An A&P license is a federal certificate that lets you legally work on aircraft and their engines

An A&P license — short for Airframe and Powerplant — is not a driver's license. It is a federal credential issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that certifies you are trained to inspect, maintain, and repair aircraft structures and engines. You need this license to work as an aircraft mechanic or technician at an airline, repair shop, or maintenance facility.

The license comes in two parts: the Airframe (A) certificate covers the aircraft body, wings, landing gear, and hydraulic systems, while the Powerplant (P) certificate covers engines and engine systems. Many mechanics hold both certificates at the same time, which is why you often hear the term "A&P mechanic." Without this license, you cannot legally perform maintenance work on aircraft that carry passengers or cargo.

This is different from a driver's license because it is a specialized occupational credential, not a permit to operate a vehicle. You do not renew it the same way, and the requirements to earn one are much more demanding.

Key Takeaways

  • An A&P license is a federal FAA certificate that authorizes you to work on aircraft maintenance, repair, and inspection — not a driver's license.
  • You need documented flight hours or work experience in aircraft maintenance before you can take the FAA written, oral, and practical exams.
  • The path to an A&P license typically takes 18 months to four years depending on whether you attend a formal school or learn on the job.
  • Once you hold an A&P license, you renew it by maintaining currency through work experience and staying current with FAA regulations.

How you earn an A&P license

To earn an A&P license, you must meet one of two paths set by the FAA: attend an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school, or accumulate hands-on work experience under the supervision of someone who already holds an A&P license.

The school route typically takes 18 to 24 months. You attend classes in aircraft systems, maintenance procedures, and regulations, then take the FAA written exam, an oral exam with an FAA examiner, and a practical exam where you demonstrate you can actually perform maintenance tasks. Schools like those accredited through the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) prepare you for all three exams.

The work experience route takes longer — usually three to five years — but costs less upfront. You work under a licensed A&P mechanic, log your hours in a maintenance logbook, and document what systems and tasks you have worked on. Once you have the required hours (the FAA specifies different totals depending on whether you are pursuing just the A, just the P, or both), you can sit for the same three exams.

What the three A&P exams test

The FAA requires you to pass three separate exams: a written test, an oral exam, and a practical exam. You can take them in any order, but most people take the written test first.

The written exam covers aircraft systems, regulations, maintenance procedures, and safety. You have two hours to answer 80 multiple-choice questions. The test is offered at testing centers across the country and costs around $175 to $200, though the exact fee varies by testing provider.

The oral exam is a conversation with an FAA examiner (called a Designated Mechanic Examiner, or DME) who asks you questions about aircraft systems, maintenance practices, and how you would handle real-world scenarios. There is no set time limit, but it typically lasts 1 to 2 hours. The examiner is checking whether you understand not just the rules, but the reasoning behind them.

The practical exam (also called the "checkride") is where you show you can actually do the work. The examiner gives you real maintenance tasks — inspecting components, troubleshooting systems, performing repairs — and watches you work. You must demonstrate proper technique, safety awareness, and knowledge of the systems you are working on.

How long an A&P license lasts

An A&P license does not expire in the traditional sense. Once you pass all three exams and the FAA issues your certificate, it remains valid for life — but only if you stay current.

Staying current means you must work on aircraft or aircraft engines within the previous 24 months. If you stop working in aircraft maintenance for more than two years, your certificate becomes invalid, and you must retake at least one of the three exams to restore it. This is the FAA's way of ensuring that mechanics stay familiar with current aircraft systems and regulations.

You also must comply with any FAA Airworthiness Directives (ADs) and stay informed about changes to maintenance procedures and regulations. Many employers require their A&P mechanics to complete recurrent training or take refresher courses, even though the FAA does not formally mandate this for certificate renewal.

The difference between an A&P license and other aviation credentials

An A&P license is one of several FAA credentials in aviation. A pilot's license lets you operate an aircraft; an A&P license lets you maintain one. A repairman certificate is a narrower credential that allows you to work on specific aircraft types or systems, usually at smaller repair shops or for experimental aircraft. An inspection authorization (IA) is an add-on credential that lets an A&P mechanic sign off on major repairs and inspections without a supervisor reviewing the work first.

If you hold a driver's license and want to work in aviation, an A&P license is a separate process entirely. The two credentials serve completely different purposes and are issued by different federal agencies.

Where A&P mechanics work

A&P mechanics work for airlines, aircraft manufacturers, repair shops, the military, and the FAA itself. Some work at fixed-base operators (FBOs) at small airports, maintaining private and corporate aircraft. Others work for major carriers like United or Delta, maintaining large commercial jets.

The job involves reading maintenance manuals, using specialized tools, testing systems, and documenting all work in aircraft logbooks. Because aircraft safety depends on proper maintenance, the work is highly regulated and requires precision and attention to detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an A&P license to work on small private aircraft?

It depends on the aircraft and the work. If you own a small experimental aircraft, you may be able to perform your own maintenance. But if you work on someone else's aircraft or on any aircraft that carries passengers for hire, you need an A&P license. Check with the FAA or your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) if you are unsure about a specific situation.

Can I get an A&P license without attending a formal school?

Yes. You can accumulate the required work hours under a licensed A&P mechanic and then take the three FAA exams. This path takes longer and requires finding an employer willing to hire and train you, but it is possible and costs less than formal schooling.

What happens if I fail one of the three A&P exams?

You can retake any exam you fail. There is no limit on how many times you can attempt each test, though you must wait a certain period between attempts (the FAA specifies this based on the exam type). Many people pass all three on their first try, but retakes are common and expected.

Can I work as an aircraft mechanic while I am studying for my A&P license?

Yes, if you work under the supervision of someone who already holds an A&P license. In fact, this is how many people meet the FAA's experience requirements. Your supervisor must sign off on your logbook entries documenting the work you have done.

How much does it cost to get an A&P license?

Costs vary widely. Formal school programs range from $20,000 to $50,000 depending on the school and program length. If you pursue the work-experience route, your main costs are exam fees (roughly $175 to $200 per exam, so $525 to $600 total for all three) plus any study materials. Many employers pay for training if you work for them while earning your hours.