How to become an aircraft mechanic: 6 steps

How do you become an aircraft mechanic?

Get hired to work under a certificated mechanic, or go to a Part 147 school. Build up the experience the FAA asks for: 18 months for one rating or 30 for both. Then pass the written, oral and practical tests for your A&P. With it, you can sign off your own work. [14 CFR Part 65, § 65.77]

This page is the short version for someone starting out. For every detail of the certificate, read how to get your A&P license.

The 6 steps

Step 1: Check the basics

You must be at least 18, and able to read, write, speak and understand English. You also need to pass all your tests within 24 months of each other. There is no degree requirement. [14 CFR Part 65, § 65.71]

Step 2: Get hired, or pick a school

Here is what many people don't know: you can work on aircraft before you have an A&P. The rules let you work under a certificated mechanic who watches your work and is close by. [14 CFR Part 43, § 43.3(d)] That job can count as the experience you need, so you get paid while you build toward your certificate.

You have three routes:

• Work experience. Get hired under a certificated mechanic. Read the experience requirements guide.
• Military. Aircraft maintenance in the service can count. Read the military route guide.
• Part 147 school. A set course and a graduation document the FAA accepts. Read how to pick an aircraft mechanic school.

Step 3: Write down your experience from day one

On the experience route, you list each job on FAA Form 8610-2, Section III, with dates. You need at least 18 months for one rating, or 30 months working on both airframes and powerplants. Keep pay stubs, logbook entries and the names of the mechanics you worked under as you go. It is much harder to rebuild later. [FAA Form 8610-2, Section II and III instructions, p. 5] [14 CFR Part 65, § 65.77(b)]

Step 4: Get cleared to test

Experience applicants take Form 8610-2 and their proof to the local FAA office, called the FSDO. An inspector reviews it and signs off so you can test. School graduates bring the school's graduation document instead. [FAA-G-ACS-1, Ch. 3, p. 12] [14 CFR Part 147, § 147.21]

Step 5: Pass the tests

Each rating has a written test, then an oral and practical test with an examiner. You pass the written before the oral and practical, except school students near the end of their course. [14 CFR Part 65, § 65.75(b), § 65.79, § 65.80] It is the hardest step for many people: in 2025, about 3 in 10 failed the General written. [FAA-AKT-VOL-CY2025, CY2025, p. 1]

Step 6: Start signing off your own work

With your A&P, you can approve work for return to service on the parts your rating covers. That signature is what turns a helper into a mechanic. [14 CFR Part 65, § 65.85, § 65.87] See what the job pays in our aircraft mechanic salary guide.

How long does it take to become an aircraft mechanic?

On the experience route, at least 18 months for one rating or 30 months for both, before you can test. A school sets its own course length. Then add time to study and pass the tests. Read how long the A&P takes for the full timeline.

[14 CFR Part 65, § 65.77]

What can you do before you have your A&P?

You can do the maintenance your supervisor is allowed to do, while they watch closely and are nearby to help. You cannot do the inspections required by Part 91, or the inspection after a major repair or alteration. And you cannot sign work off as fit to fly. [14 CFR Part 43, § 43.3(d)]

What to do this week

1. Check if you're eligible. It takes about a minute and tells you which route fits.
2. Take the free A&P practice test. 20 General questions. See where you stand.
3. Call two or three repair shops near you. Ask if they hire helpers who work under a certificated mechanic. Or look up schools with our school guide.

Technical detailsShowHide

Work under supervision. 14 CFR § 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 done properly and is readily available, in person, for consultation. It does not authorize any inspection required by Part 91 or Part 125, or any inspection after a major repair or alteration.

Experience. § 65.77(b): documentary evidence of at least 18 months of practical experience appropriate to the rating sought, or at least 30 months concurrently performing the duties of both ratings. § 65.77(a): or an authenticated document from a Part 147 school (§ 147.21).

Eligibility. § 65.71(a): at least 18 years of age; read, write, speak and understand English; pass all prescribed tests within 24 months.