What an A&P License School Teaches and Who Runs Them

An A&P license school trains you to become an aircraft mechanic certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). "A&P" stands for Airframe and Powerplant — the two main areas of aircraft maintenance. The FAA does not run these schools; instead, private vocational programs, community colleges, and trade schools across the country offer A&P training and prepare students to pass the FAA written, oral, and practical exams.

The FAA sets the curriculum standards and testing requirements, but the schools themselves decide how they teach and how long the program lasts. Most programs run between 18 and 24 months of full-time study, though some are longer. You do not get your A&P certificate from the school — the school prepares you, and you earn the certificate directly from the FAA by passing three separate exams after you finish the program.

Schools vary widely in cost, location, and teaching style. Some are small independent shops; others are part of larger community college systems. Some focus on classroom and textbook learning; others emphasize hands-on work in actual aircraft hangars. The school you choose affects how much you pay, how long you study, and how well you feel prepared for the FAA tests.

Key Takeaways

  • A&P schools teach airframe and powerplant maintenance but do not issue the certificate — the FAA does after you pass three exams.
  • Program length typically ranges from 18 to 24 months of full-time study, and costs vary from roughly $30,000 to $50,000 depending on the school and location.
  • The FAA maintains a list of approved schools on its website, and you can verify any school's accreditation status before you enroll.
  • Most schools require a high school diploma or GED and basic math and reading skills, though admission standards differ by program.
  • After graduation, you must pass the FAA written exam, oral exam, and practical exam separately to earn your A&P certificate.

How the FAA Approves A&P Schools

The FAA approves schools under Part 147 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. This means the school has met FAA standards for curriculum, instructors, facilities, and equipment. An approved Part 147 school teaches the subjects the FAA requires and uses instructors who hold current A&P certificates themselves. The FAA inspects these schools regularly to make sure they stay in compliance.

Not all schools that claim to teach A&P maintenance are FAA-approved. Some offer general aircraft maintenance training but are not Part 147 schools. Attending an unapproved school does not automatically disqualify you from taking the FAA exams, but you may have to prove your knowledge and experience in other ways — usually by working in the field for several years before you can test. Approved schools give you a direct path to the exams without that delay.

You can search the FAA's list of approved Part 147 schools on the FAA's website. The list includes the school name, location, and approval status. Before you enroll anywhere, check that list to confirm the school is current. Approval can be suspended or revoked if a school fails an inspection, so even a school that was approved in the past may no longer be.

What You Study in an A&P Program

A&P training covers two main tracks: airframe and powerplant. Airframe focuses on the structure of the aircraft — the fuselage, wings, landing gear, hydraulic systems, and electrical systems. Powerplant covers engines, fuel systems, and engine-related components. Most programs teach both, so you graduate ready to test for both ratings. Some schools let you pursue just one rating first, then add the other later.

Beyond the technical subjects, programs include Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), aircraft systems, materials and processes, and maintenance procedures. You learn to read technical manuals, blueprints, and wiring diagrams. You also learn safety practices and how to use the tools and equipment used in real aircraft maintenance. Classroom time is usually paired with lab or hangar time where you work on actual aircraft or aircraft components.

The exact curriculum varies by school, but the FAA requires all Part 147 schools to cover the same core topics. This means that no matter which approved school you attend, you will learn the material needed to pass the FAA exams. The difference is in how the school teaches it — some use more simulators, others use more real aircraft, and some blend both approaches.

Cost, Duration, and Admission Requirements

Tuition at A&P schools ranges widely depending on whether the school is public or private and where it is located. Private trade schools often cost between $30,000 and $50,000 for the full program. Community colleges that offer A&P training are usually less expensive, sometimes $15,000 to $25,000, though you may pay more if you are out of state. Some programs charge by credit hour; others charge a flat tuition for the entire program. Always ask whether the quoted price includes books, tools, and exam fees or if those are extra.

Most programs run 18 to 24 months full-time. Some accelerated programs compress the material into 12 to 18 months but require more hours per week. Part-time options exist at some schools but are rare and usually take three to four years. The length affects not only how long you are in school but also how much you earn while you wait to start working as a certified mechanic.

Admission requirements are usually straightforward: a high school diploma or GED, basic math and reading skills, and sometimes a background check. Some schools require you to pass an entrance exam or interview. A few ask about your mechanical aptitude or prior experience, but most do not require any. Age limits are rare — you can enroll as soon as you have your high school credential, even if you are 18.

How to Find and Choose an A&P School

Start by searching the FAA's Part 147 school list on the FAA website. Filter by state or region to see what is near you. Then visit each school's website or call to ask about program length, cost, class schedules, and whether they teach both airframe and powerplant or just one. Ask whether they use real aircraft in training or simulators, and how many instructors they have per student.

Visit the school in person if you can. Look at the facilities, talk to current students, and ask to see the hangar or lab space where you will work. A school with well-maintained equipment and small class sizes usually offers better hands-on experience than one with outdated tools and large cohorts. Also ask about job placement — many schools track where their graduates work and can tell you which airlines, maintenance shops, or military branches hire from their program.

Compare costs carefully. A cheaper school is not always a better deal if it means longer study time or less hands-on training. Some schools offer payment plans, financial aid, or scholarships. Ask whether the school is accredited by a regional accrediting body beyond the FAA — accreditation from bodies like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) can matter if you ever want to transfer credits or pursue further education.

The Path From School to FAA Certification

After you finish your A&P program, you do not automatically receive your certificate. You must pass three separate FAA exams: the written exam, the oral exam, and the practical exam. The written exam is multiple-choice and covers the knowledge you learned in school. The oral exam is a conversation with an FAA examiner who asks you questions about aircraft systems and maintenance procedures. The practical exam, also called the "checkride," has you perform actual maintenance tasks on an aircraft or component while the examiner watches and grades your work.

You can take the written exam as soon as you finish school, but you cannot take the oral and practical exams until you have logged a certain number of hours working on aircraft. If you attended an approved Part 147 school, you need 1,000 hours of hands-on experience. If you did not attend an approved school, you need 3,000 hours. Most graduates work as apprentices or entry-level mechanics while they build these hours, which usually takes six months to a year.

The FAA publishes study guides and sample questions for all three exams. Many schools include exam prep as part of the program, and some offer tutoring or study groups after graduation. The exams cost money — fees vary by testing center and exam type, but expect to pay several hundred dollars total for all three. Once you pass all three, the FAA issues your A&P certificate, which is valid for life and does not require renewal.

What Happens After You Earn Your A&P Certificate

With an A&P certificate, you can work as an aircraft mechanic for airlines, maintenance shops, the military, or private aircraft operators. Most employers prefer to hire mechanics who have completed an approved A&P school program, so your school choice can affect your job prospects. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement or scholarships if you agree to work for them after graduation, so ask your school whether any local employers have partnerships.

Your A&P certificate does not require continuing education or renewal, but the aviation industry changes constantly. New aircraft models, new regulations, and new maintenance procedures emerge regularly. Many employers require or encourage mechanics to take additional training throughout their careers. Some mechanics pursue specialized certifications, like inspection authorization (IA) or type ratings for specific aircraft, which require additional study and exams.

The job market for A&P mechanics is generally strong. Airlines, cargo operators, and maintenance shops consistently hire mechanics, and the work is stable and well-paid. Wages vary by employer, location, and experience, but entry-level mechanics typically earn in the mid-$30,000 to mid-$40,000 range, with experienced mechanics earning significantly more. Your school's reputation and the quality of your training can influence starting salary and advancement speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the FAA exams without attending an approved A&P school?

Yes, but it is much harder. Without an approved school, you need 3,000 hours of documented aircraft maintenance experience before you can test, compared to 1,000 hours if you attended a Part 147 school. Most people find it nearly impossible to log 3,000 hours without formal training, so attending an approved school is the practical path for most.

How long does it take to get your A&P certificate after you finish school?

Most graduates take six months to a year to log the required 1,000 hours of experience while working as apprentices or entry-level mechanics. Then you take the three FAA exams, which can happen over a few weeks or months depending on how quickly you schedule them and how many attempts you need. Total time from school completion to certificate is usually one to two years.

What is the difference between an A&P certificate and an inspection authorization?

An A&P certificate allows you to perform maintenance and repairs on aircraft. An inspection authorization (IA) is an additional credential that lets you inspect aircraft and sign off on maintenance work. You must hold an A&P for at least three years and meet other requirements before you can test for an IA. An IA is not required for most mechanic jobs but opens doors to supervisory and inspection roles.

Do all A&P schools teach both airframe and powerplant?

Most do, but some schools let you pursue one rating at a time. You can earn your airframe rating first, work for a while, then come back to earn your powerplant rating later. However, most employers prefer to hire mechanics with both ratings, so completing both before you start working usually leads to better job options and pay.

Is financial aid available for A&P school?

Some schools accept federal student loans and grants if they are accredited by a recognized accrediting body. Others offer payment plans, employer partnerships, or military benefits if you are a veteran. Ask each school about their financial options. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement if you agree to work for them after graduation.