What Is an A&P Apprentice?

An A&P apprentice in the USA is someone who is completing an approved Part 147 education program, or accumulating documented practical experience on the job, working under the supervision of certificated A&P mechanics. The apprentice is not yet certificated and cannot approve return to service — but performs hands-on work under the sign-off of a qualified mechanic.

Think of the apprenticeship as the bridge between classroom theory and the real-world responsibility of signing maintenance records and approving aircraft for return to service under 14 CFR §43.7. During this period, you will build the practical skills, regulatory knowledge, and professional judgment that form the foundation of your entire A&P career.

Who qualifies as an A&P apprentice? Any individual who is enrolled in or has graduated from an FAA-approved Part 147 school, or who is employed in an aircraft maintenance role under the supervision of certificated mechanics to accumulate the experience required by §65.77. You do not need a formal apprentice registration — you need an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) for testing and certification, and you will document your experience on FAA Form 8610-2 (Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application) with a supervisor's endorsement when you apply for certification.

For a high-level overview of the full certification process, read our complete guide to becoming an A&P mechanic in the USA.

Training Paths: Part 147 Schools

Every A&P apprenticeship begins with education — either a Part 147 school program or structured on-the-job training. The FAA approves specific programs at institutions across the country that satisfy the knowledge requirements for the mechanic certificate. Graduating from an approved Part 147 program substitutes for the practical experience requirement under §65.77(b), letting you go straight to the knowledge tests and the oral/practical test.

Here are the major FAA-approved Part 147 A&P programs in the USA:

Florida — Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach)

Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach campus offers one of the most respected aviation maintenance programs in the country. Their Part 147 A&P training is delivered alongside degree programs, with extensive hands-on lab time in dedicated hangar facilities with operational aircraft. Graduates are well-prepared for the knowledge tests and highly sought after by airlines and MROs.

Florida — National Aviation Academy (Clearwater)

National Aviation Academy (NAA) is a career-focused Part 147 school with campuses in Clearwater, FL, and Bedford, MA. Their accelerated A&P diploma program runs about 14–16 months, with strong airline and MRO placement partnerships. NAA also administers the FAA knowledge tests on campus, letting students pass the written tests as they complete each course.

Oklahoma — Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology (Tulsa)

Spartan College is one of the oldest and largest aviation maintenance schools in the country, with a storied history dating to 1928. Their A&P program offers day and evening tracks, an on-campus FAA testing center, and strong ties to Tulsa's aviation sector.

Pennsylvania — Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (Pittsburgh)

PIA offers A&P diplomas and associate degrees at campuses in Pittsburgh, Youngstown (OH), Hagerstown (MD), and Myrtle Beach (SC). The program emphasizes hands-on projects — students build and maintain real aircraft — and has strong placement into regional airlines and MROs.

Texas — Tarrant County College (Fort Worth)

Tarrant County College runs a highly regarded community college A&P program in the heart of Texas aviation, minutes from American Airlines' headquarters and the Fort Worth Alliance Airport MRO cluster. It is one of the most affordable pathways to the A&P certificate.

Other Notable Schools

Texas State Technical College (Waco, TX) — Extensive hands-on facilities and strong MRO connections.
Aviation Institute of Maintenance (multi-campus) — Career-focused A&P training in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Dallas, Las Vegas, Seattle, and more.
Spokane Community College (Spokane, WA) — Well-respected program serving the Pacific Northwest.
Vaughn College (Queens, NY) — A&P training and engineering technology degrees in New York.
Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN) — Part 147 training combined with a bachelor's degree.
San Juan College (Farmington, NM) — Popular for its low cost and strong pass rates.

Most approved programs follow the Aviation Mechanic ACS and cover the same core subjects: airframe structures and systems, powerplant theory and systems, electrical fundamentals, and relevant regulations. The key difference between schools is often the quality of hands-on training facilities, the types of aircraft available, and the strength of industry connections for post-graduation employment.

When choosing a school, look for a program that offers on-campus FAA knowledge testing and airline or MRO partnerships. These features give you a head start on your testing sequence and often lead directly to full-time employment after graduation.

The Apprenticeship Process: Step by Step

The A&P apprenticeship process follows a clear sequence. Here is exactly how it works from start to finish:

Step 1: Complete Your Training Path

Enrol in and graduate from an FAA-approved Part 147 A&P program (typically 12–24 months), or begin accumulating practical experience on the job. If you choose the school route, you will receive a diploma or certificate showing the courses completed, and you will qualify for the experience waiver under §65.77(b) as a recent graduate.

Step 2: Find Employment in Aircraft Maintenance

Secure a job at a repair station, airline maintenance base, MRO, or general aviation shop. Your employer must have certificated A&P mechanics on staff who can supervise your work. Common employers include:

Major airline maintenance bases (Delta TechOps, American Tulsa, United, FedEx, UPS)
MROs (AAR, ST Engineering, HAECO, StandardAero, West Star)
General aviation maintenance shops and FBOs
Flight school maintenance departments
Corporate flight department hangars
OEM service centers (Gulfstream, Textron, Boeing)
Military — US military aircraft maintenance experience can be credited toward the civilian experience requirement

Many apprentices find their first job through school partnerships, career fairs, or direct applications. The demand for maintenance technicians is strong across the USA, but competition for positions at major airlines means you should start your job search early — ideally during your final semester of school.

Step 3: Work Under Supervision and Document Your Experience

Once employed, you will work under the supervision of certificated A&P mechanics who guide your development. Every hour of practical maintenance you perform must be documented for the experience requirement (18 months for one rating, 30 months for both) and ultimately recorded on FAA Form 8610-2 with a supervisor's endorsement. This is the longest phase of the apprenticeship — typically 18–30 months for the OJT route.

During this phase, you will rotate through different areas of the hangar: line maintenance, heavy maintenance, component shop, engine shop, and avionics bay. Each rotation builds different skills and contributes to your overall competency. Your supervising mechanics will guide you through progressively more complex tasks as your skills develop.

Step 4: Pass the FAA Knowledge Tests

You can — and should — begin taking your FAA knowledge tests before you complete your experience documentation. In fact, many apprentices begin taking tests during their final year of school or within the first few months of employment. The tests are:

General (AMG) — 60 questions, 2 hours, 70% pass mark
Airframe (AMA) — 100 questions, 2 hours, 70% pass mark (Airframe rating)
Powerplant (AMP) — 100 questions, 2 hours, 70% pass mark (Powerplant rating)

For a complete breakdown of every test — including question counts, time limits, and topic coverage — read our FAA A&P written tests guide.

Step 5: Take the Oral & Practical Test and Get Certificated

Once you have passed your knowledge tests and completed your experience requirements (or graduated from a Part 147 school), you schedule your oral and practical test with a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME). You present:

Your completed FAA Form 8610-2 (experience section endorsed by a supervisor)
Your Airman Knowledge Test Reports (the passing score sheets from PSI)
Proof of training (Part 147 diploma/transcript, if applicable)
A government-issued photo ID and your FAA Tracking Number

If you pass, the DME issues your temporary mechanic certificate on the spot, and the permanent certificate arrives from the FAA by mail. Important: your certificate is issued with the ratings you tested for (Airframe, Powerplant, or both). You can add a rating later by taking the additional knowledge test and oral/practical test. For a detailed comparison of ratings, see our Airframe vs Powerplant rating guide.

Step 6: Certification Privileges

Once certificated, you gain the privilege to perform maintenance and approve aircraft for return to service within your ratings under §43.7 — the authority that makes the A&P the central credential of the profession. This is the moment you transition from apprentice to mechanic, and it marks a significant milestone in both responsibility and earning potential. For a look at how salaries change once you hold that certificate, read our A&P mechanic salary by state guide.

Experience Documentation: How Much, What Counts, FAA Standards

Your experience documentation — maintained in a personal logbook or log sheet and ultimately endorsed on FAA Form 8610-2 — is the single most important record of your apprenticeship. It is the official record of the practical aircraft maintenance experience you performed under supervision. The FAA and the DME review it carefully before issuing your certificate, and incomplete documentation is a common reason for delays.

How Much Experience Do You Need?

The minimum experience requirements for a mechanic certificate under §65.77 depend on your training background:

Graduate of an approved Part 147 program: The experience requirement is waived per §65.77(b). You can proceed directly to the knowledge tests and the oral/practical test.
Experience route — one rating: 18 months of practical experience with the procedures, practices, materials, tools, and equipment generally used in maintaining airframes or powerplants, appropriate to the rating sought.
Experience route — both ratings: 30 months of practical experience performing duties appropriate to both the airframe and powerplant ratings concurrently.

The key takeaway: plan for 18–30 months of full-time work experience if you are not using the Part 147 route, or 12–24 months of school if you are.

What Counts as Experience?

The FAA is specific about what qualifies as creditable experience. The following activities count toward your experience documentation:

Inspections: Pre-flight, daily, weekly, 100-hour support, and phase inspections performed under supervision
Repairs and modifications: Sheet metal repair, composite repair, component replacement, and STC installations
Troubleshooting and diagnosis: Identifying faults and determining corrective actions
Component removal and installation: Engines, landing gear, flight controls, and other LRUs (Line Replaceable Units)
Rigging and adjustments: Flight control rigging, engine rigging, and system calibrations
Non-destructive testing (NDT): Dye penetrant, magnetic particle, eddy current, and ultrasonic inspections
Corrosion control and prevention: Identifying, treating, and preventing corrosion
Weight and balance: Performing weight and balance calculations and actual weighing of aircraft
Functional tests: Ground runs, system operational tests, and flight control functional checks

What does NOT count: Classroom instruction, simulators, paperwork-only tasks, cleaning without inspection, and any work performed without the supervision of a certificated mechanic.

FAA Documentation Standards

The FAA does not prescribe a specific logbook format, but every experience entry should contain:

Date of the work performed
Description of the task (be specific — "inspected landing gear" is too vague; "performed 100-hour inspection on MLG shock strut, removed and serviced" is better)
Aircraft type and N-number (e.g., Cessna 172 N12345)
Hours spent on the task
The name and certificate number of the supervising mechanic
Your signature

When you apply for certification, the experience section of FAA Form 8610-2 must be endorsed by a supervisor who can attest to your experience. For a detailed guide to documenting your experience — including common mistakes that delay certification — read our A&P experience logbook guide.

A&P Rating Categories Explained (Airframe, Powerplant)

One of the most important decisions you will make during your apprenticeship is which ratings to pursue. The ratings determine the scope of aircraft work you can certify and the career path you will follow.

Airframe rating: Authorizes maintenance of the airframe — structures (sheet metal, composites, wood, fabric, welding), and airframe systems (landing gear, flight controls, hydraulics, fuel, environmental, fire protection, ice and rain control). Airframe mechanics work on everything from piston trainers to widebody airliners.
Powerplant rating: Authorizes maintenance of the engine installation — reciprocating and turbine engines, propellers, fuel metering, ignition, lubrication, and exhaust systems. Powerplant mechanics work in engine shops, overhaul facilities, and airline powerplant bays.
Both (the A&P): The industry standard. The combined certificate covers the full aircraft and commands the widest range of job opportunities and the certification premium.

For a full comparison of the ratings — including scope, difficulty, exams, and career paths — read our Airframe vs Powerplant rating comparison guide.

Exam Sequence: When to Take Which Tests

One of the most common questions from apprentices is: when should I take my tests? The answer is: as early as possible. You do not need to wait until you complete your experience documentation. The FAA allows you to take the knowledge tests at any time, and there are strategic advantages to starting early.

Recommended Exam Sequence for A&P Candidates

General test first (during school or the first 3 months of employment): The General test is the most foundational. It covers regulations (14 CFR Parts 43, 65, 91), mathematics, physics, basic electricity, and weight & balance — material you study early. Take it while the knowledge is fresh. It is also the shortest test (60 questions), making it a good confidence-builder.
Airframe test next (months 3–9): The Airframe test (100 questions) covers structures and airframe systems. Airframe knowledge builds directly from your daily work — pay attention during your hangar rotations.
Powerplant test (months 9–15): The Powerplant test (100 questions) is widely considered the most difficult of the three. It covers reciprocating engines, turbine engines, propellers, fuel metering, and engine systems. Take it when you have the most hands-on exposure and study preparation.
Oral & practical (after all knowledge tests + experience complete): Schedule with a DME once you have passed all required knowledge tests and completed your experience (or Part 147 graduation).

For detailed information on the regulations test specifically, read our FAA regulations guide and our FAA A&P written tests guide for proven preparation strategies.

Tips for Surviving (and Thriving in) Your A&P Apprenticeship

The A&P apprenticeship is demanding — physically, mentally, and sometimes financially. Here is practical advice from mechanics who have been through it:

1. Find a Mentor Early

The single best thing you can do for your career is find an experienced, knowledgeable A&P mechanic who is willing to mentor you. A good mentor will not only supervise your experience documentation — they will teach you the tricks of the trade, explain why things are done a certain way, and help you avoid common mistakes. Pay attention, ask questions, and show respect for their time. A strong mentor relationship can accelerate your development by years.

2. Network Within the Industry

Aviation is a small world in the USA. Join the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA) or the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) student programs, attend industry events, and connect with other apprentices and mechanics on professional platforms. Job opportunities often come through personal referrals, and knowing people at different companies gives you insight into which employers offer the best training and work environment.

3. Develop Consistent Study Habits

Studying for the FAA knowledge tests while working full-time is a challenge. Your best strategy is consistency: dedicate 30–60 minutes every day (or every shift cycle) to exam preparation rather than cramming in marathon sessions before each test. Use your study time wisely by focusing on your weakest areas — this is where adaptive learning tools like Sky License are particularly valuable.

4. Document Your Experience Religiously

As mentioned above, your experience documentation is your ticket to certification. Treat it like a legal document — because it essentially is. Log entries daily or at the end of every shift. Be specific about tasks performed. Have your supervising mechanic review your documentation regularly. Well-organized records that clearly demonstrate the breadth and depth of your experience will sail through the certification process.

5. Rotate Through Different Work Areas

If your employer allows it, volunteer for rotations through different departments: line maintenance, heavy maintenance, engine shop, component shop, and avionics. Each rotation builds different competencies and makes you a more well-rounded mechanic. The FAA looks for breadth of experience — you cannot safely certify an aircraft if you have only ever worked in one area.

6. Learn the Regulations Inside Out

The most respected mechanics are those who know the regulations — 14 CFR Parts 43, 65, and 91, Airworthiness Directives, and Service Bulletins — as well as they know the tools in their box. Regulatory knowledge protects you, your employer, and the flying public. Make it a habit to read relevant CFR sections and the FAA AMT Handbooks whenever you encounter a new type of task.

7. Be Patient with Your Progress

The apprenticeship can feel slow, especially in the first year when you are doing basic tasks under constant supervision. That is normal. Every certificated mechanic went through the same phase. Trust the process: the experience you accumulate now — even the mundane tasks — builds the foundation for the expert judgment you will need later in your career.

How Sky License Helps You Prepare for Exams During Your Apprenticeship

Balancing a full-time job with exam preparation is no small feat. That is exactly why Sky License was built: to help apprentices prepare for the FAA knowledge tests efficiently and effectively — whether you are studying before your shift, during a lunch break, or on your days off.

Here is how Sky License supports your apprenticeship:

Thousands of questions across the full ACS — covering General, Airframe, and Powerplant. Every question is mapped to the Aviation Mechanic ACS so you know exactly which topics you are studying.
AI-powered adaptive learning — The platform identifies your weak areas and generates targeted practice questions to strengthen them. Instead of reviewing material you already know, Sky License focuses your limited study time on the gaps that need the most work.
AI Tutor for complex topics — Stuck on turbine engine theory? Confused by composite repair schemes? The AI Tutor explains difficult concepts in clear, practical language with real-world context from an experienced mechanic's perspective.
Detailed answer explanations — Every question includes a thorough explanation with regulatory references (14 CFR Parts 43, 65, 91; AC 43.13-1B) so you learn the why behind each answer.
Progress tracking by subject area — You always know exactly where you stand. Track your scores, identify trending weak areas, and measure improvement over time.
Flexible access — Sky License works on desktop, tablet, and mobile. Study during your commute, between tasks at work, or at home on your own schedule.

Our students consistently report that Sky License's targeted approach cuts their exam preparation time by 30–50% compared to traditional methods. That means less time studying and more time focusing on your apprentice work — or simply enjoying your life outside the hangar.

Try free A&P practice questions →

Whether you are just starting your apprenticeship or nearing the end of your experience documentation, Sky License helps you prepare for each test in the right sequence at the right time. Start with the General test and work your way through the full curriculum at your own pace.

A&P Apprentice FAQ

How long does it take to become an A&P mechanic in the USA?

The total time from starting school to receiving your mechanic certificate is typically 18–30 months via the Part 147 route, or 30–42 months via the experience route. This breaks down as 12–24 months for a Part 147 program (followed directly by testing), or 18–30 months of on-the-job experience (with testing interspersed). Candidates who study while working, take tests early, and maintain consistent documentation tend to complete the process faster.

Can I start my A&P apprenticeship without going to a Part 147 school?

Yes — the FAA allows the "experience" route, which requires 18 months of practical experience for one rating or 30 months for both, per §65.77, without any formal education credit. However, this route is more difficult because you need to learn the theoretical material on your own while working full-time. Most candidates find that completing a Part 147 program is significantly faster — graduates can substitute the school's curriculum for the experience requirement entirely. The school route is strongly recommended unless you already have substantial aviation maintenance experience (e.g., military service).

Do I need an apprentice registration number from the FAA?

No. Unlike some other skilled trades, aircraft maintenance apprentices do not need a formal registration number from the FAA. You simply need an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) — created free through the FAA's IACRA or PSI registration — which you will use for knowledge test registration and certification. Your experience documentation and, ultimately, FAA Form 8610-2 serve as your official record of apprenticeship experience.

How much do A&P apprentices earn in the USA?

Apprentice and entry-level technician salaries typically range from $22 to $28 per hour ($45,000–$58,000 per year), depending on location, employer, and experience level. Technicians at major airlines or large MROs in high-cost cities (Seattle, New York, San Francisco) tend to earn at the higher end of this range, while those at small GA shops earn closer to the lower end. Shift premiums (evening, night, weekend) can add 10–20% to your base pay. For full details, see our A&P salary by state guide.

Can I take my FAA knowledge tests while still in school?

Yes. The FAA does not require you to complete your training before taking the knowledge tests. In fact, taking tests during school — particularly the General test — is a smart strategy because the material is fresh and you have dedicated study time. Many Part 147 schools administer the FAA knowledge tests on campus and build test preparation into their curriculum. The sooner you pass your tests, the sooner you can take the oral and practical exam once your experience (or graduation) is complete.

What happens if I switch employers during my apprenticeship?

Switching employers is common and does not reset your progress. Your experience documentation transfers with you. Simply have your previous supervising mechanics attest to the work you performed, and continue documenting experience at your new employer. The key is to ensure your new employer has certificated A&P mechanics who can supervise your work, and to keep your documentation current and complete before leaving any employer — your supervisor must be able to endorse the experience section of your Form 8610-2.

Can international students become A&P mechanics in the USA?

Yes, but there are additional requirements. US citizenship is not required for the A&P certificate. International students must have valid student visas (typically F-1) for their Part 147 education program, and work authorization (such as OPT) for on-the-job experience. Many employers sponsor H-1B or other work visas for qualified technicians. After accumulating experience, permanent residency is possible through employment-based green card categories, which often prioritize skilled aviation workers.