An A and P license is a mechanic's certificate that lets you work on aircraft and their engines

An A and P license stands for Airframe and Powerplant license. It is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), not your state's motor vehicle department. If you arrived here looking for information about a regular driver's license, this is a different credential entirely — it is for people who repair, maintain, or inspect aircraft for a living.

You cannot get an A and P license at a DMV. Instead, you earn it through a combination of classroom training, hands-on work experience, and passing FAA written and practical exams. The process typically takes 18 months to four years, depending on whether you attend an FAA-approved school or learn on the job.

Key Takeaways

  • An A and P license is a federal credential for aircraft mechanics, not a state driver's license, and is issued by the FAA after you pass written and practical exams.
  • You need either 3,000 hours of hands-on aircraft maintenance experience or completion of an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school to sit for the exams.
  • The license has two parts — the Airframe (A) certificate covers the aircraft structure, and the Powerplant (P) certificate covers engines and related systems.
  • Once you hold an A and P license, you can legally sign off on aircraft maintenance work, which is required before any plane can fly.

Who needs an A and P license

You need an A and P license if your job involves maintaining, repairing, or inspecting aircraft. This includes people who work at airlines, repair shops, military bases, or private aircraft facilities. If you work on helicopters, small planes, or large commercial jets, you will need this credential.

You do not need an A and P license if you work on ground support equipment, avionics (aircraft electronics), or if you are a pilot. Pilots have their own separate FAA licenses. Similarly, if you only perform very basic tasks like cleaning or fueling aircraft under someone else's supervision, you may not need the full A and P license, though your employer's rules may differ.

The two parts of the A and P license

The A and P license is actually two separate certificates that you can earn independently. The Airframe (A) certificate covers the aircraft structure — the fuselage, wings, landing gear, hydraulic systems, and everything that is not the engine. An A-rated mechanic can perform maintenance and repairs on these components.

The Powerplant (P) certificate covers engines and engine-related systems — fuel systems, ignition systems, cooling systems, and propellers. A P-rated mechanic can work on these components. Many mechanics earn both certificates so they can work on any part of an aircraft. When someone has both, they are called an A and P mechanic.

How to meet the experience requirement

The FAA requires you to have either 3,000 hours of hands-on aircraft maintenance experience, or you can reduce that requirement if you attend an FAA-approved school. If you go to an approved school, you typically need 1,500 hours of classroom and lab work, plus 1,500 hours of work experience — totaling 3,000 hours either way.

The hours must be documented and verified by your employer or school. Your supervisor signs off on the work you have completed, and you keep records showing what systems you worked on and how many hours you spent. The FAA reviews these records before you can sit for the exams. If you are learning on the job without attending school, this process can take three to four years of full-time work.

The written and practical exams

Once you have met the experience requirement, you take three written exams — one for general knowledge, one specific to Airframe systems, and one specific to Powerplant systems. You can take these in any order. Each exam covers the technical knowledge you need to work safely on aircraft.

After passing the written exams, you take a practical exam called an oral and practical test, or checkride. An FAA examiner asks you questions about aircraft systems and watches you perform maintenance tasks on real aircraft or simulators. You must demonstrate that you can identify problems, perform repairs correctly, and follow FAA regulations. The checkride is where you prove you can actually do the work, not just answer questions about it.

Finding an FAA-approved school

If you want to shorten the timeline, you can attend an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school. These schools are accredited and their curriculum is designed to prepare you for the FAA exams. Attending school typically takes 18 to 24 months of full-time study, compared to three to four years of on-the-job learning alone.

You can find approved schools through the FAA's website, which lists all accredited programs by state. Schools vary in cost, schedule, and focus — some specialize in commercial aircraft, others in helicopters or general aviation. Many schools also help you find work experience or internships while you are studying, which counts toward your 3,000-hour requirement.

Renewing and maintaining your A and P license

An A and P license does not expire like a driver's license. Once you earn it, you hold it for life — but there are conditions. You must work on aircraft for at least one day in each 24-month period to keep your license active. If you stop working on aircraft for more than 24 months, your license becomes inactive.

If your license becomes inactive, you can reactivate it by working on aircraft again and documenting those hours. You do not have to retake the exams. However, if you want to work as a mechanic and your license is inactive, you should contact the FAA or your employer to understand the reactivation process, as some employers have their own requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an A and P license the same as a driver's license?

No. An A and P license is a federal credential for aircraft mechanics issued by the FAA. A driver's license is a state credential for operating vehicles on roads. They are completely separate documents issued by different agencies for different purposes.

Can I get an A and P license without attending school?

Yes. You can earn the license through 3,000 hours of documented work experience on aircraft without attending an FAA-approved school. This path takes longer — usually three to four years of full-time work — but it is possible if your employer is willing to hire you and document your training.

How much does it cost to get an A and P license?

Costs vary widely. FAA-approved schools typically charge between $30,000 and $60,000 for the full program, though this varies by school and location. If you learn on the job, you have no tuition cost, but you earn a lower wage during your training period. The FAA exams themselves have testing fees that vary by testing center.

What happens if I fail the written or practical exam?

You can retake any exam you fail. There is no limit on the number of attempts, though you will pay the testing fee each time. Many people study longer or take a prep course before retaking an exam. Failing does not disqualify you from ever earning the license.

Do I need an A and P license to work on small private planes?

It depends on the work you are doing and who owns the plane. For most maintenance and repairs on any aircraft, you need an A and P license. However, some very small aircraft have different rules, and owners performing maintenance on their own planes may have exemptions. Check with the FAA or your employer to understand what applies to your specific situation.