The Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license represents the United States’ primary professional certification for aircraft maintenance technicians. Obtaining this license is the necessary step for individuals seeking to work independently on U.S.-registered civil aircraft. This certification verifies that a mechanic possesses the required knowledge and skills to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft components and systems.
Understanding the Airframe and Powerplant Certification
The A&P certification is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and governs the privileges of the holder to perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations on aircraft. This regulatory framework is established under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), specifically Part 65. The license itself is a single certificate that includes one or both of two distinct ratings: Airframe and Powerplant.
The Airframe rating covers the maintenance and repair of the aircraft’s physical structure, including the fuselage, wings, and landing gear. The Powerplant rating permits work on the aircraft’s engines, propellers, and related accessories. Most mechanics pursue both ratings concurrently, resulting in the combined A&P certificate that grants the broadest authority for working on an aircraft.
Establishing Eligibility
Before proceeding to a qualification pathway, applicants must meet several requirements set by the FAA. Each applicant must be at least 18 years of age and must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. While the FAA does not mandate a high school diploma, many employers require one for employment.
Applicants must also demonstrate the ability to pass all required examinations within a 24-month period after beginning the testing process. Once these initial standards are met, the candidate can pursue qualification through either formal schooling or documented experience.
Qualifying Through an Approved Maintenance School
The primary path to A&P certification involves attending an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS). These schools offer structured programs that integrate classroom instruction with practical, hands-on training, covering three modules: General, Airframe, and Powerplant.
To qualify for the full A&P certificate, the program must typically consist of a minimum of 1,900 hours of instruction. This training generally takes between 18 and 24 months to complete. Graduates from an AMTS receive a certificate of completion which serves as direct evidence of eligibility to take the FAA knowledge tests. This pathway simplifies the application process because the school has already verified that the student has met the time and subject area requirements.
Qualifying Through Documented Practical Experience
The alternative route to certification is through documented on-the-job training (OJT) or military experience. An applicant must demonstrate a minimum of 18 months of practical experience for a single rating, either Airframe or Powerplant. To qualify for both ratings concurrently, the applicant must document at least 30 months of practical experience.
This experience must be full-time, which the FAA defines as work based on a standard 40-hour work week, or an equivalent of approximately 160 hours per month. Candidates must present verifiable records detailing the time spent and the specific type of work performed to an FAA inspector at a Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). The inspector must sign FAA Form 8610-2, the Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application, to authorize the applicant to proceed with the examinations.
Navigating the Written, Oral, and Practical Exams
All candidates must pass three types of FAA examinations: written, oral, and practical. The process begins with the written knowledge tests, which are computer-based, multiple-choice exams covering the General, Airframe, and Powerplant subject areas. An applicant must achieve a minimum score of 70% to pass each of these knowledge tests.
Once the written tests are passed, the applicant is authorized to take the Oral and Practical (O&P) examination, administered by an FAA-designated examiner (DME). The O&P assesses hands-on skill and technical comprehension and is divided into the same three sections as the written tests. The oral portion involves a verbal review of technical knowledge, while the practical portion requires the applicant to perform maintenance tasks and demonstrate proficiency with tools and procedures.
Career Opportunities and Maintaining Your License
The A&P license opens the door to career opportunities within the aviation industry, including roles at commercial airlines, general aviation repair stations, and aircraft manufacturing companies. Mechanics can specialize in areas like avionics, rotorcraft, or heavy maintenance.
While the certificate itself does not expire once issued, the privileges associated with it must be kept current. To exercise these privileges, a mechanic must have performed maintenance for at least six months within the preceding 24-month period. Mechanics who meet additional experience and training requirements can also apply for an Inspection Authorization (IA), which grants the privilege to perform annual inspections and approve major repairs and alterations.