FAA certifies record number of new aircraft mechanics in 2025

The FAA issued 11,103 new mechanic certificates in 2025, up 23.2% on the year before and the largest annual total since the agency began publishing the figure. That is according to a Pipeline Report from the Aviation Technician Education Council and Oliver Wyman.

Aviation maintenance technician schools accounted for 7,496 of those certificates, up 27% from 2024 and a record in its own right. Enrollment at FAA-certificated maintenance schools rose 13.5% to 27,740 students. Certifications earned through civilian experience, including apprenticeships, were up 21%, while those based on military experience rose 5% to 1,375.

The FAA is also reviewing testing access for students who enter the maintenance pipeline through high school programs.

ATEC executive director Crystal Maguire said the growth and its causes were encouraging signs of progress in widening and diversifying the technical workforce pipeline. Momentum needs to keep building to cover near-term and long-term demand, she added, including securing enough resources and candidates.

Supply remains behind demand. Oliver Wyman projects a North American shortfall of about 9,100 certificated mechanics this year, widening to roughly 20,000 by 2030, equal to 12% of expected demand.

Ageing is a large part of the picture. Of the certificated mechanic population, 44% is over 60, and more than 39,000 retirements are expected over the next ten years. ATEC says certificated mechanics make up 86% of the technical workforce in general aviation.

Training capacity is not fully used. Even after last year's enrollment gain, only 62% of available A&P program seats were filled.