Prepare for a Career in Aviation With an FAA Certification

Passionate about aviation and want to pursue a career in the industry? 

Obtaining an FAA certification as an airframe and powerplant (A&P) technician is an essential step in the process. With the right training and certification, you can pursue entry-level roles in the industry. 

In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification and the steps to becoming a certified A&P technician.

Keep reading to learn more, and how to use Airframe & Powerplant Technician training to prepare for a career in this field in two years or less.⁷⁹

Why FAA Certification Is Essential for Aviation Careers

The FAA is the governing body in charge of aviation safety regulations in the United States. For anyone working as an aviation maintenance technician, FAA certification is crucial.

This certification ensures that aviation maintenance professionals meet the high standards set by the FAA to guarantee the safety and reliability of aircraft.

Understanding FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certification

What is an A&P certification?

An A&P certification is a credential issued by the FAA that authorizes an individual to perform maintenance and repair work on aircraft. This includes working on the airframe (the structure of the aircraft) and the powerplant (the engine and related components). In short, an A&P license certifies that a technician has the skills to ensure an aircraft is safe and airworthy.

Airframe vs. powerplant certification — what’s the difference?

While both airframe and powerplant certifications fall under the umbrella of A&P certification, they focus on different aspects of aircraft maintenance.

• Airframe certification: This portion of the A&P license relates to the aircraft's structure. This includes tasks such as repairing fuselages, wings, landing gear and other parts of the plane's frame. It’s all about ensuring the aircraft can endure the rigors of flight and safely carry passengers.
• Powerplant certification: This certification relates to the aircraft’s engine and associated systems, including the fuel and exhaust systems. Powerplant technicians are essential for making sure that the engine runs smoothly and that the aircraft can generate the necessary power for flight.

Who needs an FAA A&P certification?

If you want to work as an aircraft mechanic, an A&P certification is required. Airlines, private contractors, government agencies and other aviation-related businesses require technicians and mechanics to be certified in order to perform maintenance and repairs. 

The FAA A&P license is recognized nationwide, making it essential for anyone seeking a career in aviation maintenance.

Read: A&P Certification Roadmap: Know Your Career Milestones

How To Get Your FAA Certification

Choose FAA-approved aircraft mechanic training

To ensure you meet the necessary educational requirements, you need to attend an FAA-approved aviation maintenance school. 

Universal Technical Institute (UTI) offers an Aviation program that helps prepare graduates to pursue entry-level roles in the aviation industry.⁷⁹ This program is designed to give you the hands-on training and technical knowledge you need to take the FAA’s certification exams.¹²⁸

Students dive into topics like aircraft troubleshooting, powerplant lubrication systems and turbine engine operation. The Airframe & Powerplant Technician program takes 18-24 months to complete, depending on the location and program!

Read: No Diploma? Here’s What to Know Before A&P School

Pass the FAA written, oral and practical exams

After completing the required training or gaining the necessary experience, you will need to pass three types of exams:

• Written Exam: This is a multiple-choice test that covers general aviation knowledge, airframe systems, powerplant systems and FAA regulations.
• Oral Exam: In this exam, an FAA examiner will ask questions based on real-world scenarios to test your knowledge and understanding of aviation maintenance.
• Practical Exam: This hands-on exam requires you to demonstrate your skills in aircraft maintenance. You would perform tasks such as inspecting and replacing aircraft components under the watchful eye of an FAA examiner.

Once you pass all three exams, you can receive your A&P certification, officially qualifying you to work in the industry as an airframe and powerplant technician. 

Career Opportunities for FAA-Certified Aviation Technicians

There is a demand for skilled aviation technicians, and having FAA certification can help open opportunities. 

Graduates from UTI are prepared to pursue entry-level roles upon earning FAA certification. As with any industry, over time, technicians may be able to advance in their careers with experience and hard work. Some job examples include⁷⁷:

Entry-Level

• Aviation maintenance technician
• Powerplant technician
• Field technician

Advanced

• Aircraft restorer
• Helicopter mechanic
• Avionics technician
• Aircraft mechanical installer
• Aircraft electrical installer
• Aircraft structural/sheet metal mechanic

Read: 3 Airplane Mechanic Jobs to Explore After Career Training

Maintaining and Renewing Your FAA Certification

An FAA A&P certification is valid for 24 months. To maintain your certification, you must meet ongoing requirements, which typically involve documenting ongoing work experience and completing continuing education courses. Additionally, you would need to pass recurrent exams or complete refresher training as required by the FAA.

FAA Certification FAQs

1. How do you become an A&P mechanic?

To become an A&P mechanic, candidates typically complete training at an FAA-approved aviation maintenance school or gain qualifying experience in the military or another aviation setting. After meeting eligibility requirements, they must pass the FAA written, oral and practical exams to earn certification.

2. What is an A&P certification?

An A&P certification is an FAA-issued credential that allows a technician to perform maintenance and repairs on aircraft airframes and powerplants. It shows that the mechanic has met the standards required to work on aircraft safely and legally.

3. Do you need to go to an FAA-approved school to become an A&P mechanic?

One common path to becoming an A&P mechanic is attending an FAA-approved aviation maintenance school. This type of training helps students build the technical knowledge and hands-on skills needed to prepare for FAA certification exams.

4. What tests are required for FAA A&P certification?

To earn FAA A&P certification, candidates must pass written, oral and practical exams. These tests measure aviation knowledge, understanding of aircraft systems and the ability to perform real maintenance tasks.

5. How long does it take to train for an A&P mechanic career?

The timeline depends on the training path, but some FAA-approved aviation programs can be completed in 18 to 24 months. At UTI, the aviation program is designed to help prepare graduates to apply and test for FAA certification in two years or less.^79,128

Get Career-Ready With FAA-Approved Airplane Mechanic Training

Are you ready to start your journey toward a career in the aviation industry? With Airframe & Powerplant Technician training, you can be prepared for the industry in two years or less. You can graduate ready to apply and test for Airframe and Powerplant FAA certification.

Want to learn more? Connect with an Admissions Rep by requesting information online or by calling 1-800-834-7308!

Ready to get started ASAP? Apply now.

Campuses That Offer A&P Mechanic Training

Interested in exploring our A&P mechanic training options for the aviation industry? We have several campuses across the country where you can get the aviation training you need. Explore them here!

• Atlanta, Georgia*
• Avondale, Arizona
• Long Beach, California
• Miramar, Florida
• Canton, Michigan
• Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
• Houston, Texas
• San Antonio, Texas*

*Program coming pending FAA approval.