Aircraft Mechanic Apprenticeship: Does It Count Toward an A&P?

Does an aircraft mechanic apprenticeship count toward an A&P?

Yes, if the work is documented practical experience that meets 14 CFR 65.77: 18 months for one rating, 30 months for both. The FAA decides if your experience is acceptable. So the paperwork matters from your first day, not just the month you apply. [14 CFR Part 65, § 65.77(b)]

The rule never says "apprenticeship." It cares about the work you did and the proof you can show. A formal apprenticeship and plain on-the-job work count the same way.

What counts as practical experience?

Hands-on work with the methods, materials, tools and equipment used to build, maintain or alter airframes or powerplants. It has to fit the rating you want. For both ratings, you need 30 months doing both kinds of work during the same period. [14 CFR Part 65, § 65.77(b)(1) and (b)(2)]

Your job title does not count for much. Form 8610-2 says it plainly: job titles are not a description of the type of work performed. A "helper" who rigs flight controls and changes cylinders has more to show than a "technician" who only fuels aircraft. [FAA Form 8610-2, Instructions, Section III, column 4, p. 5]

Do you need a certificated mechanic supervising you?

The rule lets you do maintenance before you hold a certificate if a certificated mechanic or repairman supervises you. They must watch your work closely enough to see it is done right and be close by to help. [14 CFR Part 43, § 43.3(d)]

Repair stations and Part 121 or 135 air carriers do maintenance under their own certificates and rules, which this guide does not cover. Ask your employer how they supervise new hires. [14 CFR Part 43, § 43.3(e) and (f)] Even under supervision, you can't do the inspections required by Part 91, or the inspection after a major repair or alteration. [14 CFR Part 43, § 43.3(d)]

How do you document it from day one?

Keep records as you go. Form 8610-2 asks for each job's dates, employer and the work you did, and an FAA inspector must sign the form before you can test. Rebuilding two years of work from memory is hard. [FAA Form 8610-2, Instructions, Sections III and V, p. 5]

1. Start a work log on your first day. Write the date, the aircraft or part, and what you did.
2. Describe the work, not your title. "Replaced brake assemblies" beats "maintenance helper." [FAA Form 8610-2, Section III, column 4, p. 5]
3. Track your start and end dates. The form asks for month and year, and exact dates if you need them to prove you hit 18 or 30 months. [FAA Form 8610-2, Section III, columns 1 and 2, p. 5]
4. Note each employer's name, city and state. That is column 3 on the form. [FAA Form 8610-2, Section III, column 3, p. 5]
5. Keep the names of the mechanics who supervised you. Before you leave a job, ask for a signed letter that lists your dates and the work you did.
6. Save pay stubs or tax records that show when you worked there.

When you have the time, take the form and your records to your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). An inspector reviews them and signs Section V. That signed form is what lets you take the written tests. [FAA-G-ACS-1, Ch. 3, p. 12] For more on proof, read the experience requirements guide.

Apprenticeship vs Part 147 school vs on-the-job: what's the difference?

An apprenticeship and on-the-job work are the same route under the rule: documented experience. A Part 147 school is a separate route with its own proof. Here is how they compare.

Sources: [14 CFR Part 65, § 65.75(c), § 65.77, § 65.80] [14 CFR Part 147, § 147.21] [FAA Form 8610-2, Section V note, p. 5]

Thinking about school instead? Read how to pick an aircraft mechanic school.

Does military service count?

Yes. Military aircraft maintenance can count as practical experience, and Form 8610-2 has its own section for it. Read the military route guide for what to bring. [FAA Form 8610-2, Section II, box B, p. 5]

Related guides

• How to become an aircraft mechanic
• Experience requirements and Form 8610-2
• How to get your A&P license

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Technical detailsShowHide

§ 65.77(b). Documentary evidence, satisfactory to the Administrator, of (1) at least 18 months of practical experience with the procedures, practices, materials, tools, machine tools and equipment generally used in constructing, maintaining or altering airframes or powerplants appropriate to the rating sought, or (2) at least 30 months of practical experience concurrently performing the duties appropriate to both the airframe and powerplant ratings.

§ 43.3(d). A person working under the supervision of a holder of a mechanic or repairman certificate may perform the maintenance, preventive maintenance and alterations the supervisor is authorized to perform, if the supervisor personally observes the work to the extent necessary to ensure it is being done properly and is readily available, in person, for consultation. This does not authorize inspections required by Part 91 or Part 125, or any inspection after a major repair or alteration.

Form 8610-2. Section III columns: 1 Date From and 2 Date To (MM/YYYY; eight-digit dates if needed to count the days), 3 Employer and Location, 4 Type of Work Performed ("Job titles are not a description of the type of work performed"). Section V: FAA endorsement for testing is required for applicants applying on civil or military experience or § 65.80; AMTS and JSAMTCC graduates do not need it.