I have only an airframe-related experience of 8 years without a license, but have logbook, my US citizenship in process, and want to become an aircraft technician. How can I become a US aircraft maintenance technician? I have Pakistani aviation experience in airframe/B1.
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The FAA has a guide to becoming an aviation mechanic, and the related regulations are in 14 CFR 65 Subpart D. In summary:
- Be at least 18 and be able to speak and write English
- Have 18 months experience working on airframes or powerplants; or, 30 months experience working on both
- Pass three tests: written, oral and practical
The experience requirements are in 65.77 and it doesn't say that you need to have worked in the US. So your experience in Pakistan should be valid, although I have no idea what documentation you need to provide.
If you're inside the US, there's no requirement to be a US citizen, although to work and/or study in the US you need an appropriate visa (or green card). Some employers might require citizenship for specific positions, for security or other reasons.
If you're outside the US, you have to be a citizen or permanent resident, or get special approval per 65.3:
§65.3 Certification of foreign airmen other than flight crewmembers.
A person who is neither a U.S. citizen nor a resident alien is issued a certificate under subpart D of this part, outside the United States, only when the Administrator finds that the certificate is needed for the operation or continued airworthiness of a U.S.-registered civil aircraft.
