What an Airframe and Powerplant License Is
An Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license is a certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that permits you to perform maintenance, repairs, and inspections on aircraft. The license comes in two parts — you can hold an airframe certificate, a powerplant certificate, or both. Most aircraft maintenance technicians pursue both certifications together, which is why they are often discussed as a single credential.
With an A&P license, you are legally authorized to sign off on maintenance work, meaning you take responsibility for the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft after you complete repairs. Without this license, you cannot perform this work professionally, even if you have the technical knowledge. The FAA issues the license after you pass written, oral, and practical exams that test your knowledge of aircraft systems, regulations, and troubleshooting procedures.
Key Takeaways
- You must complete 1,900 hours of hands-on maintenance experience or attend an FAA-approved school, which typically takes 18 to 24 months.
- The FAA requires you to pass three separate exams — a written test, an oral exam, and a practical test — for each certificate you pursue.
- An approved maintenance technician school can count toward your experience requirement and may reduce the total hours needed.
- After you pass all exams, the FAA issues your certificate by mail, and you can then legally perform and sign off on aircraft maintenance work.
The Two Paths to Meet Experience Requirements
The FAA recognizes two main routes to build the experience needed for an A&P license. The first is on-the-job training, where you work in an aircraft maintenance facility, airline, or repair shop and log 1,900 hours of hands-on experience under the supervision of a certificated mechanic. This route takes longer — typically three to four years — but you earn a paycheck while you accumulate hours.
The second route is to attend an FAA-approved Part 147 school, which is a formal maintenance technician program. These schools compress the experience into 18 to 24 months of full-time study and hands-on lab work. Graduates of approved schools need only 1,000 hours of work experience after graduation before they can test for their certificate, rather than the full 1,900 hours. Many people choose the school route because it is faster and provides structured instruction that directly prepares you for the FAA exams.
You can also combine both paths. For example, you might attend a Part 147 school for one year, then work in a maintenance facility for another year to complete your remaining hours. The FAA will credit your school hours toward the total requirement.
What Happens During FAA-Approved Maintenance School
A Part 147 school teaches aircraft systems, maintenance procedures, and FAA regulations through classroom instruction, videos, and hands-on lab work. You will study airframe topics — the aircraft structure, hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical systems, and flight controls — and powerplant topics, which cover engines, fuel systems, and engine-mounted accessories. The curriculum is standardized by the FAA, so the core content is similar across schools, though the pace and teaching methods vary.
Most programs require you to complete both the airframe and powerplant tracks before you graduate, even if you plan to pursue only one certificate initially. This dual training is standard because the two systems are interconnected. After you finish classroom and lab work, the school will issue you a graduation certificate, which you then present to the FAA along with your exam applications.
Tuition ranges widely depending on the school's location and reputation, but you should expect to budget between $20,000 and $50,000 for a full 18- to 24-month program. Some schools offer payment plans or work-study arrangements. The FAA does not fund these programs directly, but you may be able to use federal student loans or state vocational training funds if you attend a school that participates in those programs.
The Three Exams You Must Pass
The FAA requires you to pass three separate exams for each certificate — airframe and powerplant. The exams are the written test, the oral exam, and the practical test. You must pass all three to receive your certificate.
The written test is administered on computer at an FAA-approved testing center and covers regulations, aircraft systems, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting. You have two hours to answer approximately 80 multiple-choice questions. A passing score is typically 70 percent or higher. You can schedule this test at any time after you have met your experience requirement or graduated from an approved school.
The oral exam is conducted by an FAA examiner called a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) or an FAA inspector. The examiner asks you questions about aircraft systems, maintenance procedures, and regulations — the same topics covered on the written test. This exam typically lasts two to three hours and tests your ability to explain concepts and troubleshoot problems verbally. You must demonstrate that you understand not just the facts, but the reasoning behind maintenance procedures.
The practical test, also called the "checkride," requires you to perform actual maintenance tasks on an aircraft or aircraft components under the examiner's observation. You might be asked to troubleshoot a system, perform an inspection, or execute a repair. The examiner watches to confirm you follow proper procedures, use tools correctly, and produce work that meets FAA standards. This test typically takes four to eight hours depending on the certificate and the complexity of the tasks assigned.
How to Schedule Your Exams and What to Bring
Before you schedule any exam, you must first obtain an FAA airman knowledge test report by passing the written test. You take the written test at a computer testing center — you can find approved centers through the FAA's website or through testing companies like Pearson VUE. You will need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and your Social Security number.
After you pass the written test, you receive a score report when ready. This report is valid for 24 calendar months. You must pass the oral and practical exams within that 24-month window, or you will have to retake the written test.
To schedule the oral and practical exams, you contact an FAA examiner or DPE directly. You can find examiners through the FAA's website or by asking your school or employer for a referral. When you call to schedule, have your written test report ready and be prepared to discuss your experience and training background. The examiner will confirm your may be able to access and schedule you for a date that works for both of you. Examiners typically charge a fee for the oral and practical exams — this varies by examiner but usually ranges from $300 to $600 total.
After You Pass: Receiving Your Certificate
Once you pass all three exams, the examiner will issue you a temporary airman certificate on the spot. This temporary certificate is valid for 120 days and allows you to work as a certificated mechanic while the FAA processes your permanent certificate.
The FAA will mail your permanent certificate to the address you provided during your exam. This typically takes two to four weeks. Your permanent certificate does not expire — it is valid for life, though you must comply with FAA regulations and can lose it if you are convicted of certain crimes or if the FAA determines you are no longer may have access to.
Once you hold your certificate, you can work for any FAA-certified repair station, airline, or maintenance facility. You can also work as an independent contractor if you hold the appropriate business licenses in your state. Your certificate authorizes you to perform maintenance on any aircraft type, though employers may require additional type-specific training before you work on their aircraft.
Common Reasons People Do Not Pass and How to Prepare
The most common reason people fail the oral or practical exam is insufficient preparation or lack of hands-on experience. The written test can be passed by studying test prep materials, but the oral and practical exams require you to actually understand aircraft systems and be able to troubleshoot problems you have not seen before. If you attend an approved school, your instructors will prepare you for these exams, but if you pursue the on-the-job training route, you must seek out additional study resources or tutoring.
Many people also underestimate the importance of the oral exam. It is not just a recitation of facts — the examiner is testing whether you can think through a problem and explain your reasoning. If you cannot articulate why you are performing a step or what you would do if something went wrong, you will not pass. Study groups, practice exams, and mock oral sessions with experienced mechanics can help you prepare.
If you do not pass an exam, you can retake it. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but you must retake the written test if more than 24 months pass between your first written test and your oral and practical exams. Budget time and money for retakes if needed, and do not rush into the exams before you are ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an A&P license without attending a formal school?
Yes. You can accumulate the full 1,900 hours of hands-on experience working in a maintenance facility without attending an approved school. However, this route takes three to four years, whereas an approved school takes 18 to 24 months. Many people choose the school route because it is faster and provides structured preparation for the exams.
What is the difference between an airframe certificate and a powerplant certificate?
An airframe certificate authorizes you to maintain the aircraft structure, hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical systems, and flight controls. A powerplant certificate authorizes you to maintain engines and engine-mounted systems. Most technicians pursue both, but you can hold one without the other. Some employers require both certificates.
How much does it cost to become an A&P mechanic?
If you attend an approved school, expect to pay $20,000 to $50,000 in tuition. Add exam fees (typically $300 to $600) and study materials. If you pursue on-the-job training instead, you earn a paycheck during your 1,900 hours, so your out-of-pocket cost is lower, but the process takes longer.
Can I work on aircraft before I pass all three exams?
No. You must pass all three exams and receive your temporary certificate before you can legally perform and sign off on maintenance work. You can observe and information under supervision before you are certified, but you cannot sign off on work.
Do I need to renew my A&P certificate?
No. Your A&P certificate does not expire and does not require renewal. However, you must comply with FAA regulations, and the FAA can revoke your certificate if you are convicted of certain crimes or if they determine you are no longer may have access to to hold it.