Careers

How to Become an Airframe & Powerplant Technician

The path to a career as an A&P mechanic involves various training and testing requirements.

Andrew Chen

Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 02:34 PM ET

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Edited By: tccjeremy

Getting your A&P just might be more accessible than you think. [Credit: Abbye Garcia/Rock Valley College]

Key Takeaways:

Airframe and powerplant (A&P) technicians are highly skilled professionals essential for aircraft safety, responsible for inspecting and maintaining all types of aircraft, and are also known as aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs).
To become an A&P, individuals must meet basic eligibility, complete either formal training (e.g., an FAA-approved school or military program) or extensive practical experience, and pass a series of FAA knowledge, oral, and practical tests.
A&P technicians are in high demand across various employers, including airlines and flying schools, offering challenging roles with strong salary potential and a non-expiring FAA certification for both airframe and powerplant systems.

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There is a group of highly skilled professionals who work behind the scenes to ensure the safety of our aircraft. Airframe and powerplant technicians (A&Ps) are responsible for keeping aircraft in safe working condition.

The role of an A&P is a challenging one with diverse job opportunities. Although they will often have a specialization, A&Ps are certified to work on all parts of all types of aircraft, ranging from widebody commercial airliners to small two-seat helicopters.

Andrew Chen

Andrew is a lifelong lover of aviation and travel. He has flown all over the world and is fascinated by the workings of the air travel industry. As a private pilot and glider pilot who has worked with airlines, airports and other industry stakeholders, he is always excited to share his passion for aviation with others. In addition to being a writer, he also hosts Flying Smarter, an educational travel podcast that explores the complex world of air travel to help listeners become better-informed and savvier travelers.