What A&P Mechanics Do and Where They Work

An A&P mechanic (airframe and powerplant) inspects, repairs, and maintains aircraft. You work on the fuselage, wings, engines, hydraulic systems, and avionics — essentially everything that keeps a plane flying safely. The job requires a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificate, which means you need formal training and must pass written and practical exams before you can work independently.

A&P mechanics work at commercial airlines, regional carriers, cargo operators, military bases, aircraft maintenance facilities, and smaller fixed-base operations (FBOs) at regional airports. Some work on helicopters, business jets, or vintage aircraft. The work is hands-on, often in hangars or on tarmacs, and involves following strict maintenance schedules and safety protocols.

Pay varies by employer, location, and experience. Airlines typically pay more than smaller operators. Shift work is common — many facilities run 24/7 maintenance operations, so you may work evenings, nights, or weekends.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold an FAA A&P certificate before most employers will hire you, which requires completing an approved maintenance technician school or equivalent on-the-job training, then passing FAA written and practical tests.
  • Job postings appear on airline career websites, aviation job boards like AviationJobs.com and JSfirm, and general sites like Indeed and LinkedIn, but you should also contact local FBOs and maintenance shops directly.
  • Airlines and large maintenance facilities often hire entry-level mechanics without prior aviation experience if you hold the A&P certificate, though some prefer candidates with military or trade school background.
  • The FAA written exam covers aircraft systems, maintenance procedures, and regulations; the practical exam (called an oral and practical, or O&P) tests your hands-on knowledge with an examiner at an actual aircraft.
  • Networking with instructors, classmates, and mechanics at local airports often leads to job leads before positions are posted publicly.

Getting Your FAA A&P Certificate

Before you search for jobs, you need the certificate. The FAA offers two main paths: attend an approved Part 147 maintenance technician school (typically 18 to 24 months full-time), or accumulate 3,000 to 5,000 hours of on-the-job training under an A&P mechanic's supervision while working for a Part 145 repair station or airline. Many people combine both — attending school part-time while working, or working first and then attending school.

Part 147 schools are accredited programs that teach aircraft systems, regulations, and hands-on skills in a classroom and lab setting. They cost between $30,000 and $60,000 depending on the school and location. Upon graduation, you are may be able to access to sit for the FAA exams. The FAA maintains a searchable list of approved schools on its website under "Part 147 Schools."

The on-the-job training path is slower but costs less upfront — you earn while you learn. However, you must find an employer willing to sponsor your training and document your hours. Once you reach the required hours (verified by your employer), you can test.

After either path, you take three FAA exams: the written test (computerized, covers regulations and systems), the oral exam (an FAA examiner questions you on aircraft systems and maintenance procedures), and the practical exam (you perform actual maintenance tasks on an aircraft under the examiner's observation). Most people pass all three within a few months of finishing school.

Where to Search for A&P Mechanic Positions

Start with airline career pages. Major carriers like Southwest, United, American, Delta, and regional airlines like SkyWest and Endeavor post maintenance openings on their websites under "Careers" or "Jobs." These sites let you filter by location and job type. Check them weekly, as positions fill quickly.

Aviation-specific job boards cast a wider net. AviationJobs.com and JSfirm list openings from airlines, maintenance shops, FBOs, and military contractors. You can set up job alerts by location and experience level. LinkedIn and Indeed also have aviation filters; search "A&P mechanic" or "aircraft mechanic" plus your city or region.

Contact local fixed-base operations and independent maintenance shops directly. Many small shops hire through word-of-mouth and do not post online. Call the maintenance department, ask to speak with the shop foreman, and ask if they are hiring or expect to hire soon. Bring a resume and ask if you can leave it on file.

Military bases hire A&P mechanics through civilian employment portals. Visit USAJobs.gov, filter for "aircraft mechanic" or "maintenance technician," and search by base location. Military positions often offer strong benefits and job stability.

What Employers Look For in New A&P Mechanics

Your FAA A&P certificate is the minimum requirement. Beyond that, employers value reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to follow procedures exactly. Aircraft maintenance is safety-critical — a missed step or shortcut can cause an accident. Employers want people who take that seriously.

Prior experience helps but is not always required. If you trained at a Part 147 school, you likely have lab experience working on actual aircraft components or trainers. If you came up through on-the-job training, you already have real-world hours. Either way, you are ahead of someone with no aviation background.

Military experience is a plus. If you served as an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force, Navy, or Army, employers know you understand military standards and have worked on military aircraft. Your military training translates directly to civilian work.

Some employers prefer candidates with additional certifications — for example, an Inspection Authorization (IA) or type ratings for specific aircraft. These come after you have worked as an A&P for a few years, so do not worry about them when starting out.

The Hiring Process and Timeline

Once you find a position and submit your resume, expect a phone screening within one to two weeks. The recruiter or hiring manager will confirm your certificate status, ask about your experience, and discuss the role and schedule. Be ready to explain your training path and why you want to work for that company.

If you pass the phone screen, you will be invited for an in-person interview. For airline and large maintenance facility positions, this often includes a tour of the maintenance hangar and a conversation with the maintenance manager or lead mechanic. They may ask technical questions about aircraft systems or how you would handle a specific maintenance scenario. Prepare by reviewing basic aircraft systems and thinking through how you would troubleshoot a problem.

Background checks and drug screening are standard. Most positions require a valid driver's license and a clean background. Some roles, especially at military bases or for certain airlines, may require a security clearance, which takes longer to process.

Hiring timelines vary. Small shops may hire within days; airlines and large facilities often take four to eight weeks from process to job offer. Once you receive an offer, you typically start within two to four weeks.

Networking and Getting Your Foot in the Door

Your instructors and classmates are your first network. Instructors often have connections at local airlines, maintenance shops, and FBOs. Ask them if they know of openings or can introduce you to someone. Classmates may land jobs first and hear about openings at their new employer — stay in touch.

Visit local airports and introduce yourself to mechanics and shop foremen. Bring a resume, be respectful of their time, and ask if they know of any openings or if you can check back in a few weeks. Many mechanics remember someone who showed genuine interest and initiative.

Join aviation mechanic associations or online forums. Groups like the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA) host events and job boards. Online communities on Reddit (r/aviation, r/Mechanics) and Facebook groups for A&P mechanics are places where people share job leads and information.

If you are willing to relocate, your options expand significantly. Many regions have more maintenance jobs than may have access to mechanics. Being flexible on location can shorten your job search by months.

Starting Salary and Career Growth

Entry-level A&P mechanics at airlines typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 per year, depending on the carrier and location. Regional carriers and smaller maintenance shops may start lower, around $40,000 to $50,000. Overtime is common in maintenance, so your actual earnings often exceed your base salary.

Pay increases as you gain experience and seniority. After five to ten years, many mechanics earn $70,000 to $90,000 or more. Lead mechanics, inspectors, and supervisory roles pay higher. Some mechanics pursue additional certifications (Inspection Authorization, for example) or specialize in specific aircraft types, which can increase earning potential.

Job security is generally strong. Airlines and maintenance facilities need mechanics year-round, and there is a shortage of may have access to A&P mechanics in many regions. This means steady work and opportunities to move up or switch employers if you want better pay or schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need military experience to become an A&P mechanic?

No. Military experience is helpful but not required. Many A&P mechanics come straight from Part 147 schools with no prior aviation background. Employers hire based on your certificate and demonstrated knowledge, not your background.

Can I get a job as an A&P mechanic without a Part 147 school?

Yes, through the on-the-job training path. You need to find an employer (usually a Part 145 repair station or airline) willing to sponsor your training and document your hours. This takes longer — typically five to seven years — but costs less upfront. You still must pass the same FAA exams.

What is the difference between an A&P mechanic and an aircraft technician?

An A&P mechanic holds an FAA certificate and can sign off on maintenance work, meaning they take legal responsibility for the work being done correctly. An aircraft technician may perform similar work but cannot sign off on it without an A&P supervising. The A&P certificate is what allows you to work independently.

How long does it take to get hired after earning my A&P certificate?

This varies widely. Some people receive job offers within weeks of passing their exams. Others take two to three months. Having a Part 147 school diploma, being willing to relocate, and networking actively all speed up the process. Starting your job search before you finish your exams can help.

Do A&P mechanics work overtime?

Yes, frequently. Airlines and maintenance facilities operate around the clock, and maintenance schedules do not always fit a nine-to-five day. Many A&P mechanics work evenings, nights, weekends, or on-call shifts. Overtime pay is usually time-and-a-half or double-time, so it can significantly increase your annual earnings.