FAA A&P vs IA vs Repairman: Which Certificate?

Understanding the Three FAA Certificates

Before diving into the comparison, it is important to understand the foundational structure. The FAA defines these credentials under 14 CFR Part 65 — Subpart D covers mechanics, Subpart C covers the Inspection Authorization, and Subpart E covers repairmen. Each credential authorizes you to perform and certify maintenance in a specific domain of aircraft maintenance. While the well-known Airframe and Powerplant ratings define the scope of aircraft you can work on within the mechanic certificate, the IA and Repairman credentials represent entirely different levels and types of authority.

If you have not yet read our complete guide to becoming an A&P mechanic in the USA, start there for the overall process and eligibility requirements. This guide assumes you understand the basics and focuses specifically on helping you choose between the A&P, IA, and Repairman credentials.

The A&P Mechanic Certificate (Airframe & Powerplant)

The A&P mechanic certificate is the most common aviation maintenance credential in the United States. It covers the mechanical, structural, and powerplant systems of an aircraft — essentially the "airframe" (fuselage, wings, landing gear, flight controls, hydraulics) and the "powerplant" (engines, propellers, fuel systems, lubrication). The certificate can be issued with an Airframe rating, a Powerplant rating, or both — the combined A&P is the industry standard. We cover the ratings in detail in our Airframe vs Powerplant rating guide.

Scope: A&P mechanics perform inspections, repairs, modifications, and certifications on airframes and engines. This includes sheet metal repair, composite repair, engine removal and installation, landing gear overhaul, flight control rigging, hydraulic system troubleshooting, and corrosion prevention. If it involves structure, mechanics, or propulsion, it falls under the A&P certificate.

Exams and requirements: A&P candidates must pass the three FAA knowledge tests (General, Airframe, Powerplant) and the oral and practical test with a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME). Experience requirements per §65.77: 18 months for one rating, 30 months for both — or graduation from a Part 147 aviation maintenance technician school. With three knowledge tests and two ratings, the combined A&P requires the broadest study effort of any maintenance credential.

Difficulty: The A&P is considered moderately difficult overall. The breadth of topics is wide, but the depth required in any single area is generally manageable. The Powerplant knowledge test is often reported as the most challenging of the three, requiring strong understanding of both reciprocating engine theory and turbine engine systems.

Career paths: A&P mechanics work at major airlines (Delta, United, American, Southwest), MROs (AAR, ST Engineering, HAECO, StandardAero), regional carriers, general aviation shops, flight schools, corporate flight departments, OEM service centers (Gulfstream, Textron, Boeing), and the military.

Salary expectations: A&P salaries range widely by employer and location. Entry-level mechanics earn $45,000–$65,000 per year. Experienced mechanics at major airlines and MROs earn $70,000–$95,000, and lead mechanics, inspectors, and specialists at majors can reach $100,000–$130,000+ with overtime and premiums. Unionized airline positions (IAM, AMFA, TWU) add structured wage scales and benefits.

Industry demand: The A&P has the highest demand of the three credentials. The majority of aircraft maintenance tasks involve mechanical and structural work, and the FAA and industry report a sustained shortage of certificated mechanics for at least the next decade.

The Inspection Authorization (IA)

The Inspection Authorization is an additional authorization added to an existing A&P certificate, governed by 14 CFR §65.91–65.99. It grants the holder the authority to perform and sign off annual inspections (§91.409(a)), approve major repairs and major alterations for return to service, and supervise the work of other mechanics in certain contexts. IAs are the only mechanics authorized to conduct annual inspections.

Scope: An IA may approve an aircraft for return to service after an annual inspection, a 100-hour inspection, or any inspection performed under §43.15. IAs also sign off major repairs and major alterations and may approve return to service after work performed by other mechanics under their supervision. Many IAs run independent inspection businesses serving the general aviation community.

Requirements: Per §65.91, you must hold both Airframe and Powerplant ratings, have at least 3 years of practical experience maintaining airframes and powerplants, have been actively engaged in that work for at least 24 months of the last 3 years, and pass the IA written test administered by the FAA. The IA must be renewed every 2 years with documented evidence of recent activity (§65.93).

Difficulty: The IA written test is considered demanding, but the harder barrier is the experience requirement — you cannot pursue an IA until you have years of A&P experience under your belt. The test itself covers §43, §65, §91, ADs, and airworthiness standards in depth.

Career paths: IAs work in general aviation inspection services, flight school maintenance, corporate aviation, and MRO quality departments. The IA is also a stepping stone to quality assurance, maintenance supervision, and FAA Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME) roles.

Salary expectations: IAs typically earn a premium over A&P mechanics. Experienced IAs earn $80,000–$110,000, and IAs running their own inspection businesses can earn significantly more, particularly in high-demand general aviation regions.

Industry demand: Demand for IAs is steady and concentrated in general aviation. Every annual inspection in the United States must be signed off by an IA, which guarantees a consistent market for IA services.

The Repairman Certificate

The Repairman certificate, governed by 14 CFR §65.101–65.115, is a specialized credential issued to individuals employed by a certificated repair station or a manufacturer. Unlike the A&P, the Repairman certificate does not require passing FAA knowledge tests — instead, the employer attests to your skills, and the certificate is limited to the specific duties and employer named on the certificate.

Scope: Repairmen may perform and supervise maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations only for the repair station or manufacturer that employs them, and only within the scope of their certificate. There is also a special category — the Repairman certificate (Light-Sport Aircraft) for individuals performing maintenance on light-sport aircraft at a repair station or manufacturer.

Requirements: Per §65.101, you must be employed by a certificated repair station or manufacturer, be recommended by that employer, and meet the specific experience and skill requirements the employer certifies. There is no written test — the employer's recommendation is the core of the application. This makes the Repairman certificate the fastest path into aircraft maintenance for people hired by a repair station or manufacturer.

Difficulty: No written FAA exams are required, making entry relatively fast. However, the certificate is employer-specific: if you leave that employer, the certificate does not transfer to a new job — you would need a new Repairman certificate or an A&P to move on.

Career paths: Repairmen work at certificated repair stations (component shops, engine overhaul facilities, avionics shops) and manufacturers (Boeing, Textron, Gulfstream, engine OEMs). Many Repairmen later pursue their A&P to gain portable, employer-independent credentials.

Salary expectations: Repairman salaries track A&P levels closely — typically $45,000–$80,000 depending on employer and specialty — but without the portable certification that allows easy job changes or salary negotiation across employers.

Industry demand: Repair stations constantly need Repairman-certificated technicians, and the certificate is an efficient way for employers to qualify their workforce. Demand follows the repair station and manufacturing sectors.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which Certificate Should You Start With?

Choosing your first credential is a significant career decision. Here are the key factors to consider:

Start with the A&P if:

• You want the broadest career options. The A&P is the most versatile and in highest demand. It opens doors at airlines, MROs, flight schools, and everywhere in between.
• You enjoy working with your hands on mechanical systems. If the idea of overhauling an engine, rigging flight controls, or repairing landing gear excites you, the A&P is the right path.
• You are unsure about your specialization. The A&P covers the widest range of topics, giving you exposure to many different areas before you decide to specialize.
• You want a portable, nationwide credential. Unlike the Repairman certificate, the A&P goes with you from employer to employer.

Pursue the IA if:

• You already hold an A&P with 3+ years of experience. The IA is an add-on authorization, not an entry credential.
• You want to sign annual inspections. Only IAs can approve annual inspections under §91.409(a) — a guaranteed source of work in general aviation.
• You want to move into quality assurance or supervision. The IA is the standard credential for inspection and QA roles at MROs.
• You are considering running your own inspection business. Independent IAs serve the GA community and command premium rates.

Choose the Repairman if:

• You have been hired by a repair station or manufacturer. If an employer wants you on the floor quickly, the Repairman certificate is the fastest route — no FAA written tests.
• You are specializing in a niche skill. Component overhaul, avionics bench work, and manufacturer assembly lines are natural Repairman roles.
• You want to start working while studying for your A&P. Many technicians earn a Repairman certificate first, then pursue the A&P in parallel.

Can You Hold Multiple Credentials?

Yes — the A&P and IA are designed to stack. The IA is an authorization on top of an existing A&P, and holding both is the standard for inspection work. You can also hold a Repairman certificate alongside an A&P, though the Repairman certificate's value is mostly for people without the A&P.

Holding the A&P + IA combination makes you significantly more valuable to employers. An A&P can perform maintenance; an A&P with an IA can also sign annual inspections, approve major repairs and alterations, and supervise other mechanics — a rare and highly sought-after combination, especially in general aviation.

The typical path to multiple credentials is:

1. Earn your A&P (knowledge tests + oral/practical + 18/30 months experience or Part 147)
2. Work for 3 years gaining practical experience in maintenance
3. Meet the IA eligibility (24 months actively engaged in the last 3 years)
4. Pass the IA written test and receive the authorization from the FAA
5. Renew the IA every 2 years with documented recent activity

Sky License covers the A&P knowledge tests — General, Airframe, and Powerplant — making it the ideal platform for earning your mechanic certificate and building the foundation for an IA later in your career.

14 CFR Part 65 and the Regulatory Framework

The regulatory basis for all three credentials is found in 14 CFR Part 65 — the section of the Federal Aviation Regulations governing certification of airmen other than flight crewmembers. Subpart D defines the mechanic certificate and its ratings; Subpart C defines the Inspection Authorization; Subpart E defines the Repairman certificate. All three credentials require a thorough understanding of the applicable regulations, which is why Part 43 and Part 65 questions appear so prominently on the General knowledge test.

For a complete breakdown of the regulations subject, including key topics and study strategies, read our FAA regulations guide.

How Sky License Covers A&P Preparation

Sky License provides comprehensive AI-powered exam preparation for all three FAA knowledge tests — General, Airframe, and Powerplant — with question banks mapped to the Aviation Mechanic ACS. Our adaptive learning algorithms identify your weak areas and generate targeted practice questions.

Whether you are pursuing your first A&P certificate or adding the Airframe rating to an existing Powerplant rating, Sky License adapts to your specific needs. The AI Tutor can explain complex concepts — from turbine engine theory to weight & balance calculations to §43.9 record requirements — in clear, exam-focused language. Progress tracking shows your performance across every subject area, so you always know exactly where you stand and what needs more work.

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Summary: Making Your Decision

There is no universally "right" credential — the best choice depends on your interests, aptitudes, and career goals. The A&P offers the broadest opportunities and highest overall demand. The IA offers the highest inspection authority and premium earning potential for experienced mechanics. The Repairman certificate offers the fastest entry for those hired by a repair station or manufacturer.

If you are still unsure, consider starting with the A&P. It is the most versatile foundation, and you can always add the IA later as your career interests crystallize. Whichever path you choose, the key to success is thorough exam preparation — and Sky License is built to help you achieve that.

For more background on the A&P certification process, eligibility, and training pathways, read our complete guide to becoming an A&P mechanic in the USA.