The time required to earn the Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license, which allows mechanics to legally maintain and repair U.S. civil aircraft, varies significantly based on the chosen path to eligibility. This license, issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), confirms the mechanic possesses the knowledge and skills to perform maintenance on the aircraft structure (Airframe) and the engine systems (Powerplant). The process involves two phases: meeting eligibility requirements through training or experience, and successfully completing a comprehensive testing sequence. The duration of the initial eligibility phase determines the overall timeline for becoming a certified aviation maintenance technician.
The Primary Routes to A&P Eligibility
A prospective mechanic must satisfy one of two pathways to become eligible to take the FAA A&P exams. The most common route involves attending an FAA-Approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS), regulated under 14 CFR Part 147. These schools deliver a structured curriculum and hands-on training that immediately qualifies the student for the testing phase upon graduation.
The alternative path involves documenting sufficient practical experience through On-the-Job Training (OJT) or qualifying military service. This experience must be accrued under the supervision of a certificated mechanic, repair station, or other approved entity. These two paths establish the knowledge base and practical skills required, dictating the initial timeline before a person can attempt the FAA examinations.
Timeline for Approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School
The structured environment of an FAA-Approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) provides the most predictable timeline for eligibility. Full-time programs typically span between 18 and 24 months to complete the curriculum for both the Airframe and Powerplant ratings concurrently. These programs meet FAA standards by requiring students to complete a minimum number of hours of instruction and practical application across all necessary subject areas, including general concepts, airframe structures, and powerplant systems.
Upon successful graduation from a Part 147 school, the student receives a certificate of completion used to apply for FAA testing authorization. This makes the individual immediately eligible to schedule the required written, oral, and practical examinations, eliminating the need to document practical work experience.
Timeline for On-the-Job Training and Military Experience
The On-the-Job Training (OJT) path is less structured and generally requires a longer timeline, relying on documented practical work experience. To qualify for a single rating (Airframe or Powerplant), the FAA requires a minimum of 18 months of practical experience. Individuals seeking both ratings concurrently must document a minimum of 30 months of combined experience.
This practical experience must be logged and verified by a certificated mechanic or supervisor and must cover a substantial portion of the subjects listed in FAA regulations. The individual must present this detailed documentation to an FAA inspector, who determines if the experience meets the necessary depth and breadth to issue a test authorization letter. Military experience often qualifies under this pathway, provided the service member’s records demonstrate the required type and duration of hands-on aviation maintenance duties. The total time to achieve eligibility through OJT is defined by the minimum 30-month requirement, plus time spent documenting tasks and awaiting FAA review.
The Testing and Certification Phase
Once eligibility is confirmed, the prospective mechanic enters the final phase: passing the FAA testing sequence, which consists of three stages. The process begins with the Knowledge Tests, commonly called the Written Exams, covering General, Airframe, and Powerplant subjects. These multiple-choice exams must be passed with a score of 70% or higher. Most candidates allocate a few weeks to several months for focused study preparation after completing their training or OJT.
After clearing the written component, the candidate must pass the Oral and Practical Examinations, administered by an FAA-designated mechanic examiner (DME). The Oral exam tests theoretical knowledge, while the Practical exam assesses hands-on ability to perform maintenance tasks. These two exams are comprehensive and typically require a full day to complete. The time to complete this final phase ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on the candidate’s preparation level and the scheduling availability of a local DME.
Variables That Can Affect the Total Duration
Several external and personal factors influence the total time it takes to obtain the A&P license. Enrollment type in an AMTS is a major variable; attending school part-time can double the program duration, extending it from two years to four years or more.
Individuals pursuing the OJT route face documentation scrutiny, where a lack of detailed logbooks can lead to delays as the FAA inspector requires further evidence of experience. The testing phase is also subject to delays, particularly when scheduling the Oral and Practical exams with a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME). Wait times for a DME appointment fluctuate based on regional demand.
If a candidate fails any of the three required tests—Written, Oral, or Practical—they must wait a minimum of 30 days before retesting, unless they complete additional training from an authorized instructor. Personal study habits and the ability to maintain a consistent schedule are the most significant variables under the individual’s control.