeping brakes in operating condition. Automobiles are getting more complicated with modern computer systems, backup cameras, computer chips in keys and built-in GPS and Internet; a mechanic never stops learning.

Many students decide to specialize. These individuals may know what they want to do before they start classes. Other people discover a passion for transmissions or air conditioning units or find modern day electronics easy.

If the schools are certified by the National Institute for Automobile Service Excellent, a graduate can try for an ASE certificate by passing a test inmechanic training guide

  • engine repair
  • automatic transmissions and transaxles
  • manual drive transmissions and axles
  • suspension and steering
  • brakes
  • engine performance
  • electrical/electronic systems
  • heating and air conditioning

Because of constant advancements in this industry, these certificates are only good for five years. The good news is that the recertification test is only half as long as the first one. Many employers hire only ASE certified car mechanics; this piece of paper proves the mechanic can do the job.

 

Aviation Mechanic

Mechanics specializing in aviation can work on anything that flies including jet planes, turboprops and helicopters. This education is more involved and complicated as mechanics need to understand the theory of flight and other mathematical, physics, chemistry, electronics and computer science applications. Students are trained to read data, manuals, publications and federal requirements and fill out reports. Work requirements are often based on number of hours in flight, days since last inspection or number of cycles of operation instead of mechanical issues.

An aviation mechanic will hold one of these certifications:

  • airframe which includes the body and its operations
  • powerplant which is the engine and propeller
  • A & P which covers airframe and powerplant
  • avionics which is the electronics.

Airframe covers structural components like wood, sheet metal and composite, cutting and welding and weights and balances. Cleaning and corrosion control are as much part of this course as hydraulics and pneumatics; these specialists are responsible for the plane from the nose to tail. Although the powerplant program is limited in area, it is just as important.

Because of the safety issues, the Federal Aviation Administration oversees this program and has approved nearly 200 schools for training. Minimum courses take 1150 hours for airframe or powerplant and 1900 hours for both. The FAA test has three parts and all three categories must be passed within 24 months to get a certificate. The tests are written, oral and practical; not only do the students need to pass a written exam, they must answer questions quickly and correctly and prove they can make repairs. Only US citizens 18 or older are allowed to take this test.

A good mechanic needs to be organized, detailed, observant and inquisitive. It is his or her skills that keep the vehicle or plane functioning properly and people safe. With the help of a mechanic training guide, students can find specialize, certified schools that help them develop the skills and knowledge they need