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Airplanes, helicopters and other forms of aircraft are among some of the largest forms of transportation in the world.
They can carry hundreds of passengers at a time, transport essential cargo and help people in need of lifesaving medical attention get treatment.
Airframe and powerplant technicians — sometimes shortened to A&P technicians — are the mechanics who ensure these powerful machines fly safely in the air and land correctly on the ground.
This is truly essential work, as people all over the world across diverse industries rely on safe working aircraft. Here’s how you can become an A&P mechanic!
Key Summary Points
- Airframe and powerplant (A&P) technicians ensure the safety and functionality of aircraft, including engines, landing gear, air conditioning and brakes. They perform maintenance and repairs to keep aircraft operational for passenger transport, cargo and emergency medical services.
- A&P mechanics' responsibilities include troubleshooting electrical and mechanical issues, inspecting aircraft components for wear and defects, repairing airframe components and electronic systems and maintaining communication systems. They use a variety of tools and equipment to perform their duties and must document all maintenance actions in an aircraft's log books.
- To become an A&P mechanic, individuals typically need education from an FAA-approved technician school or on-the-job training in the military or another aviation setting. They must also be certified by the FAA, which requires passing written, oral and practical tests. The FAA sets specific guidelines for eligibility, including being at least 18 years old and having practical experience with airframe and powerplant tools.
- The training to become an A&P mechanic covers a wide range of skills, including aircraft troubleshooting, hydraulics and pneumatics, turbine engine operations, powerplant lubrication systems, non-destructive testing and navigation and communication systems. Programs at FAA-approved schools prepare students for FAA licensing and entry-level positions in the aviation industry.
- Several of our campuses across the country offer A&P mechanic training, including locations in Avondale, Arizona; Canton, Michigan; Houston, Texas; Long Beach, California; and Miramar, Florida. These programs typically take two years or less to complete, and help graduates build the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career in aviation maintenance.1,79
Read: From Classroom to Cloud Nine: Isaiah Conner’s Story
What Is an A&P Mechanic?
An A&P mechanic, short for Airframe and Powerplant mechanic, is responsible for keeping our skies safe by ensuring that every inch of an aircraft is operating as it should. Some mechanics only operate on the airframe, or the body of an aircraft, while others work solely on the powerplant, or the engine of an aircraft. A&P mechanics possess comprehensive knowledge on both components.
What Is an A&P Certificate?
An A&P certificate is granted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and indicates that a mechanic has met rigorous standards in both airframe and powerplant maintenance. This credential could validate your career training and expertise!
To earn this certificate, candidates must pass a series of written, oral and practical tests that cover everything from the inner workings of an aircraft engine to the nuances of aerodynamics. Once an individual earns this certificate, they can take their passion for aviation and pursue a career. With the A&P certificate in hand, mechanics can work on a variety of aircraft, ensuring they are safe and ready to take to the skies.
Read: The Three Most Important Parts of A&P Training at UTI, According to Abraham Garcia
What Does an A&P Mechanic Do?
A&P mechanics work in hangars and repair stations and on airfields to perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft so they stay in working condition and don’t run the risk of failure. The mechanics also work on aircraft in need of repairs, fixing components and parts so they can get back up and running. Some of the duties of A&P mechanics include:
- Troubleshooting electrical and mechanical problems.
- Using precision instruments to inspect aircraft components for wear and identify defects such as cracks and corrosion in critical areas.
- Repairing airframe components, such as wings, electrical systems, brakes and other aircraft parts.
- Maintaining an aircraft's electronic systems, such as weather radar and navigation systems.
- Testing aircraft parts with diagnostic equipment before takeoff to ensure safety.
- Using power tools to repair the aircraft's body and hand tools to replace defective parts.
- Maintaining and repairing radio communications that keep pilots in touch with aircraft personnel on the ground.
- Documenting all maintenance and repair actions in an aircraft's log books.
A&P technicians follow instructions, repair procedures and maintenance manuals set by the FAA. The mechanics must have strong problem-solving skills so they can create safe and workable solutions to quickly get aircraft in the air.
Read: What Is Airframe & Powerplant: Ultimate Guide
Steps to Become an A&P Mechanic
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in order to become an A&P technician, professionals typically get education at an FAA-approved technician school or receive on-the-job training in the military or another professional aviation setting.
Typically, A&P technician jobs have A&P license requirements. Technicians must be certified by the FAA in order to legally work in the profession.
The FAA offers separate certifications for engine work and bodywork, but many employers prefer to hire technicians who have both certification ratings and meet both requirements for A&P license. That’s because an A&P license clearly indicates a mechanic meets basic ability and knowledge standards.
What are the requirements for an A&P license? For how to get your A&P license, the FAA sets these guidelines to qualify for taking the Aircraft Mechanic Oral, Practical and Written tests. But even before testing, the candidate seeking how to get an A&P license must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be able to read, write, understand and speak the English language.
- Have at least 18 months of practical experience with airframe and powerplant tools and equipment.
- Graduate from an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician school or complete the Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council training course for military personnel.
- Be familiar with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations part 65, subpart D, Mechanics.
Licensing candidates must pass the FAA written, oral and practical tests. The good news is, when you attend an FAA-approved A&P school, the curriculum and training prepares you for the tests and license requirements. Once you graduate, you’ll be ready to test for an A&P license.
Read: Committed to the Challenge: Mark Coleman’s Journey Into Aviation
How Long Does It Take To Become an A&P Mechanic?
The time it takes to become an A&P mechanic depends on you and your career-building strategy. If you submit an application for Airframe & Powerplant training right away, you could graduate in less than two years from today.
Read: Passing It on to the Next Generation: Cleve Kellum
A&P Mechanic Career FAQs
1. What qualifications are needed to become an A&P mechanic?
To become an A&P mechanic, you typically need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, it’s essential to complete an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school or gain military training that meets the FAA’s standards.
2. What factors influence the salary of an A&P mechanic?
The salary of an A&P mechanic can be influenced by various factors, including geographical location, level of experience and the specific industry they work in. Mechanics employed in metropolitan areas or at larger airlines may earn more than those in rural settings or smaller repair shops.
3. How does experience affect the salary of an A&P mechanic?
Experience plays a significant role in determining the salary of an A&P mechanic, as those with more hands-on experience and advanced skills are often better-qualified for higher pay or higher-paying positions. Many employers value experienced individuals who can troubleshoot complex issues and take on additional responsibilities.
4. What are the career advancement opportunities for an A&P mechanic?
A&P mechanics can explore various career advancement opportunities, such as supervisory roles, specialized positions in avionics or structural repair, or even transitioning into managerial positions within aviation companies. Obtaining further certifications can also open doors to more complex aircraft work or higher-paying roles.77
5. How does obtaining additional certifications affect an A&P mechanic salary?
Additional certifications can significantly boost an A&P mechanic's earning potential, as it showcases specialized knowledge and skill sets that are in demand. Certifications in areas like avionics or specific aircraft types can lead to higher salaries and better job prospects within the aviation industry.
Read: 20+ Years up in the Air: Richard Limon’s Aviation Career
Get Training To Become an A&P Mechanic
Our A&P technician schools at UTI prepare graduates to apply for FAA licensing and entry-level positions in the aviation industry.79 The programs take two years or less to complete and teach students skills like:
- Aircraft troubleshooting
- Hydraulics and pneumatics
- Turbine engine operations
- Powerplant lubrication systems
- Non-destructive testing
- Navigation and communication systems
- Propellers
- Reciprocating engine operation
To learn more about how to train for an A&P technician career, request info online or call us at 1-800-834-7308 to connect with an Admissions Representative!
Campuses That Offer A&P Mechanic Training
Interested in exploring our A&P mechanic training options for the aviation industry? We have several campuses across the country where you can get the training you need. Explore them here!
ATTEND AIRFRAME & POWERPLANT TECHNICIAN SCHOOL.
Get training that prepares you for FAA certification testing. Gain knowledge that can help you test for an A&P license.
Hands-on training.Learn on real equipment. Train in state-of-the-industry labs featuring a safe and supportive environment.
No Pressure to commit.Graduate in 2 years or less. After graduating and earning FAA certification, you’ll be ready to apply for entry-level positions in the aviation field.
1 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2 ) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
77 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. UTI prepares graduates for entry-level careers using the provided training. UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than those listed.
79 ) UTI aviation maintenance programs prepare graduates to apply and test for FAA mechanic certification. Graduates who don’t obtain certification may have fewer career opportunities. Some graduates get jobs in aviation or related industries other than as aviation maintenance technicians. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment, salary or FAA certification.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
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