An Airframe and Powerplant Certificate Lets You Work as an Aircraft Mechanic

An Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate is a federal credential issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that authorizes you to perform maintenance, repair, and inspection work on aircraft. The certificate comes in two parts — airframe and powerplant — and you can hold one, the other, or both. Mechanics with an A&P certificate work on commercial airlines, cargo operators, military aircraft, and private aviation services.

The FAA does not issue this certificate to people who straightforward complete a course. You must log a specific number of hands-on work hours, pass written exams, and pass practical tests administered by an FAA examiner. The entire process typically takes two to four years, depending on whether you attend an FAA-approved school or learn through on-the-job experience.

Key Takeaways

  • The A&P certificate requires either 1,900 hours of hands-on work experience or completion of an FAA-approved maintenance technician school plus 1,000 hours of work experience.
  • You must pass three written exams (general, airframe, and powerplant) and three practical tests before the FAA will issue your certificate.
  • FAA-approved schools typically take 18 to 24 months and cost between $30,000 and $60,000, though costs vary by location and program length.
  • The airframe and powerplant ratings are separate credentials; you can hold one alone or both together, and employers often prefer mechanics who hold both.

Two Paths to Meet the Hour Requirement

The FAA recognizes two routes to accumulate the work hours needed for an A&P certificate. The first is the experience-only path: you work as an aircraft mechanic or technician for 1,900 hours under the supervision of a licensed A&P mechanic or an FAA inspector. This work must be documented and verified by your employer. Many people take this route by starting as a line technician or maintenance helper at an airline, repair station, or military base.

The second route combines formal schooling with fewer work hours. If you complete a course at an FAA-approved Part 147 school, you need only 1,000 hours of work experience instead of 1,900. Part 147 schools are accredited maintenance technician programs that teach the same material the FAA tests. Attending one compresses the timeline significantly — most programs run 18 to 24 months full-time — but requires tuition.

Some people combine both paths: they attend a Part 147 school, then work the required 1,000 hours while preparing for exams. Others work first to build experience and save money, then attend school to accelerate the final phase. The choice depends on your current employment, finances, and how quickly you want to complete the certificate.

Written Exams and What They Cover

Before you can sit for the practical tests, you must pass three written exams administered by the FAA. The General exam covers aircraft materials, physics, electricity, and regulations that explore to all aircraft maintenance. The Airframe exam covers the structure, systems, and repair of aircraft fuselages, wings, landing gear, and hydraulic systems. The Powerplant exam covers aircraft engines, fuel systems, ignition systems, and engine-mounted accessories.

You do not have to pass all three at once. Many mechanics pass the General exam first, then the Airframe and Powerplant exams in either order. Each exam is multiple-choice and administered at FAA-approved testing centers. You can retake any exam if you do not pass, though you must wait a set period before retesting. Study materials are widely available through test-prep companies, textbooks, and online courses.

Practical Tests: The Oral and Practical Exam

After passing all three written exams, you schedule an oral and practical exam (often called the "checkride") with an FAA examiner called a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME). The DME is a licensed A&P mechanic authorized by the FAA to test other mechanics. You will take one checkride for the airframe rating and a separate one for the powerplant rating if you are pursuing both.

During the checkride, the DME asks you technical questions about aircraft systems, maintenance procedures, and regulations. You then perform hands-on tasks — such as inspecting components, troubleshooting a system, or performing a repair — while the examiner observes and asks follow-up questions. The entire checkride typically lasts four to eight hours. You must demonstrate that you can work safely, follow FAA rules, and perform the job competently. If you do not pass, you can retake it after additional preparation.

Costs and Timeline Vary by Route

The experience-only path has no tuition but takes longer. If you work 1,900 hours at a typical full-time pace, you are looking at roughly two to three years before you are may be able to access to test. During that time, you earn a wage, which offsets the cost. However, you must find an employer willing to hire you as an apprentice or entry-level technician and document your hours carefully.

Attending an FAA-approved school costs between $30,000 and $60,000 depending on the program, location, and whether you attend full-time or part-time. Some schools offer payment plans or financing options. After school, you still need to work 1,000 hours, which typically takes one to two years. The total timeline is shorter — often two to three years from start to certificate — but the upfront cost is significant.

Some employers, particularly airlines and large repair stations, offer tuition reimbursement or in-house training programs that reduce or eliminate the cost. Military service also provides A&P training; many military aircraft mechanics transition to civilian A&P work after their service ends. Researching employer-sponsored programs before enrolling in a private school can save substantial money.

Maintaining Your Certificate After You Earn It

Once the FAA issues your A&P certificate, it does not expire. However, you must follow certain rules to keep it valid. You cannot perform maintenance work on aircraft unless you are working under the supervision of a repair station, airline, or other FAA-certificated facility. You also must comply with FAA regulations on how you document your work and what you are authorized to do.

If you work as an A&P mechanic, your employer will track your work and may support you follow FAA rules. If you stop working in aircraft maintenance for an extended period, your certificate remains valid, but you cannot legally perform maintenance work until you are again employed by an FAA-certificated entity. Some mechanics also pursue additional ratings — such as inspection authorization (IA) — which require additional experience and testing but allow them to perform certain inspections and sign off on maintenance work.

Finding FAA-Approved Schools and Testing Centers

The FAA maintains a public database of Part 147 schools on its website. You can search by state and see which schools are currently approved. Each school lists its program length, cost, and whether it offers both airframe and powerplant training or specializes in one. Some schools are community colleges; others are private institutions. Visiting a school, speaking with graduates, and reviewing job placement rates can help you choose.

Testing centers and Designated Mechanic Examiners are also listed on the FAA website. You contact a DME directly to schedule your checkride once you have passed your written exams and completed your required hours. DMEs typically work independently or through repair stations, so availability varies by region. Starting your search early — especially if you live in a rural area — ensures you can schedule your test when you are ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can work 1,900 hours as an aircraft mechanic under supervision, then test for your certificate without formal schooling. This path takes longer but costs nothing in tuition. You must find an employer willing to hire you and document your hours with them.

Do I have to get both airframe and powerplant ratings?

No. You can hold just an airframe rating or just a powerplant rating. However, most employers prefer mechanics with both ratings because it makes you more versatile and valuable. Many mechanics earn one rating first, then pursue the other after gaining experience.

How long does it take to get an A&P certificate?

The timeline depends on your route. The experience-only path takes two to three years. Attending an FAA-approved school plus working the required hours typically takes two to three years total. Some people complete it faster by working full-time and studying intensively; others take longer if they attend school part-time.

What happens if I fail a written exam or checkride?

You can retake any exam after a waiting period set by the FAA. For written exams, you typically wait 30 days before retesting. For checkrides, you can retake after additional preparation, though the DME may require you to demonstrate specific skills before scheduling another attempt.

Will getting an A&P certificate may provide me a job?

The certificate authorizes you to perform the work, but it does not may provide employment. However, the aviation maintenance field has a shortage of may have access to mechanics, so job prospects are generally strong. Your ability to find work also depends on your location, willingness to relocate, and the specific skills employers in your area need.