How to Become an Airframe & Powerplant Technician

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

Andrew Chen

Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

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

Key Takeaways:

Airframe and powerplant technicians (A&Ps) are highly skilled professionals crucial for aircraft safety, responsible for maintaining all types of aircraft across various aviation sectors.
Becoming an FAA-certified A&P requires meeting basic eligibility, completing formal training from an FAA-approved school or gaining significant practical experience (18-30 months), and passing a series of FAA knowledge, oral, and practical tests.
The A&P career offers strong job prospects with high demand projected through 2033 and a competitive median salary, making it a valuable field in aviation.

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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.