PLT451: Mechanic Certificate Ratings and Experience
What code PLT451 covers, why the FAA tests it, and how to study Mechanic Certificate Ratings and Experience before your checkride.
Recall regulations - ratings issued / experience requirements / limitations
What this means for your checkride
The ratings issued for a mechanic certificate are Airframe and Powerplant. To qualify, an applicant must present evidence of practical experience, either from a certificated aviation maintenance technician school or documentary evidence of at least 18 months of practical experience for a single rating, or at least 30 months performing duties for both ratings. A certificated mechanic may perform or supervise maintenance for the rating held, subject to the general privileges and limitations, and may not exercise those privileges without understanding the current manufacturer instructions and maintenance manuals.
Applicants must know the two mechanic ratings, the experience needed to earn them, and the limits on exercising the privileges.
A mechanic certificate is rated; a mechanic may only work on and approve items for the specific rating held, and may not perform major repairs or major alterations to propellers, or any repair or alteration to instruments.
Where to study it
A code on your test report is an area of deficiency. An authorized instructor must review it with you and endorse that review before you take the practical test, and the examiner may revisit it during the oral. Study it until you can explain it out loud, not just recognize the answer.