Find A&P Mechanic Licensing Information Near You

Understanding A&P Mechanic Licenses and Their Purpose

An Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic license is a federal credential that allows individuals to work on aircraft maintenance and repairs. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues these licenses to mechanics who meet specific training and testing requirements. Unlike state-issued licenses that vary by location, A&P licenses are recognized nationwide and represent a standardized qualification in aviation maintenance.

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The A&P license actually consists of two separate certificates: the Airframe certificate and the Powerplant certificate. Some mechanics pursue both, earning what the industry calls "A&P mechanic" status. The Airframe certificate covers the structure, systems, and components of aircraft bodies. The Powerplant certificate covers engines, propellers, and related systems. Mechanics with both certificates can perform comprehensive maintenance and repairs across all aircraft systems.

According to the FAA, there are approximately 165,000 active A&P mechanics in the United States as of recent data. The aviation maintenance field continues to face workforce shortages, with industry projections suggesting demand for thousands of additional mechanics over the coming years. This creates ongoing opportunities for individuals pursuing this career path.

Understanding the distinction between A&P licensing and other aviation certifications helps clarify your career direction. Repairmen certificates, for example, allow work on specific aircraft types but are more limited in scope. Inspection Authorization (IA) credentials build upon A&P certification and allow mechanics to conduct inspections. Knowing these differences helps you determine which certification pathway matches your career goals.

Practical Takeaway: Before pursuing an A&P license, research whether you want to focus on airframe work, powerplant work, or both. This decision affects your training program selection and career specialization options.

Requirements for A&P Mechanic Certification

The FAA establishes specific requirements that individuals must meet to obtain an A&P license. These requirements focus on two main areas: work experience and passing written, oral, and practical examinations. Understanding these requirements helps you plan your certification timeline and identify which pathway works for your situation.

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For the Airframe certificate, the FAA requires either 18 months of work experience on airframes or 30 months of work experience on aircraft powerplants and systems combined. For the Powerplant certificate, you need either 18 months of work experience specifically on powerplants or 30 months of combined aircraft maintenance experience. Many individuals pursue both certificates, which requires meeting the experience requirements for each one.

Alternatively, you can meet experience requirements through formal training. Completion of an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) can substitute for some or all of the experience requirement. A complete program at an approved school typically takes 18 to 24 months and covers both airframe and powerplant systems. Graduates of these programs may need less hands-on work experience before testing. According to the FAA, there are over 170 FAA-approved maintenance schools across the country offering these programs.

Once you meet the experience or training requirements, you must pass three separate examinations for each certificate you pursue: a written test, an oral examination, and a practical test. The written test covers maintenance principles, regulations, and systems knowledge. The oral examination allows FAA inspectors to ask detailed questions about your knowledge and reasoning. The practical test, sometimes called the "mechanic exam," requires you to demonstrate hands-on skills by performing actual maintenance tasks under observation.

Background and health requirements also apply. You must be at least 18 years old, be able to read, write, and understand English, and hold a valid airman medical certificate or be able to obtain one. The medical certificate is less stringent than pilot medical requirements but confirms basic health standards.

Practical Takeaway: Calculate your total experience hours now. If you have been working in aircraft maintenance, maintenance positions at repair stations, or military aviation, document these hours carefully as they count toward your requirements.

Finding FAA-Approved Aviation Maintenance Schools Near You

Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools (AMTS) provide structured training programs that can reduce or eliminate your hands-on experience requirement. These schools offer classroom instruction combined with laboratory work where you practice actual maintenance procedures on aircraft and components. The FAA maintains an official registry of approved schools, which you can search by state and region.

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To locate approved schools in your area, visit the FAA's official website and search their list of certificated schools. This list provides the school name, location, and whether they offer Airframe, Powerplant, or combined programs. Many schools are located near major airports or aviation maintenance hubs. For example, schools operate in Florida, California, Texas, and throughout the Midwest where significant aviation activity occurs.

Program length varies but typically ranges from 18 to 24 months for combined Airframe and Powerplant training. Some schools offer accelerated programs completed in 12 to 18 months, while others spread training over longer periods for part-time students. Full-time programs allow you to focus exclusively on training, while part-time options let you maintain employment during your studies. Tuition costs vary significantly, ranging from approximately $30,000 to $60,000 depending on the school and program intensity.

When evaluating schools, consider factors beyond location. Look at job placement rates—many schools report that 70 to 90 percent of graduates find maintenance positions within six months. Review what aircraft types the school uses for training; exposure to different aircraft systems broadens your knowledge. Ask about instructor qualifications; experienced instructors with real-world maintenance backgrounds provide more practical insight. Investigate whether the school offers externship or apprenticeship arrangements with local repair shops or airlines, as these connections can lead directly to employment.

Virtual information sessions and campus tours are often available. Many schools publish program details, graduate testimonials, and career outcomes on their websites. Speaking directly with current students or recent graduates provides valuable perspective on the actual training experience.

Practical Takeaway: Contact three to five schools in your region and request detailed program information. Compare their curricula, instructor backgrounds, graduation rates, and post-graduation employment support.

Accumulating Work Experience for A&P Certification

If you choose the work-experience pathway rather than attending a formal school, you need to document your aviation maintenance work carefully. The FAA requires that your experience be directly related to aircraft maintenance and that you can verify it through employer records and supervisor documentation. Understanding what work counts and how to document it ensures you meet certification requirements when you're ready to test.

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Qualifying work experience includes positions at FAA-certified repair stations, commercial airlines, military aviation maintenance, general aviation maintenance facilities, and manufacturer maintenance operations. Work performed on aircraft structures, engines, avionics, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and flight controls all count. The key requirement is that the work must be on aircraft or aircraft components and must be documented by your employer.

Military service offers a significant advantage for this pathway. Military personnel who perform aviation maintenance as part of their duties can count this experience directly toward A&P requirements. A military aircraft mechanic with 18 months of service may meet the full experience requirement for one certificate immediately. The Department of Defense and FAA have established procedures for military personnel to transition their experience into civilian A&P credentials.

You must obtain official documentation of your work experience from each employer. This documentation, typically called a "Statement of Maintenance Experience" or similar, must include your job title, dates of employment, types of work performed, and the employer's authorization signature. Some employers have their own forms; others use FAA forms provided for this purpose. You'll submit these documents when you apply to take your FAA examinations.

Work experience toward Airframe and Powerplant certificates can sometimes overlap. If you have 30 months of combined aircraft maintenance experience, this can count toward either or both certificates. However, specialized experience matters for efficiency. If you want to test for both certificates, having at least some experience in both airframe and powerplant systems strengthens your preparation.

Practical Takeaway: If you currently work in aviation maintenance, meet with your supervisor now to understand what documentation your employer can provide. Request a comprehensive statement listing all work performed and its dates.

Preparing for A&P Written, Oral, and Practical Exams

The A&P examination process consists of three distinct tests that together confirm your knowledge and practical ability. Understanding what each exam covers and how they're structured helps you prepare effectively.

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