The Complete FAA A&P Licensing Guide

Introduction to FAA A&P Certification in the United States

The FAA mechanic certificate — commonly known as the A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) — is the cornerstone of aviation maintenance in the United States. Issued by the Federal Aviation Administration under 14 CFR Part 65, the certificate authorizes qualified professionals to perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations, and to approve aircraft for return to service. Without certificated mechanics, no aircraft in the United States can legally operate after maintenance.

The FAA issues a single mechanic certificate with up to two ratings: Airframe (A) and Powerplant (P). There is also a General knowledge test that every candidate must pass — it covers the fundamental knowledge common to all maintenance work, but it is not a separate rating. Most mechanics pursue both ratings, earning the A&P designation that employers across the industry recognize.

The A&P certificate is respected globally as a mark of technical excellence in aviation maintenance. American A&P mechanics are in high demand not only domestically but also internationally, thanks to bilateral aviation safety agreements that recognize FAA credentials in many countries around the world.

Certificate Ratings: General, Airframe, and Powerplant Explained

Choosing your path through the three knowledge tests is the single most important planning decision you will make on your A&P journey. Each rating leads to a different area of expertise with distinct responsibilities, work environments, and earning potential. Below is a detailed breakdown.

General — The Foundation for Every Mechanic

The General knowledge test (ACS subject area AM.I) is required of every mechanic candidate, regardless of rating. It covers the fundamentals every technician must master:

• Basic electricity — circuits, components, and electrical measurement
• Aircraft drawings — blueprints, schematics, and symbols
• Weight & balance — weighing aircraft and computing CG limits
• Materials and processes — metals, composites, heat treatment, and corrosion control
• Physics and mathematics — the applied science behind maintenance tasks
• FAA regulations — 14 CFR Parts 43, 65, and 91, maintenance records, and FAA Form 337
• Ground operation and servicing — towing, jacking, fueling, and safety practices

Airframe Rating

The Airframe rating (ACS subject area AM.II) covers the maintenance, repair, and alteration of aircraft structures and airframe systems. Airframe-rated mechanics are specialists in:

• Metallic and non-metallic (composite) structural repair
• Hydraulic and pneumatic power systems
• Landing gear systems — retraction, brakes, tires, and steering
• Flight control systems — primary and secondary
• Aircraft fuel systems and fuel storage
• Cabin atmosphere, pressurization, and environmental control systems
• Fire protection and detection systems
• Aircraft electrical systems and wiring

Airframe mechanics typically work in line and base maintenance at airlines, MROs, flight schools, and general aviation shops. The field is evolving rapidly with next-generation aircraft like the Boeing 787, which is over 50% composite by weight, and fly-by-wire aircraft like the Airbus A350.

Powerplant Rating

The Powerplant rating (ACS subject area AM.III) covers the maintenance, repair, and testing of aircraft engines and their related systems. Powerplant-rated mechanics are experts in:

• Reciprocating engines — theory, overhaul, and troubleshooting
• Turbine engines — theory, inspection, and hot-section maintenance
• Propellers and propeller governing systems
• Fuel metering systems — carburetors, fuel injection, and FADEC
• Ignition and starting systems
• Lubrication, cooling, and exhaust systems
• Engine electrical systems and instruments

Powerplant mechanics are in high demand across airlines, MROs, and engine overhaul facilities. With the global fleet of jet and turboprop aircraft continuing to grow, skilled engine technicians are among the most sought-after professionals in aviation maintenance.

Comparison Table: General, Airframe, and Powerplant

FAA Knowledge Test Details (14 CFR Part 65)

The three FAA knowledge tests are the written component of mechanic certification, governed by 14 CFR Part 65 and defined in the Aviation Mechanic Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-1). The ACS is the official document that defines the learning objectives, exam content, and competency standards for aviation maintenance training and certification in the United States.

Key facts about the knowledge tests:

• Format: Computer-based multiple-choice tests delivered at FAA-approved testing centers operated by the FAA testing service (PSI)
• Pass mark: 70% on each test — General (42 of 60), Airframe (70 of 100), Powerplant (70 of 100)
• Time limit: 2 hours per test, with a computer testing supplement (figures and reference data) provided on-screen
• Content areas: General (AM.I), Airframe (AM.II), and Powerplant (AM.III) per the ACS
• Reference materials: 14 CFR Parts 43, 65, and 91, AC 43.13-1B, the FAA AMT Handbooks (FAA-H-8083-30/31/32), FAA Form 337, and Airworthiness Directives

After passing the General knowledge test plus the Airframe and/or Powerplant knowledge test for the rating you are pursuing, you must complete the oral and practical (O&P) exam. For detailed test-by-test breakdowns, practice questions, and study strategies, visit our A&P resource hub and exam FAQ.

Step-by-Step Pathway to Your A&P Certificate

Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements

Before beginning the certification process, you must satisfy these prerequisites:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be able to read, write, and understand English — essential for maintenance manuals and FAA documentation
• Be physically able to perform the duties of an aircraft mechanic (14 CFR 65.71)
• Have a clean record — no convictions or FAA enforcement actions that would bar certification

Step 2: Choose Your Training Path

The FAA does not require a specific educational background — you choose the pathway that fits your situation:

Path A: FAA Part 147 Approved School — Attend an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school at institutions such as:

• Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology — Tulsa, OK
• Purdue University (Aviation Maintenance Technology) — West Lafayette, IN
• Northrop Rice Aviation Institute of Technology — Los Angeles, CA
• Middle Georgia State University — Eastman, GA
• Spokane Community College — Spokane, WA
• Aviation Institute of Maintenance — campuses nationwide

Part 147 programs typically last 18–24 months and satisfy the FAA experience requirement through their structured curriculum and supervised shop practice.

Path B: On-the-Job Experience — Accumulate 30 months of practical experience working with both airframes and powerplants, or 18 months for either rating alone (14 CFR 65.77). This route allows you to earn while you learn and gain real-world experience from day one.

Step 3: Complete Training and Begin Accumulating Experience

Enrol in your chosen program or begin documenting your experience. Key experience areas you must develop competency in include:

• Inspection and testing of aircraft components and systems
• Repair and modification per approved data (manufacturer manuals, Service Bulletins, STCs)
• Troubleshooting and systematic fault diagnosis
• Record-keeping, maintenance log entries, and FAA Form 337 documentation (14 CFR Part 43)
• Use of specialized tools, test equipment, and ground support equipment
• Safety practices, hazardous material handling, and environmental compliance

Step 4: Pass the Written Examinations

Study for and pass all three knowledge tests. Each test must be passed with a minimum score of 70%. Use Sky License's AI-powered practice platform to generate adaptive practice questions, simulate timed exams, and track your progress across every ACS subject area.

Study tip: Focus on one test at a time. Most candidates start with General (the knowledge base) before moving on to Airframe and Powerplant. Allow 4–6 weeks of dedicated study per test.

Step 5: Document Your Practical Experience

Document your hands-on maintenance experience meticulously. Each entry should include the date, aircraft type, task description, reference to approved data, and the signature of a supervising certificated mechanic. When you are ready to apply, transfer your experience onto FAA Form 8610-1 (Mechanic's Experience Record) — the official form the FAA and your examiner will review.

Step 6: Pass the Oral and Practical (O&P) Exam

The final regulatory hurdle is the oral and practical test, administered by a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME). The DME will evaluate your depth of understanding and your hands-on skills using projects drawn from the Aviation Mechanic ACS. Prepare by reviewing the ACS thoroughly, practising mock oral interviews with experienced mechanics, and sharpening your hands-on skills on the specific projects listed for your rating.

Step 7: Submit Your Application

Once all knowledge tests and the O&P exam are passed, your DME issues a temporary certificate on the spot. Your package must include:

• FAA Form 8610-2 (Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application)
• FAA Form 8610-1 (Mechanic's Experience Record) — or proof of graduation from a Part 147 school
• Official knowledge test results for General plus your rating test(s)
• Proof of training (Part 147 diploma or apprenticeship records)
• Application processed through IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and/or Rating Application)

The FAA reviews your application and mails your permanent certificate. Congratulations — you are now authorized to perform maintenance and approve aircraft for return to service in the United States!

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

The demand for certificated A&P mechanics in the United States is strong and projected to grow. An aging workforce combined with increasing air travel demand means airlines, MROs, charter operators, and corporate flight departments are actively recruiting licensed talent. Industry forecasts — including Boeing's Pilot and Technician Outlook — estimate tens of thousands of new maintenance technicians will be needed over the next decade.

Salary by experience level:

• Apprentice / Entry-level: $40,000–$55,000
• Certificated A&P (3–5 years): $65,000–$85,000
• Senior A&P / Lead Technician: $90,000–$110,000+
• A&P with Inspection Authorization (IA): $95,000–$120,000+

Many employers also offer shift premiums, overtime pay, travel allowances, pension plans, and comprehensive benefits. The profession also offers excellent mobility — American A&P mechanics work around the world, from Australia to the Middle East to Europe, thanks to bilateral agreements that recognize FAA credentials.

External Resources

For official information directly from the FAA, consult these authoritative resources:

• FAA Mechanics — Official FAA hub for aircraft mechanics and certification
• 14 CFR Part 65 — Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers — Full text of the regulations governing mechanic certification
• Aviation Mechanic Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-1) — The official ACS defining knowledge and practical test standards
• AC 43.13-1B — Accepted Methods, Techniques, and Practices — The standard reference for aircraft inspection, repair, and alteration

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both the Airframe and Powerplant ratings?

Yes — and most mechanics do. The A&P designation simply means you hold both ratings on a single mechanic certificate. Each rating requires passing its own knowledge test (plus General) and completing the corresponding O&P projects. Holding both makes you more versatile and valuable to employers.

How long are the knowledge test results valid?

FAA knowledge test results are valid for 24 months from the date of passing. You must complete the O&P exam within that window, or you will need to retake the expired knowledge test.

Is there a difference between A&P, AMT, and A&P mechanic?

In the United States, the FAA uses the term Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) as the official job classification, while the certificate itself is the mechanic certificate with Airframe and Powerplant ratings — hence "A&P." The terms are used interchangeably in the industry. AMT is also used generically in other countries, where the equivalent credential may be called an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME).

What happens if I fail an exam?

You can retake any failed knowledge test. You must wait at least 30 days before retaking a failed test. Use the waiting period to focus on your weak areas — Sky License's adaptive question bank helps you target exactly the topics where you need improvement.

Do I need a college degree to become an A&P mechanic?

No. There is no degree requirement for the FAA mechanic certificate. The Part 147 school route is the most structured and efficient path and folds the experience requirement into the program, but you can qualify entirely through 30 months of documented on-the-job experience (or 18 months for a single rating).

How Sky License Prepares You for Success

Sky License is the only AI-powered study platform built specifically for the FAA A&P knowledge tests. Unlike generic flashcard apps or outdated question banks, our platform intelligently adapts to your learning needs:

• Full ACS coverage — Every AM.I, AM.II, and AM.III subject area mapped to practice questions and detailed explanations
• Adaptive difficulty engine — The AI identifies your weak areas and adjusts question difficulty in real time
• Timed exam simulations — Replicate the real FAA testing environment (60 and 100 questions, 2 hours) to build speed and confidence
• AI Tutor — Get instant, plain-language explanations of complex regulatory and technical topics
• Comprehensive analytics — Track your progress across every subject area and learning objective

Start your A&P journey with Sky License today →