Definition
An aircraft maintenance technician (AMT) is a person trained, tested, and certificated by the FAA to inspect, service, repair, and approve aircraft and aircraft components for return to service. AMT is the modern term for what was historically called an A&P mechanic, holding Airframe and/or Powerplant ratings under 14 CFR Part 65.
Plain English
An AMT is a certified aircraft mechanic — someone qualified by the FAA to work on aircraft and sign off that the work was done correctly so the aircraft is safe to fly.
Context Anchor
Pilots encounter AMTs during inspections, repairs, aircraft logbook reviews, and discussions about whether an aircraft is ready for flight.
Derivation
The term shifted from 'aircraft mechanic' to 'aircraft maintenance technician' to reflect the broader, more technical scope of modern aviation maintenance — which now includes avionics, composites, and complex systems, not just turning wrenches.
Why Pilots Care
Only a certificated AMT (or someone working under their supervision) can legally perform and sign off on most maintenance and inspections required to keep an aircraft airworthy. Pilots rely on AMT signatures in the logbooks to confirm the aircraft is legal and safe to fly.
Intuition Check
Do not read AMT as just a general mechanic. In aviation, it means an aircraft maintenance professional working under specific aviation rules and authorizations.
Example Sentence 1
Before the flight, the pilot reviewed the maintenance logbook and confirmed the AMT had signed off the recent oil change and inspection.
Example Sentence 2
After noticing unusual vibration, the pilot asked an AMT to examine the propeller.