What an A&P License School Teaches You

An A&P license school trains you to become an aircraft mechanic — someone who inspects, maintains, and repairs aircraft. The "A&P" stands for Airframe and Powerplant, which means you learn to work on both the plane's body and its engines. These schools teach you the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules, the hands-on skills you need, and prepare you to pass the FAA written, oral, and practical exams that lead to your A&P certificate.

You do not need a driver's license to attend an A&P school, but the school sits in the same career-training category because both are licenses that require formal instruction and testing through a federal agency. An A&P certificate is a professional credential, not a driving credential — it proves you can legally work on aircraft that carry passengers or cargo.

Key Takeaways

  • A&P schools are accredited by the FAA and teach airframe and powerplant mechanics the skills and knowledge needed to pass FAA certification exams.
  • Most A&P programs take 18 to 24 months of full-time study, though some schools offer part-time options that take longer.
  • You will need a high school diploma or GED, and most schools require basic math and reading skills before you start.
  • After completing your school's program, you must pass three separate FAA exams — written, oral, and practical — to earn your A&P certificate.
  • The FAA maintains a searchable list of approved schools on its website, organized by state and program type.

Types of A&P Schools and Program Lengths

A&P schools come in three main types: Part 147 schools (the most common), on-the-job training programs, and military training. Part 147 schools are FAA-approved institutions that offer classroom and hands-on lab work. They range from community colleges to private aviation academies. On-the-job training programs let you work under a licensed mechanic while you study — this route is slower but costs less. Military training teaches A&P skills to service members; if you complete it, you can transfer that training toward your civilian A&P certificate.

Program length depends on the school and whether you attend full-time or part-time. A full-time Part 147 program typically takes 18 to 24 months. Part-time programs at community colleges may take three to four years. On-the-job training can take five to seven years because you are learning while working. Military programs vary by branch and specialty, but most take one to two years of active training.

What You Need Before You Enroll

Most A&P schools require a high school diploma or GED. Some schools test your math and reading skills during the process process and may ask you to take remedial courses if your scores are low. A few schools accept students without a diploma if they pass an entrance exam, but this is less common.

You will also need to be at least 18 years old (or have parental consent if younger) and pass a background check. Some schools require a valid government-issued ID. If you are a non-U.S. citizen, check with the school about visa requirements and whether you can work on aircraft after graduation — immigration status affects your ability to work as a mechanic.

No prior aviation experience is necessary. Schools assume you are starting from scratch and teach everything from basic aircraft systems to advanced troubleshooting.

How to Find an FAA-Approved School

The FAA publishes a list of all approved Part 147 schools on its website at faa.gov. Go to the Airmen Certification section and search for "Part 147 schools" or "A&P schools." You can filter by state and by program type (Airframe only, Powerplant only, or combined A&P). The list includes the school's name, location, phone number, and website.

Once you have a list of schools near you, contact each one directly to ask about program start dates, tuition, financial aid, and job placement rates. Ask whether they offer full-time or part-time schedules, whether they have evening or weekend classes, and whether they offer online components for theory while you do hands-on work in person. Some schools have waiting lists, so call early if you want to start soon.

You can also search for schools through aviation job boards and pilot forums, where current and former students post reviews. These reviews often mention which schools have good instructors, up-to-date equipment, and strong job placement after graduation.

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Program Costs

Tuition at A&P schools varies widely depending on whether the school is public or private. Community college programs typically cost $8,000 to $15,000 for the full program. Private aviation academies often charge $25,000 to $50,000 or more. These figures cover tuition only and do not include books, tools, uniforms, or exam fees.

Many schools participate in federal financial aid programs, including Pell Grants and student loans through the Free process for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Some schools offer payment plans that let you pay tuition in monthly installments. A few employers in the aviation industry offer tuition reimbursement or sponsorship programs if you commit to working for them after graduation — ask your school's career services office whether they have partnerships with local airlines or maintenance shops.

The FAA written, oral, and practical exams cost money to take. Exam fees vary by testing center but typically range from $150 to $300 per exam. Some schools include exam fees in their tuition; others charge separately.

What Happens After You Complete Your School Program

After you finish your school's coursework and hands-on training, you are ready to take the FAA exams. You must pass three separate tests: the written exam (multiple choice, taken on a computer), the oral exam (a conversation with an FAA examiner about aircraft systems and maintenance procedures), and the practical exam (also called a "checkride," where you demonstrate hands-on skills on an actual aircraft or simulator).

You can take these exams in any order, but most people take the written exam first. You schedule your exams through an FAA-designated testing center or examiner. Your school will tell you where to find one in your area. After you pass all three exams, the FAA issues your A&P certificate, which is valid for life as long as you follow the rules for maintaining your certificate (which include staying current with aircraft systems and regulations).

Once you have your certificate, you can work as an aircraft mechanic for airlines, maintenance shops, the military, or private aircraft owners. Your school's career services office often helps graduates find jobs, and many employers actively recruit from A&P schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an A&P license without going to a Part 147 school?

Yes. You can pursue on-the-job training under a licensed mechanic, but this route takes much longer — typically five to seven years — and you must document your hours carefully. You still must pass the same three FAA exams. Military training also counts; if you trained as an aircraft mechanic in the armed forces, you may be able to skip some requirements or take the exams sooner.

How long does it take to get your A&P certificate after you finish school?

It depends on how quickly you schedule and pass the three FAA exams. Some people take all three exams within a few weeks of finishing school. Others space them out over several months. Once you pass the final exam, the FAA issues your certificate within days.

What is the difference between an A&P certificate and an airframe-only or powerplant-only certificate?

An A&P certificate lets you work on both the aircraft body (airframe) and engines (powerplant). An airframe-only certificate lets you work only on the structure, systems, and components of the plane itself. A powerplant-only certificate lets you work only on engines and engine systems. Some people earn one first and add the other later. A full A&P is more valuable in the job market.

Do I need to renew my A&P certificate?

Your A&P certificate does not expire, but you must follow FAA rules to keep it active. You cannot perform maintenance work on aircraft if you have not worked in the field for more than 24 consecutive months. If you take a break longer than that, you must complete a refresher course or pass a knowledge test before you can work again.

Can I work on aircraft while I am still in school?

No. You must have your A&P certificate before you can legally perform maintenance work on aircraft. However, some schools have partnerships with airlines or maintenance shops that hire graduates when ready after they pass their exams, so you can start working within weeks of finishing your program.