A&P Mechanic Certificate: Maintaining the Fleet
January 26, 2026
An Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic certificate is the FAA credential for aircraft maintenance technicians. A&P mechanics inspect, repair, and maintain civil aircraft — keeping the fleet airworthy under FAA Part 65.
Airframe vs. Powerplant
The FAA issues separate ratings for airframe (fuselage, wings, flight controls, avionics) and powerplant (engines, propellers, fuel systems). Most mechanics earn both — the combined "A&P" — though you can hold one without the other.
How to Qualify
There are three paths:
- Aviation Maintenance Technician School — Complete an FAA-approved Part 147 AMT school curriculum (18–24 months)
- Military experience — Document qualifying military aircraft maintenance time
- Civilian work experience — 18 months for one rating, 30 months for both, under the supervision of a certificated mechanic
All paths end with three FAA tests: oral, written, and practical.
Inspection Authorization (IA)
Experienced A&P mechanics can apply for an Inspection Authorization, which allows them to perform annual inspections and approve aircraft for return to service after major repairs.
Browse A&P Mechanics
AviationDepth lists all FAA-certificated mechanics in the Civil Aviation Registry. Search by name or state.