What Is an A&P License? Airframe & Powerplant Explained

An A&P license is the common name for an FAA Aviation Mechanic Certificate with both Airframe and Powerplant ratings.

The Airframe rating covers maintenance privileges related to aircraft structures and associated systems, while the Powerplant rating covers aircraft engines, propellers, and associated powerplant systems within the mechanic’s FAA privileges and limitations.

The FAA technically issues a mechanic certificate, not a credential formally named an “A&P license.” However, A&P license, A&P certificate, Airframe and Powerplant license, and Airframe and Powerplant certificate are commonly used to describe the same combined FAA mechanic ratings.

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What Does A&P Stand For?

In aviation maintenance, A&P stands for Airframe and Powerplant.

A = Airframe

The Airframe rating relates to aircraft structures and associated systems, such as fuselage and wing structures, landing gear, flight controls, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, electrical systems, and other airframe-related equipment.

P = Powerplant

The Powerplant rating relates to aircraft engines, propellers, and associated propulsion systems, including reciprocating and turbine powerplants and related components.

The FAA allows a mechanic to hold an Airframe rating, a Powerplant rating, or both. A mechanic who holds both ratings is commonly described as an A&P mechanic.

Is an A&P a License or an FAA Certificate?

The FAA’s formal credential is an Aviation Mechanic Certificate. “A&P license” is common industry language for a mechanic certificate carrying both the Airframe and Powerplant ratings.

The FAA notes that the terms “certificate” and “license” are often used interchangeably. For U.S. regulatory purposes, however, the official credential is a certificate issued under 14 CFR Part 65.

Common Term FAA Meaning
A&P license Common term for an Aviation Mechanic Certificate with both Airframe and Powerplant ratings.
A&P certificate Common FAA/industry shorthand for the mechanic certificate carrying both ratings.
Airframe license Common wording for an Aviation Mechanic Certificate with an Airframe rating.
Powerplant license Common wording for an Aviation Mechanic Certificate with a Powerplant rating.

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Airframe vs Powerplant: What’s the Difference?

Airframe and Powerplant are separate FAA ratings because they cover different areas of aircraft maintenance knowledge and mechanic privileges.

Comparison Airframe Rating Powerplant Rating
FAA abbreviation A P
Primary focus Aircraft structures and associated airframe systems. Aircraft engines, propellers, and associated powerplant systems.
Examples of subject areas Structures, flight controls, landing gear, hydraulics, electrical systems, cabin systems, and related components. Reciprocating and turbine engines, ignition, fuel metering, lubrication, cooling, propellers, and related components.
Can it be earned separately? Yes. Yes.
When combined Holding both Airframe and Powerplant ratings is commonly called an A&P Certificate.

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Do You Need Both Airframe and Powerplant Ratings?

No. The FAA does not require every aviation mechanic to obtain both ratings.

A mechanic can hold only an Airframe rating, only a Powerplant rating, or both. The privileges available to the mechanic depend on the rating or ratings held and the other limitations in the regulations.

Many students pursuing broad aircraft-maintenance careers choose to train for both because the combined A&P credential covers both major rating areas and can match the qualification preferences of many aviation employers.

Employer requirements still vary. Holding both ratings should not be interpreted to mean that every aviation-maintenance job legally requires an A&P certificate.

What Can You Do With an A&P Certificate?

An appropriately rated FAA mechanic may perform or supervise qualifying maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations within the privileges and limitations of the certificate and rating.

A mechanic’s authority depends on more than simply possessing an A&P card. Under 14 CFR §65.81, the mechanic must be rated for the work and must also have satisfactorily performed the specific work previously or demonstrate the ability to do it under an authorized person’s supervision or to the satisfaction of the FAA. The mechanic must also understand the current manufacturer’s instructions and maintenance manuals for the operation being performed.

A&P Privilege What It Means Important Limitation
Perform maintenance Perform qualifying maintenance on aircraft, appliances, or parts within the mechanic’s rating. The mechanic must be appropriately rated and qualified for the specific work.
Supervise maintenance Supervise qualifying work within the mechanic’s certificate privileges. §65.81 places experience and familiarity requirements on supervision and return-to-service approval.
Perform alterations Perform qualifying alterations within the scope permitted by the applicable rating and regulations. Certain major repairs, major alterations, propeller work, and instrument work have additional restrictions.
Approve qualifying work for return to service An appropriately rated mechanic may make certain return-to-service approvals permitted by Parts 43 and 65. The authority depends on the rating, type of work, and applicable regulatory limitation.
Perform qualifying 100-hour inspections An appropriately rated A&P mechanic can perform 100-hour inspections within the scope of the ratings held. An annual inspection requires separate Inspection Authorization privileges.

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Can an A&P Mechanic Approve Aircraft for Return to Service?

An appropriately rated mechanic can approve certain maintenance or alterations for return to service, but the authority is not unlimited.

The exact approval authority depends on the mechanic’s rating, the work performed, the maintenance rules in Part 43, and the additional privileges and limitations in Part 65.

This is more accurate than saying that every A&P can simply “approve an aircraft as airworthy” after any type of maintenance. Major repairs, major alterations, annual inspections, and other specialized work can involve additional authorization or different approval procedures.

Can an A&P Perform an Annual Inspection?

An A&P certificate alone does not provide the additional Inspection Authorization needed to approve an annual inspection.

An appropriately rated mechanic may perform qualifying 100-hour inspections. Annual and progressive inspections involve additional Inspection Authorization privileges under Part 65.

This is one of the most important distinctions between a standard A&P mechanic and an A&P mechanic who also holds an IA.

A&P vs IA: What’s the Difference?

Credential What It Is General Role
A&P Aviation Mechanic Certificate carrying both Airframe and Powerplant ratings. Provides mechanic privileges within the applicable ratings and regulatory limitations.
Inspection Authorization (IA) An additional authorization available to mechanics who meet the eligibility requirements in §65.91. Adds inspection and approval privileges associated with annual/progressive inspections and qualifying major repair or alteration work.

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To qualify for an IA, a mechanic must already hold both Airframe and Powerplant ratings and satisfy additional FAA experience, activity, facility/equipment, and testing requirements.

Do You Need an A&P License to Work on Aircraft?

Not every person performing aircraft-maintenance work must personally hold an A&P certificate.

FAA guidance recognizes several situations in which a person without an Aviation Mechanic Certificate may perform maintenance work, including:

  • under the supervision of an appropriately certificated mechanic;
  • under the supervision of a certificated repairman;
  • under the authority of a Part 145 repair station; or
  • under the authority of certain Part 121 or Part 135 air carrier operations.

The authority to approve completed work for return to service is more restricted and must be exercised by an appropriately authorized certificated person or under the approved procedures of the relevant certificate holder.

The FAA also states that holding an Aviation Mechanic Certificate is not itself a federal requirement for every airline-mechanic or repair-station job. Individual employers may nevertheless make an A&P certificate a hiring requirement.

Why Do Many Aircraft Mechanics Pursue Both Ratings?

Holding both Airframe and Powerplant ratings provides a broader FAA mechanic credential and can expand the types of maintenance work for which a mechanic may be qualified. Employer requirements still vary by role.

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How Do You Get an A&P License?

There are two primary ways to qualify for FAA mechanic certification: graduate from an FAA-certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician School or qualify through documented practical aircraft-maintenance experience.

Step What Happens
1. Meet FAA eligibility requirements Meet the applicable age, English-language, and other requirements in Part 65.
2. Qualify through school or experience Graduate from an FAA-certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician School or document the practical experience required for the rating sought.
3. Pass the applicable knowledge tests Complete the General, Airframe, and/or Powerplant knowledge testing appropriate to the ratings sought.
4. Pass oral and practical testing Demonstrate the knowledge, risk management, and skills required by the applicable FAA Aviation Mechanic Airman Certification Standards.
5. Receive the rating or ratings The FAA issues the Aviation Mechanic Certificate with Airframe, Powerplant, or both ratings.

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For the full eligibility, school, experience, testing, education, medical, and recent-experience rules, see FAA aircraft mechanic requirements for A&P certification .

How Much Experience Is Required Without A&P School?

Applicants using the practical-experience route generally need at least 18 months of qualifying experience for one rating or 30 months of concurrent experience for both Airframe and Powerplant ratings.

Applicants using the school route can instead establish testing eligibility by graduating from the applicable curriculum at an FAA-certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician School.

Detailed experience-documentation rules belong on the aircraft mechanic requirements page .

Is an A&P Mechanic the Same as an Aviation Maintenance Technician?

The FAA considers Aviation Mechanic and Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) equivalent general terms.

“A&P mechanic” is more specific. It normally refers to an FAA-certificated mechanic who holds both the Airframe and Powerplant ratings.

Term Typical Meaning
Aviation Mechanic FAA term for a person holding or pursuing mechanic certification under Part 65.
Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Common equivalent occupational term used for aviation mechanics.
A&P Mechanic A mechanic who holds both Airframe and Powerplant ratings.
Repairman A separate FAA certificate with privileges tied to specific employment and assigned maintenance functions.

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What Jobs Can You Pursue With an A&P Certificate?

A&P mechanics work across several areas of aviation maintenance. Examples can include:

  • airline maintenance;
  • general aviation maintenance;
  • maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities;
  • corporate and business aviation;
  • aircraft or component manufacturing;
  • engine and powerplant maintenance;
  • specialized inspection or troubleshooting roles; and
  • maintenance supervision or quality-related positions as experience develops.

Job requirements vary by employer. Some employers require both A&P ratings for particular positions, while others may hire workers under different maintenance authorities or qualification structures.

For compensation information, see the aircraft mechanic salary guide .

What Does A&P Mechanic Training Cover?

A&P training prepares students in the knowledge and hands-on maintenance skills associated with General, Airframe, and Powerplant subject areas.

Airframe Training

Training can include aircraft structures, systems, inspection, troubleshooting, maintenance documentation, flight controls, landing gear, electrical systems, hydraulics, and other Airframe subjects.

Powerplant Training

Training can include reciprocating and turbine engines, engine systems, ignition, fuel metering, lubrication, propellers, inspection, troubleshooting, and other Powerplant subjects.

US Aviation Academy currently offers an 8-month full-time A&P Mechanic Program and a 16-month semi-full-time option. Schedule and program availability can vary by location.

For a detailed timeline comparison, see how long A&P mechanic training takes .

Ready to Train for Airframe and Powerplant Certification?

US Aviation Academy’s A&P Mechanic Program combines aircraft-maintenance knowledge with hands-on training designed to prepare students for the FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification process.

Request A&P Program Details View A&P Mechanic Training Compare Training Timelines

A&P License FAQs

What does A&P stand for?

A&P stands for Airframe and Powerplant. These are the two ratings that can be placed on an FAA Aviation Mechanic Certificate.

What is an A&P license?

An A&P license is the common name for an FAA Aviation Mechanic Certificate carrying both Airframe and Powerplant ratings.

Is an A&P a license or a certificate?

The FAA formally issues an Aviation Mechanic Certificate. The term A&P license is commonly used in the aviation industry to refer to the same combined Airframe and Powerplant credential.

What is an Airframe rating?

The Airframe rating is the FAA mechanic rating associated with aircraft structures and related airframe systems. Its privileges and limitations are governed by Part 65 and the maintenance regulations applicable to the work being performed.

What is a Powerplant rating?

The Powerplant rating is the FAA mechanic rating associated with aircraft engines, propellers, and related powerplant systems within the privileges and limitations of the rating.

Do you need both Airframe and Powerplant ratings?

No. The FAA permits a mechanic to hold an Airframe rating, Powerplant rating, or both. Holding both is commonly referred to as an A&P Certificate.

What can an A&P mechanic do?

An appropriately rated A&P mechanic may perform or supervise qualifying maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations and may make certain return-to-service approvals within the privileges and limitations established by FAA regulations.

Can an A&P mechanic perform annual inspections?

An A&P certificate alone does not provide Inspection Authorization privileges for approving annual inspections. An IA is a separate authorization available to mechanics who satisfy additional FAA requirements.

Is an A&P the same as an IA?

No. A&P refers to a mechanic certificate carrying Airframe and Powerplant ratings. Inspection Authorization is an additional FAA authorization available to qualifying A&P mechanics.

Do you need an A&P certificate to work in aircraft maintenance?

Not in every situation. FAA rules allow certain maintenance work to be performed under the supervision of certificated personnel or under the authority of qualifying repair stations and air carriers. Individual employers may still require an A&P certificate for specific jobs.

How do you get an A&P certificate?

Applicants generally qualify through an FAA-certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician School or qualifying practical experience, then complete the applicable FAA knowledge, oral, and practical tests.

Can military aircraft-maintenance experience count toward an A&P?

It can. The FAA may credit qualifying documented military aviation-maintenance experience toward Airframe, Powerplant, or both ratings after reviewing the applicant’s duties and experience.

Can you earn an A&P entirely online?

A&P certification requires demonstrated practical maintenance skills as well as knowledge. Training delivery can vary by FAA-certificated school, but students should verify the school’s approved curriculum and how required hands-on training and testing are completed before enrolling in any program advertised as online.

Does an A&P certificate expire?

The mechanic certificate itself does not operate on a routine renewal cycle, but mechanics must meet the FAA’s applicable recent-experience requirements before exercising certificate privileges. See the aircraft mechanic requirements guide for the current §65.83 rules.

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