Training and Workforce
GAO Wants High Schoolers To Take Mechanic General Test
First step toward licensing could encourage youth to seek aviation careers
Aircraft mechanic numbers from the FAA
© GAO

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has concluded that high school students taking aviation maintenance classes in non-certified mechanic training programs should be allowed to take the general written knowledge test, the first step in the airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic licensing process. This would help alleviate the mechanic shortage by encouraging students to continue their training and become licensed.

According to the GAO’s “High School Aviation Maintenance Programs” report, there are nearly 100 aviation maintenance programs that also serve high school students, and 43 of these are high schools that are not FAA-approved under the Part 147 regulations that govern A&P programs. Because these aren’t certificated by the FAA, these high school students are not able to take any of the tests toward licensing.