Starting an aircraft mechanic program (A&P, AMT, or any FAA Part 147-approved course), means diving into hands-on training from the first day.
Most schools, in fact, require you to purchase a complete tool kit before you start class. For example, with the Portland Community College, they say, “You will need to obtain your tools before participating in your first class”.
Luckily, there are plenty of tool kits for aviation maintenance students that are readily available.
Why Are Tool Kits Required So Early?
When it comes to aviation maintenance school, it isn’t your typical college program where you need books and notebooks. For most classes, within the first week, you’ll start hands-on training, which requires tools.
Not all, but most aviation maintenance schools will require complete tool kits on your first day. If you show up without tools, you may delay your training or fall behind your classmates. You may even get a penalty on your lab grade.
In short, aircraft mechanic school tools may be necessary. It can vary, so it’s always beneficial to consult with your instructor first. They’ll help you determine whether it’s needed or not.
Just so you know, some schools even add this into their estimated expenses. For example, Tarrant County College suggests tools will be around $400 to $1,200 and $600 for books (additional fees come with tuition).
What Should a Tool Kit for Aviation Maintenance Students Include?
If tools are required, the school will have a list of the necessary tools. For example, with Portland Community College, the Student AMT tool kits require:
| Tool Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Socket Set | 3/16", 7/32", 1/4", 9/32", 5/16", 11/32", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16" |
| Socket Set | 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", 3/4" |
| Special Socket | Spark Plug Socket (ATS 950 or equivalent) |
| Combination Wrenches | 5/16", 11/32", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", 3/4", 13/16", 7/8" |
| Special Wrench | Brake Bleeding Tool |
| Pliers | Channel Lock (10"), Duck Bill (8"), Needle Nose (6"), Diagonal Cutter - Flush (8"), Diagonal Cutter - Full-Flush (6"), Slip Joint (8"), Vice Grip (6"), Safety-Wire Pliers (Milbar® Model 25W or equivalent) |
| Measuring Tools | Outside Micrometer (0–1"), Dial Caliper (.001"), Machinist’s Square (12"), 6" Scale (5R), Steel Tape Rule (24 ft), Multimeter (Fluke™ 115/117 or better) |
| Inspection Tools | Inspection Mirror (~2"), Flashlight (Single LED), 10x Magnifier, 3–5x Magnifier (2–3" diameter) |
| Screwdrivers | Magna Tip (8" handle + 4 bits: #1 Phillips, #2 Phillips, small/medium slot), Dzus Tool, 9-piece Set (includes stubby #2 Phillips & 1" straight slot) |
| Metal Working | Center Punch, Scribe, Hacksaw Frame (12"), Blades (18, 24, 32 tpi), Files (flat smooth, flat medium, round), File Handles, File Card & Brush, Pin Punch Set (1/16 to 5/16") |
| Safety Equipment | Mechanic’s Gloves, Welding Gloves, Half-Face Respirator (Organic Vapor/Dust), Dust Masks (N95), Hearing Protection (Muffs & Plugs), ANSI Z87 Eye Protection |
| Other Tools | Ball Peen Hammer (12 oz), Dead-Blow Hammer (10–16 oz), Magnetic Pickup Tool, Mechanical Fingers, Hex Key Set (.050" to 3/16"), Wire Strippers (10–22 AWG), Terminal Crimper (ratcheting), Valve Core Tool, Brass O-Ring Tool |
| Tool Storage | Top Box Only (Max 26"W x 20"H x 12"D), Small Cloth Tool Bag, Cable or Chain with Lock |
| Computer | Windows/Android recommended. Must support full browser and MS Office 2016+ |
| Supplies | 1/4" Graph Paper, Highlighters, Colored Pencils, #2 Pencils, Sharpie, Clipboard, Pencil Compass, Protractor, Scientific Calculator (non-programmable) |
The Benefits of Having a Professional Kit
Whether you need an A&P student tool kit or just general aircraft mechanic school tools, investing in high-quality, professional-grade equipment from day one will pay off.
Firstly, some schools will require a specific quality of tool. These will most likely be compliant tools. Not only this, but they get you to learn organization early. At the end of the day, if you spend a lot on an Aviation mechanic student starter kit, you want to keep it pristine.
Alongside the above, by investing in quality tools, you start your career strong. The tools you buy won’t just be for class. You’ll end up using these tools at the beginning and maybe even towards the end of your career.
Why Choose Red Box Tools
At Red Box Tools, we’ve reviewed a lot of aircraft maintenance school tool lists and have developed ready-to-use tool kits for those attending class.
Each of our tool kits has been built with aviation engineers in mind. They include mostly all of the tools required to start your school off (please note, these are the most common tools, and that some schools require different tools).
The tools used in these kits are also aviation-approved. We used the highest quality of tools, Bahco, to ensure you’re compliant with the education. These also come with a lifetime guarantee for professional use.
Including the above, we can offer complete bespoke solutions. These could include large tool chests all the way to small tool boxes, foam inserts, etching, and more.
Save with Our Student Discounts
We believe that the next generation of aviation professionals should have access to the best tools without breaking the bank.
Because of this, we offer college aviation tool kit discounts on our custom aviation tool kits.
