In order to be an aircraft mechanic, an individual must have an aircraft mechanic license. There are certain eligibility requirements that are similar to those required to become a pilot. A mechanic must be at least 18, be able to read, speak, and understand English, meet the education and/or experience requirements, and pass the various tests that are administered. The two ways a mechanic can get his aircraft mechanic license is to have attended an Aviation Maintenance School program or have a number of months of applicable experience. Any Aviation Maintenance School program approved and supervised by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) will enable a student to earn his aircraft mechanic license. This program ranges between 18 and 24 months. There are two different areas a student can achieve ratings in: Airframe and Powerplant. A student can choose to devote his time to one or the other, or he can try to get ratings in both. As for getting the aircraft mechanic license through experience, anyone with practical field experience must be able to show 18 months of applicable work experience. In order to get ratings in both Airframe and Powerplant, however, the total is actually 30 months of applicable work experience.