GAO urges FAA to evaluate test access for uncertified high school programs

The Government Accountability Office has recommended that the Federal Aviation Administration establish a working group of industry stakeholders and aviation experts to assess whether students who complete an aviation maintenance curriculum at uncertified high schools should be allowed to take the FAA general written knowledge test. The recommendation stems from the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which required the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee to create an Airman Knowledge Testing Working Group by May 2025. To date, the FAA has not formed the group.

GAO's review identified more than 200 aviation maintenance schools that issue FAA certificates, including eleven certificated high schools and 43 colleges, universities, or career-technical centers that serve high-school students. At least 43 additional high schools operate aviation maintenance programs without FAA certification, rendering their students ineligible for the general knowledge test, the first step toward mechanic certification.

Stakeholders cited limited awareness of the mechanic career path and the cost of attending a certificated school after completing courses at an uncertified program as barriers. The GAO report notes that the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects roughly 11,300 annual openings for aircraft mechanics through 2034, underscoring the need for a broader pipeline of qualified workers.

The Department of Transportation has concurred with the GAO recommendation, but the FAA's response remains pending. The recommendation is listed as "Open" in the GAO's findings, indicating that the agency has not yet taken the required action.

If the FAA establishes the advisory group and completes the assessment, it could determine whether expanding test eligibility would help address future workforce demand for aircraft mechanics.