How to Become an A&P Mechanic

Oct 26, 2022 -

Airplanes, helicopters and other forms of aircraft are among some of the largest forms of transportation in the world. They can carry hundreds of passengers at a time, transport essential cargo and help people in need of lifesaving medical attention get treatment.

Airframe and powerplant technicians — sometimes shortened to A&P technicians — are the mechanics who ensure these powerful machines fly safely in the air and land correctly on the ground. A&P mechanics maintain most parts of an aircraft, including engines, landing gear, air conditioning and brakes.

This is truly essential work, as people all over the world and diverse industries rely on safe working aircraft. Here’s how A&P mechanics enter this career field.

What Does an A&P Mechanic Do?

A&P mechanics work in hangars and repair stations and on airfields to perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft so they stay in working condition and don’t run risk of failure. The mechanics also work on aircraft in need of repairs, fixing components and parts so they can get back up and running.

Some of the duties of A&P mechanics include:

  • Troubleshooting electrical and mechanical problems
  • Using precision instruments to inspect aircraft components for wear and identify defects such as cracks and corrosion in critical areas
  • Repairing airframe components, such as wings, electrical systems, brakes and other aircraft parts
  • Maintaining an aircraft's electronic systems, such as weather radar and navigation systems
  • Testing aircraft parts with diagnostic equipment before takeoff to ensure safety
  • Using power tools to repair the aircraft's body and hand tools to replace defective parts
  • Maintaining and repairing radio communications that keep pilots in touch with aircraft personnel on the ground
  • Documenting all maintenance and repair actions in an aircraft's log books

A&P technicians follow instructions, repair procedures and maintenance manuals set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The mechanics must have strong problem-solving skills so they can create safe and workable solutions to quickly get aircraft in the air.

READ MORE: WHAT IS AIRFRAME & POWERPLANT: ULTIMATE GUIDE

Steps to Become an A&P Mechanic

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in order to become an A&P technician, professionals typically get education at an FAA-approved technician school, or receive on-the-job training in the military or another professional aviation setting.

Typically, A&P technician jobs have A&P license requirements. Technicians must be certified by the FAA in order to legally work in the profession.

The FAA offers separate certifications for engine work and bodywork, but many employers prefer to hire technicians who have both certification ratings and meet both requirements for A&P license. That’s because an A&P license clearly indicates a mechanic meets basic ability and knowledge standards.

What are the requirements for an A&P license? For how to get your A&P license, the FAA sets these guidelines to qualify for taking the Aircraft Mechanic Oral, Practical and Written tests. But even before testing, the candidate seeking how to get an A&P license must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Be able to read, write, understand and speak the English language.
  • Have at least 18 months of practical experience with airframe and powerplant tools and equipment.
  • Graduate from an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School or complete the Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council training course for military personnel.
  • Be familiar with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations part 65, subpart D, Mechanics.

Candidates who wish to obtain a license must pass the FAA written, oral and practical tests. The good news is, when you attend an FAA-approved A&P school, the curriculum and training prepares you for the tests and license requirements. Once you graduate, you’ll be ready to test for an A&P license.79

Get Training to Become an A&P Mechanic

Our A&P technician school coming to UTI prepares graduates to apply for FAA licensing and entry-level positions in the aviation industry.1 The programs take 2 years or less to complete and teach students skills like:

  • Aircraft troubleshooting
  • Hydraulics and pneumatics
  • Turbine engine operations
  • Powerplant lubrication systems
  • Non-destructive testing
  • Navigation and communication systems
  • Propellers
  • Reciprocating engine operation

To learn more about how to train for an A&P technician career, request info here.

Campuses That Offer A&P Mechanic Training

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

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1.2 ) UTI and MIAT are educational institutions and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2.1 ) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures for UTI and www.miat.edu/disclosures for MIAT.
79 ) UTI aviation maintenance programs prepare graduates to apply and test for FAA mechanic certification. Graduates who don’t obtain certification may have fewer career opportunities. Some graduates get jobs in aviation or related industries other than as aviation maintenance technicians. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment, salary or FAA certification.

Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

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