What "FAA-approved" means for aircraft mechanic training

An FAA-approved aircraft mechanic school is a training program that meets standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA does not run these schools itself — they are private institutions, community colleges, and trade schools that have gone through an approval process to show they teach the material and maintain the facilities the FAA requires.

When a school is FAA-approved, it means the curriculum covers the knowledge you need to pass the FAA's written, oral, and practical exams for an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate. The school's instructors, equipment, and facilities have been inspected and met federal standards. Completing an approved program does not automatically give you a certificate — you still take the FAA exams — but it prepares you for them in a structured way that meets federal benchmarks.

The FAA approval process is formal. Schools explore to their regional FAA office, submit detailed curriculum plans, and undergo inspections. This means an approved school has documented that it can teach what it claims to teach. An unapproved school might offer aircraft mechanic training, but you would have no assurance it covers everything the FAA tests.

Key Takeaways

  • FAA-approved schools have been inspected and certified to teach the material needed to pass FAA A&P exams, though completion does not grant a certificate automatically.
  • You can search for approved schools on the FAA's official list, organized by state and by whether they offer Airframe, Powerplant, or both certifications.
  • Program length typically ranges from 18 months to four years depending on whether you pursue one certificate or both, and whether the school is full-time or part-time.
  • Tuition and financial support vary widely by school type; community colleges are often less expensive than private trade schools.
  • After graduation, you must pass three separate FAA exams (written, oral, and practical) and meet work-hour requirements before you receive your A&P certificate.

How to find the official FAA list of approved schools

The FAA maintains a searchable database of all approved aircraft mechanic schools on its website. Go to the FAA's Part 147 School Search tool, which lists every school the FAA has approved to teach aircraft maintenance. Part 147 refers to the federal regulation that sets the approval standards.

The search tool lets you filter by state and by the type of certificate the school offers — Airframe only, Powerplant only, or both. You can also see whether each school is full-time or part-time, and whether it offers evening or weekend classes. The list includes the school's address and contact information.

This official list is the only reliable way to confirm a school is actually FAA-approved. Schools sometimes claim approval in their advertising when they are not on the FAA's list. Before you contact a school or pay any tuition, verify it appears in the FAA database under your state.

The difference between Airframe and Powerplant certificates

Aircraft mechanics can hold two separate FAA certificates: Airframe (A) and Powerplant (P). An Airframe certificate covers the structure, systems, and components of the aircraft itself — the fuselage, wings, landing gear, hydraulics, electrical systems, and instruments. A Powerplant certificate covers engines, fuel systems, and engine-related components.

Many mechanics pursue both and are called A&P mechanics. Some schools offer both certificates in a combined program, while others offer them separately. If you attend a school that offers only one, you can later attend another school or take the exams independently to earn the second certificate.

The choice depends on your career goals and the job market in your area. Some employers prefer A&P mechanics who hold both certificates. Others hire specialists in one area. Research job postings in your region to see what employers are looking for before you decide which certificate to pursue first.

Program length and time commitment

FAA-approved programs range from about 18 months to four years, depending on several factors. A full-time program that covers both Airframe and Powerplant certificates typically takes two to three years. A program covering only one certificate usually takes 12 to 18 months full-time.

Part-time and evening programs take longer because you attend fewer hours per week. Some schools offer accelerated schedules with longer class days or year-round instruction, which can shorten the total time. Others spread the same content over a longer calendar period.

The FAA requires that approved programs include a minimum number of classroom hours and hands-on lab hours. Schools must meet these minimums, but they can exceed them. When you compare schools, ask about total instructional hours, not just calendar length, because two schools with the same calendar length might have different hour requirements.

What to expect in the curriculum

All FAA-approved schools must teach the same core subjects because the FAA sets the curriculum standards. You will study aircraft systems (hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical, fuel), materials and processes (how to work with aluminum, composites, and fasteners), maintenance practices, and regulations. You will also learn to read technical drawings, perform inspections, and troubleshoot problems.

The Airframe portion covers structural repair, sheet metal work, welding, and systems maintenance. The Powerplant portion covers engine operation, fuel systems, ignition systems, and engine overhaul procedures. Most of your time is spent in labs working on actual aircraft or aircraft components, not just in classrooms.

Schools differ in how they organize this material and what additional topics they include. Some emphasize specific aircraft types or engines. Others include business skills or customer service training. When you contact schools, ask what hands-on equipment they have and whether students work on complete aircraft or component trainers.

Tuition, costs, and financial support options

Tuition varies significantly by school type and location. Community colleges typically charge less than private trade schools — sometimes half as much. Private schools may offer more flexible scheduling or specialized equipment, which accounts for higher costs. You should expect tuition to range widely depending on your region and the school you choose.

Beyond tuition, budget for textbooks, tools, uniforms, and safety equipment. Some schools include these in their tuition; others charge separately. Ask each school for a complete cost breakdown before you decide.

Financial support may be available through federal student loans, state grants, or employer sponsorship. Some employers in the aviation industry offer tuition reimbursement or pay for employees to attend school. Veterans may be may be able to access for GI Bill benefits. Contact the school's financial aid office to learn what options explore to your situation.

What happens after you graduate from an approved school

Graduating from an FAA-approved school does not automatically give you an A&P certificate. Instead, you become may be able to access to take the FAA's certification exams. You must pass three separate tests: a written exam, an oral exam, and a practical exam (called a "checkride"). The exams are administered by FAA-designated testing centers and examiners.

You must also meet a work-hour requirement. The FAA requires 1,000 hours of hands-on maintenance experience for each certificate you pursue. If you attended an approved school, some of your school hours may count toward this requirement — typically 50 percent of your classroom and lab hours. The rest you must earn through paid work as a mechanic trainee or apprentice.

After you pass all three exams and meet the hour requirement, you explore to the FAA for your certificate. The process takes several weeks. Once issued, your A&P certificate is valid indefinitely, though you must follow FAA rules about continuing education and staying current with regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become an aircraft mechanic without attending an FAA-approved school?

Yes, but it takes longer. The FAA allows you to earn your A&P certificate through work experience alone — 3,000 hours of hands-on maintenance work without formal schooling. Most people find this path slower and harder than attending an approved school, which counts toward the hour requirement and prepares you for the exams.

Do all FAA-approved schools teach the same thing?

The FAA sets minimum curriculum standards that all approved schools must meet, so the core material is the same. Schools differ in how they teach it, what equipment they use, how much hands-on experience they provide, and what additional topics they include. Visit schools and ask about their labs and instructors before you decide.

How do I know if a school is really FAA-approved?

Check the FAA's Part 147 School Search database on the FAA website. If the school does not appear there, it is not FAA-approved, no matter what it claims. Do not rely on the school's own website or marketing materials — always verify through the official FAA list.

What if I fail one of the FAA certification exams?

You can retake any exam you fail. There is no limit on the number of attempts. Many people pass on their first try after attending an approved school, but if you do not, you can study and test again. Some schools offer exam preparation courses or tutoring to help you prepare for retakes.

Are there scholarships for aircraft mechanic training?

Some schools offer their own scholarships or payment plans. Industry organizations and unions sometimes fund training for members. The FAA does not offer scholarships, but you may be may be able to access for federal student loans or state grants depending on your income and circumstances. Contact schools directly and ask about funding options.