FAA A&P Ratings: Airframe vs Powerplant Explained
When pursuing your FAA mechanic certificate, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing your ratings. The FAA offers two ratings under 14 CFR §65.73 — Airframe and Powerplant — each leading to a different scope of work, exam pathway, and career profile. Most mechanics pursue both (the combined A&P), but understanding each rating on its own is essential. This guide breaks down the differences to help you choose the right path for your future.
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Understanding the Two A&P Ratings
The FAA's mechanic certification system, governed by 14 CFR Part 65 Subpart D, recognizes two ratings. The Airframe rating authorizes the holder to work on the airframe — the aircraft's structure and all non-engine systems. The Powerplant rating authorizes work on the engine installation — engines, propellers, and their related systems. A mechanic who holds both ratings holds the combined Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate, the industry-standard credential.
It is also possible — and increasingly common — to earn ratings sequentially. Many mechanics start with one rating, gain experience, and add the second later by passing the additional knowledge test and oral/practical test. However, most employers strongly prefer the combined A&P, and the experience requirement (30 months for both vs 18 months for one, per §65.77) is proportionally efficient.
Airframe Rating
The Airframe rating covers the aircraft's physical structure and its non-engine systems. Airframe-rated mechanics are the general practitioners of structural and systems maintenance — they work on everything from fuselage skins and flight controls to landing gear, hydraulics, and cabin environmental systems.
What Airframe-Rated Mechanics Do
- Perform scheduled inspections (100-hour, annual support work, and progressive inspections) on airframes and their systems
- Troubleshoot and repair mechanical systems including landing gear, brakes, flight controls, and hydraulic systems
- Perform sheet metal, composite, and structural repairs on fuselages, wings, and control surfaces
- Maintain fuel, environmental, fire protection, and ice and rain protection systems
- Approve return to service for airframe work within the scope of their rating
Exams Required for the Airframe Rating
To obtain the Airframe rating, you must pass the General knowledge test (60 questions) and the Airframe knowledge test (100 questions), plus the oral and practical test with a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME). You must also meet the experience requirement — 18 months of practical experience for a single rating, or graduation from a Part 147 school.
Career Outlook and Salary
Airframe-rated mechanics are in high demand across all sectors of aviation. General aviation, airlines, charter operators, and MROs all need airframe specialists. Entry-level salaries range from $45,000 to $60,000, with experienced mechanics earning $70,000 to $95,000. Mechanics with both ratings at major airlines can earn $100,000 or more.
Powerplant Rating
The Powerplant rating focuses on aircraft engines — reciprocating and turbine — and their related systems, including propellers, fuel metering, ignition, lubrication, and exhaust. Powerplant-rated mechanics are the specialists who keep aircraft propulsion systems running safely and efficiently.
What Powerplant-Rated Mechanics Do
- Overhaul, repair, and troubleshoot reciprocating engines (cylinders, crankshafts, valve trains, magnetos)
- Maintain turbine engines — compressors, combustion sections, turbines, and fuel control units
- Work on propellers: constant-speed governors, feathering and reversing systems, tracking and balancing
- Service fuel metering and engine fuel systems (carburetors, fuel injection, FADEC)
- Perform engine runs, compression tests, borescope inspections, and vibration analysis
Exams Required for the Powerplant Rating
The Powerplant rating requires passing the General knowledge test (60 questions) and the Powerplant knowledge test (100 questions), plus the oral and practical test with a DME. Like the Airframe rating, it requires 18 months of practical experience or Part 147 graduation. The Powerplant knowledge test is widely considered the most demanding of the three tests.
Career Outlook and Salary
Powerplant-rated mechanics are essential at engine overhaul facilities, airlines, and MROs — and the engine specialist shortage is well documented. Salaries are competitive with airframe roles, typically ranging from $45,000 to $95,000 depending on experience and employer. Mechanics with turbine engine expertise (PT6, CFM56, LEAP, PW1000 families) and borescope/boroscope inspection skills are particularly well compensated.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Airframe Rating | Powerplant Rating | Both (A&P) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus Area | Structure + non-engine systems | Engines + propellers | Full aircraft |
| Knowledge Tests | General + Airframe | General + Powerplant | General + Airframe + Powerplant |
| Experience Required | 18 months | 18 months | 30 months (or Part 147) |
| Salary Range | $45K–$95K | $45K–$95K | $50K–$110K+ |
| Key Skills | Structural, systems, sheet metal | Engine theory, mechanical precision | Broad, most versatile |
| Employer Demand | Steady, broad | High (engine specialists) | Highest (industry standard) |
How to Choose the Right Rating for You
Your choice of rating should be guided by three factors: your natural aptitudes, your career goals, and the opportunities available in your region.
Choose the Airframe Rating If You
- Enjoy working with your hands on structures and systems — sheet metal, composites, landing gear, flight controls
- Want to work in general aviation, corporate aviation, or MRO heavy maintenance
- Prefer variety in your daily work — no two days are the same for an airframe mechanic
- Are drawn to inspection and structural repair work
Choose the Powerplant Rating If You
- Have a strong interest in engines, thermodynamics, and mechanical systems
- Enjoy troubleshooting complex faults using manuals, run-ups, and diagnostic tools
- Want to specialize in the propulsion systems that power every aircraft
- Prefer working in engine shops, overhaul facilities, or airline powerplant bays
Choose Both (the A&P) If You
- Want the maximum career flexibility — the combined A&P is the industry standard
- Plan to work at airlines, major MROs, or OEMs where the full certificate is expected
- Want to sign off a wider scope of work and earn the certification premium
- Are willing to study for all three knowledge tests and meet the 30-month experience requirement
Can You Hold Both Ratings?
Yes — and most mechanics do. The FAA allows you to hold both ratings on a single mechanic certificate, and the combined A&P is the most common configuration. Per §65.77, the experience requirement for both ratings is 30 months (vs 18 months for one), and you must pass all three knowledge tests plus one oral/practical test covering both ratings.
The typical path is to obtain both ratings at once — the exam preparation overlaps significantly (General is required for both, and the oral/practical covers both ratings in a single session). Holding the full A&P increases your employability, allows you to certify a wider range of work, and commands a salary premium at virtually every employer.
Prepare for Your Rating Exams with Sky License
Whatever rating path you choose, Sky License has you covered. Our AI-powered platform provides targeted practice for all three FAA knowledge tests, organized by subject area and aligned with the Aviation Mechanic ACS:
- For Airframe candidates — General + Airframe with full coverage of structures, systems, and inspection tasks
- For Powerplant candidates — General + Powerplant with in-depth reciprocating and turbine engine content
- For A&P candidates — All three knowledge tests with complete ACS coverage and full exam simulations