How To Get A&P License
How To Get Your A&P License: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide
So, you've decided to pursue a career soaring above the clouds—not as a pilot, but as the unsung hero who keeps those massive machines flying safely. That's fantastic! Becoming an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) is a rewarding path, but it requires a very specific credential: the Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) License.
This license is non-negotiable if you want to perform serious maintenance on U.S. registered aircraft. If you've been wondering How To Get A&P License without getting bogged down in confusing FAA regulations, you've come to the right place. We're breaking down everything you need to know, from school requirements to the final exams.
Let's dive in and chart your course toward getting certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
What Exactly is an A&P License and Why Do You Need It?
The A&P License is the industry standard certification for aircraft mechanics. It's actually two licenses rolled into one: Airframe (A) and Powerplant (P). You must hold both to work as a licensed mechanic in the United States.
The Airframe certification covers everything from wings, fuselage, and landing gear to hydraulics and environmental systems. The Powerplant certification focuses on engines, propellers, ignition, and fuel systems. Together, they grant you the authority to inspect, maintain, and approve an aircraft for return to service.
Why is it necessary? Because the FAA requires highly skilled and certified professionals to handle the delicate work of aircraft maintenance. Holding this license opens the door to high-paying jobs with airlines, repair stations, manufacturing companies, and even government agencies.
Determining Your Path: Two Main Routes to Certification
The first step in understanding How To Get A&P License is figuring out which qualification route suits you best. The FAA recognizes two primary ways to qualify for the required testing:
Route 1: Attending an Approved AMT School (The Traditional Path)
This is the most common and often the fastest route, especially if you have no prior aviation experience. An FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) school teaches you all the theoretical and practical knowledge needed according to FAA Part 147 regulations.
These schools offer structured programs designed to fully prepare you for the written, oral, and practical exams. The typical duration for a full A&P program is between 18 to 24 months.
Benefits of the Traditional Path
Choosing an AMT school provides structure and hands-on experience in a controlled environment. Here is what you gain:
- Immediate Eligibility: Upon graduation, the school authorizes you to take the FAA exams immediately, eliminating the need to track your own hours.
- Comprehensive Knowledge: You receive classroom instruction covering every topic required by the FAA curriculum (General, Airframe, and Powerplant).
- Modern Equipment: Access to specialized tools and real aircraft components for practical training.
- Networking Opportunities: You connect with instructors and classmates who are already established in the industry.
Route 2: Qualifying Through Practical Experience (The Military or OJT Path)
If you have worked as an aircraft mechanic for several years, perhaps in the military or under the supervision of a licensed A&P mechanic, you may qualify based on your practical experience. This route is typically reserved for those who already possess significant on-the-job training (OJT).
The FAA is very strict about documented experience. You need a minimum number of documented hours specifically performing maintenance tasks related to both Airframe and Powerplant.
Experience Requirements Checklist
To qualify for testing without attending an FAA Part 147 school, your experience must meet these requirements:
- 18 months of practical experience for the Airframe rating OR 18 months for the Powerplant rating.
- 30 months of combined experience if applying for both ratings simultaneously (which is highly recommended).
- The work must be verifiable, covering at least 50% of the subject matter areas listed in the FAA regulations.
- You must obtain official documentation proving this experience, often using the FAA Form 8610-2, signed off by an FAA inspector.
If you come from a military background, often your military occupational specialty (MOS) training can be translated directly into the required civilian experience hours. Be sure to contact your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) early on to confirm your eligibility.
The Certification Process: Step-by-Step Testing
Once you've met the eligibility requirements—either through school graduation or confirmed experience—you are ready for the rigorous testing phase. This phase is uniform regardless of your qualification route.
The entire certification process is overseen by the FAA and consists of three distinct phases:
Phase 1: Passing the Written Exams (General, Airframe, Powerplant)
You must pass three separate written examinations. Each test is a multiple-choice, computer-administered exam taken at an authorized testing center. A score of 70% or higher is required to pass each section.
- General (G): Covers basic physics, mathematics, material science, regulations, and shop practices.
- Airframe (A): Focuses on aircraft structures, systems, assembly, rigging, and inspection procedures.
- Powerplant (P): Focuses on reciprocating and turbine engines, propellers, lubrication, cooling, and electrical systems.
Many successful candidates recommend using study guides and practice test software extensively before attempting these exams. The questions are derived from a large bank, so familiarity with the structure is key.
Phase 2: Mastering the Oral and Practical Exams (O&P)
This is the final hurdle and arguably the most nerve-wracking part of learning How To Get A&P License. The Oral and Practical exams test your ability to explain technical concepts and physically perform maintenance tasks safely and correctly. They are administered by an FAA-Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME), not the FAA itself.
The O&P usually takes two or three days and is broken down into three sections (General, Airframe, and Powerplant). You will be asked specific questions and required to demonstrate skills like sheet metal repair, safety wiring, or engine timing.
The key here is preparation and professionalism. Treat the DME with respect, follow safety procedures rigorously, and remember that they are testing your ability to be a safe, competent mechanic.
Congratulations! What Happens After You Get Your A&P License?
Once your DME signs off on your final practical exam, you are officially an FAA-licensed A&P Mechanic! This license never expires, but to keep using it, you must demonstrate recent experience in the field.
The sky is truly the limit now. You can start applying for highly competitive positions that were previously closed off to you. Many mechanics begin working for regional airlines or smaller repair facilities and quickly move up to major carriers or specialized maintenance roles.
Advanced Opportunities
With a few years of experience, you might aim for advanced ratings. The most common next step is acquiring an Inspection Authorization (IA). This allows you to perform annual and progressive inspections on aircraft, a highly specialized and well-compensated role.
Continuous training is vital in this industry, especially as new technology (like electric aircraft or advanced composite materials) emerges. Always look for manufacturer-specific training courses to stay competitive.
Conclusion: The Final Take on How To Get A&P License
Earning your A&P License is a commitment, requiring dedication whether you choose the structured environment of an AMT school or the demanding practical experience route. But the effort pays off handsomely, leading to a stable, fascinating, and financially rewarding career in aviation maintenance.
Remember to thoroughly research your chosen path, study diligently for the written exams, and approach the Oral and Practical with confidence. Following this guide ensures you know exactly How To Get A&P License and secure your future as a certified aviation professional. Good luck, and happy wrenching!
Frequently Asked Questions About A&P Licensing
- How long does the entire A&P process take?
- If you attend a full-time FAA Part 147 school, the process typically takes 18 to 24 months. If you qualify through experience, the time spent accumulating hours can be 30 months or more, plus the time required for testing.
- Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to get an A&P license?
- No. The FAA does not require you to be a U.S. citizen. However, you must be able to read, speak, and understand the English language, and be at least 18 years old.
- What is the most difficult part of the A&P certification?
- Most candidates agree that the Oral and Practical (O&P) exams are the most challenging because they require hands-on application of knowledge under pressure. Preparation with a highly recommended DME is crucial for success.
- How often must I renew my A&P License?
- The A&P Certificate itself does not expire. However, to exercise the privileges of your license, you must show that you have worked as an A&P mechanic for at least 6 months within the preceding 24 months, or have demonstrated knowledge through an approved training program.
How To Get A&P License
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