Begin your Aviation Careers and Enroll in an Aircraft Trade School
Aviation trade schools offer you a selection of paths to success in the aviation industry. Training through an aircraft trade school can prepare you for a number of jobs, such as aircraft mechanic, avionics technician, or aviation maintenance professional. Most aviation mechanics train for 18 to 24 months at one of the 170 schools recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Aircraft trade schools offer programs leading to certifications or degrees in fields that include:

• Aircraft Maintenance and Aviation Mechanics. Learn the procedures for maintenance and repair of fixed wing aircraft, including powerplants, hydraulics, electrical systems, airframe, and more. Studies can lead or a degree or diploma.
• Avionics Technicians. Avionics systems are vital to radio communications, radar systems, and aircraft navigation. With career training, you can learn how to maintain and repair these vital instruments. As the level of complexity increases in aircraft technology, so too does the training of avionics technicians.

Aviation Careers Outlook
According to the most recent statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 130,000 aircraft mechanics and service technicians in the country. Becoming FAA certified as an "airframe" or "powerplant" mechanic can prepare you for some of the best job opportunities. However, FAA certification typically requires ongoing training, classwork, and work experience.

In the end, an education at an aircraft trade school can be both professionally and financially rewarding. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, avionics technicians earned a median salary of $49,310 in 2008, while aircraft mechanics and service technicians earned $51,390.