Qual é a diferença entre um mecânico e um reparador?

A diferença básica é que um mecânico pode realizar manutenção em qualquer aeronave; um reparador pode realizar a manutenção apenas em aeronaves para seu empregador, ou que elas possuam.

Os detalhes completos estão em 14 CFR 65 Subparte D (mecânica) e Subparte E (reparadores). Aqui estão os privilégios básicos para cada um (ênfase minha):

A certificated mechanic may perform or supervise the maintenance, preventive maintenance or alteration of an aircraft or appliance, or a part thereof, for which he is rated (but excluding major repairs to, and major alterations of, propellers, and any repair to, or alteration of, instruments), and may perform additional duties in accordance with §§65.85, 65.87, and 65.95.

E:

A certificated repairman may perform or supervise the maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration of aircraft or aircraft components appropriate to the job for which the repairman was employed and certificated, but only in connection with duties for the certificate holder by whom the repairman was employed and recommended.

"Reparador" também se aplica a proprietários de aeronaves de esporte experimental e leve. Se você construir sua própria aeronave, você tem privilégios de reparador para mantê-la, mas não pode usar esses privilégios para trabalhar em outra aeronave, de acordo com 65.104 (b) (ênfase minha):

The holder of a repairman certificate (experimental aircraft builder) may perform condition inspections on the aircraft constructed by the holder in accordance with the operating limitations of that aircraft.

Esta página da FAA discute tanto

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I'm a US Citizen. What requirements must I meet to get a mechanic's certificate?

You must be at least 18 years old;

able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

You must get 18 months of practical experience with either power plants or airframes, or 30 months of practical experience working on both at the same time.

As an alternative to this experience requirement, you can graduate from an FAA-Approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School. You must pass three types of tests;

a written examination

an oral test

a practical test

How do I get a repairman's certificate?

To get a repairman's certificate, you must be recommended by a repair station, commercial operator, or air carrier. You must

be at least 18 years old;

be able to read, write, speak, and understand English

be qualified to perform maintenance on aircraft or components

be employed or a specific job requiring special qualifications by an FAA-certified Repair Station, commercial operator, or air carrier.

be recommended for the repairman certificate by your employer

have either 18 months practical experience in the specific job or complete a formal training course acceptable to FAA.

Então eles são parecidos, com um teste para acompanhar.