How To Become an A&P Mechanic

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.

This is truly essential work, as people all over the world across diverse industries rely on safe working aircraft. Here’s a guide on how to become an A&P mechanic, including with hands-on Airframe & Powerplant career training!

What Is an A&P Mechanic?

An A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) mechanic is responsible for keeping our skies safe by ensuring that every inch of an aircraft is operating as it should. Some mechanics only operate on the airframe, or the body of an aircraft, while others work solely on the powerplant, or the engine of an aircraft. A&P mechanics possess comprehensive knowledge about both components.

What Is an A&P Certificate?

A&P certification is granted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and indicates that a mechanic has met rigorous standards in both airframe and powerplant maintenance. This credential could validate your career training and skills.

To earn this certification, candidates must pass a series of written, oral and practical tests that cover everything from the inner workings of an aircraft engine to the nuances of aerodynamics. Once an individual earns this certificate, they can take their passion for aviation and pursue a career. With the A&P certificate in hand, mechanics can work on a variety of aircraft, ensuring they are safe and ready to take to the sky.

Read: The Three Most Important Parts of A&P Training at UTI, According to Abraham Garcia

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 the 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 logbooks.

A&P technicians follow instructions, repair procedures and maintenance manualsstandards setapproved by the 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: What Is Airframe & Powerplant: Ultimate Guide

Steps To Become an A&P Mechanic

1. Get the required training or experience.

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.

2. Meet the basic requirements to qualify for testing.

What are the requirements for an 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.

3. Earn FAA certification.

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.

Licensing candidates must pass the FAA written, oral and practical tests.

Get Airframe & Powerplant Training at Universal Technical Institute

At Universal Technical Institute, students in the Airframe & Powerplant Technician program train for aviation maintenance careers through an FAA-approved curriculum designed to prepare them for FAA licensing exams.^79,128 The program can be completed in two years or less and covers many of the core systems and skills A&P technicians use in the field, including aircraft troubleshooting, hydraulics and pneumatics, turbine engine operation, powerplant lubrication systems, non-destructive testing, navigation and communication systems, propellers and reciprocating engines.

This training is built to help graduates prepare for the FAA oral, practical and written exams required to earn an A&P license and pursue entry-level opportunities in the aviation industry.

Read: Committed to the Challenge: Mark Coleman’s Journey Into Aviation

How Long Does it Take To Become an A&P Mechanic?

The time it takes to become an A&P mechanic depends on you and your career-building strategy. If you submit an application for aviation training right away, you could graduate in less than two years from today.

Read: Passing It on to the Next Generation: Cleve Kellum

A&P Mechanic Career FAQs

1. What qualifications are needed to become an A&P mechanic?

To become an A&P mechanic, you typically need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, it’s essential to complete an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician school or gain military training that meets the FAA’s standards.

2. What factors influence the salary of an A&P mechanic?

The salary of an A&P mechanic can be influenced by various factors, including geographical location, level of experience and the specific industry they work in. Mechanics employed in metropolitan areas or at larger airlines may earn more than those in rural settings or smaller repair shops.

3. How does experience affect the salary of an A&P mechanic?

Experience plays a significant role in determining the salary of an A&P mechanic, as those with more hands-on experience, advanced skills and FAA certification may be better-qualified for higher pay or higher-paying positions. Many employers value experienced individuals who can troubleshoot complex issues and take on additional responsibilities.

4. What are the career advancement opportunities for an A&P mechanic?

A&P mechanics can explore various career advancement opportunities, such as supervisory roles, specialized positions in avionics or structural repair or even transitioning into managerial positions within aviation companies. Obtaining further certifications can also prepare techs for more complex aircraft work or higher-paying roles.⁷⁷

5. How does obtaining additional certifications affect an A&P mechanic salary?

Additional certifications can boost an A&P mechanic's earning potential, as it showcases specialized knowledge and skill sets that may be required for more advanced roles. Certifications in areas like avionics or specific aircraft types can qualify techs for these specialized roles within the aviation industry.

Read: 20+ Years up in the Air: Richard Limon’s Aviation Career

Train To Become an A&P Mechanic

Our aviation technician schools at UTI prepare graduates to apply for FAA licensing and pursue entry-level positions in the aviation industry.⁷⁹ The programs take two years or less to complete and teach students skills like the following:

• 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 online or call us at 1-800-834-7308 to connect with an Admissions Representative!

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.