An A&P license is a federal credential that allows you to legally perform maintenance and repairs on aircraft

The letters stand for Airframe and Powerplant. If you hold this license, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recognizes you as may have access to to inspect, service, and repair the structure of an aircraft (the airframe) and its engines (the powerplant). Without it, you cannot sign off on maintenance work that keeps a plane airworthy — meaning safe to fly.

This is not a state license or a company credential. It is a federal license issued by the FAA, and it is recognized everywhere in the United States. Airlines, repair shops, manufacturers, and the military all rely on A&P mechanics. If you want to work on aircraft professionally, this license is usually the entry point.

The license does not cover avionics (aircraft electronics) or inspection work beyond maintenance and repair. Those require separate credentials. But for the core work of keeping an aircraft mechanically sound, an A&P is the standard requirement.

Key Takeaways

  • An A&P license is issued by the FAA and certifies that you can legally perform airframe and powerplant maintenance on aircraft.
  • You must complete formal training (usually at an FAA-approved school), accumulate hands-on work hours, and pass written and practical exams to earn one.
  • The license covers maintenance and repair work but not avionics, inspection-only roles, or work beyond what the FAA defines as mechanic duties.
  • Most aircraft maintenance jobs — at airlines, repair facilities, manufacturers, and military bases — require or strongly prefer an A&P license.

How you earn an A&P license

There are two main paths. The first is structured training at an FAA-approved school. These programs typically last 18 to 24 months and cover both airframe and powerplant systems in a classroom and shop setting. You graduate with the required knowledge and hands-on hours already logged. Schools like those accredited by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) or regional technical colleges offer these programs.

The second path is on-the-job experience without formal schooling. You work under the supervision of a licensed A&P mechanic and accumulate 3,000 hours of hands-on work over several years. This route is slower and requires finding an employer willing to sponsor your training, but it is possible. Some people combine both: they attend school for part of the requirement and work for the rest.

Whichever path you take, you must then pass three FAA exams: a written test covering regulations and technical knowledge, an oral exam where an FAA inspector questions your understanding, and a practical exam where you demonstrate actual repair and inspection skills on aircraft systems. The exams are rigorous and designed to may support you can safely maintain aircraft.

What you can and cannot do with an A&P license

With an A&P, you can perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot mechanical problems, replace parts, conduct inspections, and sign off on work that certifies an aircraft is airworthy. You can work on engines, fuel systems, hydraulics, landing gear, structural repairs, and dozens of other systems. You can work independently or as part of a maintenance team at any facility that maintains aircraft.

You cannot work on avionics or electrical systems beyond basic wiring — that requires an Avionics license. You cannot perform major inspections that only an Inspection Authorization (IA) holder can sign off on. You cannot work on aircraft you do not have permission to work on, and you must follow all FAA regulations and the maintenance manuals for each aircraft type.

Your license is also tied to your integrity. If you sign off on work you did not actually perform, or if you falsify maintenance records, you can lose your license permanently. The FAA takes this seriously because lives depend on accurate maintenance records.

Where A&P mechanics work

Most A&P mechanics work at commercial airlines, where they maintain the fleet between flights and during scheduled overhauls. Others work at independent repair shops that service smaller aircraft, corporate jets, or helicopters. Some work for aircraft manufacturers during production and testing. The military employs A&P mechanics to maintain military aircraft. Flight schools, air cargo companies, and government agencies also hire them.

The job market for A&P mechanics has historically been strong because the aviation industry constantly needs may have access to people to maintain aging aircraft and support new ones. Wages vary by employer and location, but the median is generally competitive with other skilled trades. Union shops, particularly at major airlines, often offer higher pay and benefits.

The difference between an A&P and other aircraft certifications

An Inspection Authorization (IA) is a higher credential that only A&P mechanics can earn after gaining additional experience. An IA allows you to perform major inspections and sign off on airworthiness certificates. You need an A&P first.

An Avionics license covers aircraft electronics, instruments, and communication systems. It is a separate path and does not require an A&P, though some people hold both.

A repairman certificate is a limited credential for people who work on specific aircraft types at specific employers — usually small operations or manufacturers. It does not carry the same weight as an A&P and is not portable between jobs.

An aircraft pilot license is completely different. Pilots fly aircraft; A&P mechanics maintain them. Some people hold both, but they are separate professions with separate training and exams.

How long it takes to get an A&P license

If you attend an FAA-approved school full-time, you can complete the training and be ready to test in 18 to 24 months. If you pursue the work-experience route, it takes at least three years of full-time work, and often longer if you work part-time or have gaps in employment.

After you finish training or accumulate your hours, you still need to study for and pass the three FAA exams. Most people spend several weeks to a few months preparing. The written exam can be taken at any FAA-approved testing center. The oral and practical exams are scheduled with an FAA inspector and typically happen at a school, repair shop, or testing facility.

Once you pass all three exams, the FAA issues your license. It does not expire, but you must follow all regulations and maintain your knowledge throughout your career. Some employers require recurrent training or certifications in specific aircraft types, but the A&P license itself is permanent once earned.

Cost and financial considerations

Tuition at FAA-approved schools ranges widely depending on the program and location. Some programs cost $20,000 to $40,000 or more. Others are less expensive. Many schools offer payment plans, financial aid, or partnerships with employers who help cover costs.

If you pursue the work-experience route, you earn a wage while training, so there is no tuition cost — but you also earn less than a fully licensed mechanic would, and it takes longer to reach that point.

Once licensed, A&P mechanics typically earn enough to recoup training costs within a few years. The long-term earning potential and job stability often make the investment worthwhile, but it is worth researching specific schools and employers in your area to understand the real costs and job prospects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an A&P license to work on small aircraft or helicopters?

Yes, if you are performing maintenance or repairs for compensation. The FAA requires an A&P license for any aircraft maintenance work done professionally, regardless of aircraft size. The only exception is owner-performed maintenance on aircraft you own, which has specific limitations.

Can I get an A&P license if I do not have a high school diploma?

The FAA does not require a high school diploma to take the A&P exams, but most FAA-approved schools do require one for enrollment. If you do not have a diploma, you may be able to pursue the work-experience route instead, though you will need an employer willing to hire and train you without formal schooling credentials.

How often do I need to renew my A&P license?

Your A&P license does not expire and does not require renewal. Once you pass the exams and the FAA issues your license, it is valid for life. However, you must follow all FAA regulations and maintain your knowledge. Some employers require recurrent training or type-rating certifications, but these are employer or aircraft-specific, not FAA requirements.

Can I work on aircraft in other countries with a U.S. A&P license?

Not automatically. Other countries have their own licensing systems. A U.S. A&P license is recognized in the United States and by U.S. carriers operating internationally, but if you want to work abroad, you may need to meet that country's requirements or obtain an additional credential. Some countries have reciprocal agreements, but you should check with the aviation authority in the country where you want to work.

What happens if I make a mistake on maintenance work I signed off on?

If you sign off on work that was not performed correctly or that you did not actually perform, you can face serious consequences: fines, loss of your license, and potential legal liability if the mistake causes an accident. The FAA investigates maintenance errors, and falsifying records is a federal offense. This is why accuracy and honesty are non-negotiable in this profession.