Mechanic (Airframe & Powerplant)
Credential: Mechanic (Airframe & Powerplant)
Credentialing Agency: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Mechanic (Airframe & Power plant) -This is a Senior-level certification and requires years of training and experience. Airframe mechanics are authorized to work on any part of the aircraft except the instruments, power plants, and propellers. Power plant mechanics are authorized to work on engines and do limited work on propellers. Combination airframe-and-power plant mechanics-called A&P mechanics-work on all parts of the plane except the instruments. Most mechanics working on civilian aircraft today are A&P mechanics.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Mechanic (Airframe & Powerplant)
The following DOD Civilian Occupations provide training and/or experience that contributes to attaining this credential:
The following Federal Occupations provide training and/or experience that contribute to attaining this credential:
| Federal Occupation | Related As | |
|---|---|---|
| 8602 Aircraft Engine Mechanic |  Most |
|
| 8840 Aircraft Mechanical Parts Repairing | Most |
|
| 8852 Aircraft Mechanic | Most |
The following civilian occupations are related to this credential:
| Civilian Job | Bright Outlook | Registered Apprenticeship | Local Salary Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians |  Apprenticeship |
 find local salary |
||
| Maintenance and Repair Workers, General |  Bright Outlook |
Apprenticeship |
find local salary |
|
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | Apprenticeship |
find local salary |
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience: 18 months
- Education
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
800 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20591
Phone: (866) 835-5322
Contact Page
Education REQUIREMENTS
Applicant must be a high school graduate or an equivalent.
Training and/or Experience REQUIREMENTS
Applicant must present either an appropriate graduation certificate or certificate of completion from a certificated aviation maintenance technician school or documentary evidence, satisfactory to the Administrator, of—
- 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
- At least 30 months of practical experience concurrently performing the duties appropriate to both the airframe and powerplant ratings.
Note: You can get the experience to become a certified mechanic in one of three ways.
- Attend one of the FAA Approved Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools nationwide.
- Work at an FAA Repair Station under the supervision of a certified mechanic for 18 months for powerplant certification, or must have 30 months of practical experience working on powerplant and airframe both at the same time.
- Join the armed services in a military occupational specialty for which the FAA gives credit.
Other REQUIREMENTS
The Mechanic (Airframe & Powerplant) credential has the following other requirements:
- Applicant must be at least 18 years old.
- Applicant must be able to read, write, speak and understand English.
Written Exam General
- Basic Electricity
- Aircraft Drawings
- Weight and Balance
- Fluid Lines and Fittings
- Materials and Processes
- Ground Operation and Servicing
- Basic Physics
- Cleaning and Corrosion Control
- Mathematics
- Maintenance Forms and Records
- Mechanic Privileges and Limitations
- Maintenance Publications
Written Exam Airframe
-
Airframe Structures
- Wood Structure
- Aircraft Covering
- Aircraft Finishes
- Sheet Metal and Non-metallic Sructures
- Welding
- Assembly and Rigging
- Airframe Inspection
-
Airframe Systems and Components
- Aircraft Landing Gear Systems
- Hydraulic and Pneumatic Power Systems
- Cabin Atmosphere Control Systems
- Aircraft Instrument Systems
- Communication and Navigation Systems
- Aircraft Fuel Systems
- Aircraft Electrical Systems
- Position and Warning Systems
- Ice and Rain Control Systems
- Fire Protection Systems
Written Exam Powerplant
-
Powerplant Theory and Maintenance
- Reciprocating Engines
- Turbine Engines
- Engine Inspection
-
Powerplant Systems and Components
- Engine Instrument Systems
- Engine Fire Protection Systems
- Engine Electrical System
- Lubrication Systems
- Engine Ignition and Starting Systems
- Fuel Metering Systems
- Engine Fuel Systems
- Induction and Engine Airflow Systems
- Engine Cooling Systems
- Engine Exhaust and Reverser Systems
- Propellers
- Unducted Fans
- Auxiliary Power Units
Oral Exam Requirement
A Designated Mechanic Examiner gives you the oral exam along with the practical test. You can get a list of these examiners at the local FAA office. The oral and practical tests cover 43 technical subjects.
Practical Exam General
- Basic Electricity
- Aircraft Drawings
- Weight and Balance
- Fluid Lines and Fittings
- Materials and Processes
- Ground Operation and Servicing
- Cleaning and Corrosion Control
- Mathematics
- Maintenance Forms and Records
- Basic Physics
- Maintenance Publications
- Mechanic Privileges and Limitations
Practical Exam Powerplant
- Powerplant Theory and Maintenance
- Reciprocating Engines
- Turbine Engines
- Engine Inspection
- Powerplant Systems and Components
- Engine Instrument Systems
- Engine Fire Protection Systems
- Engine Electrical Systems
- Lubrication Systems
- Ignition and Starting Systems
- Fuel Metering Systems
- Engine Fuel Systems
- Induction and Engine Airflow Systems
- Engine Cooling Systems
- Engine Exhaust and Reverser Systems
- Propellers
- Auxiliary Power Units
Practical Exam Airframe
- Airframe Structures
- Wood Structures
- Aircraft Covering
- Aircraft Finishes
- Sheet Metal and Non-metallic Structures
- Welding
- Assembly and Rigging
- Airframe Inspection
- Airframe Systems and Components
- Aircraft Landing Gear Systems
- Hydraulic and Pneumatic Power Systems
- Cabin Atmosphere Control Systems
- Aircraft Instrument Systems
- Communication and Navigation Systems
- Aircraft Fuel Systems
- Aircraft Electrical Systems
- Position and Warning System
- Ice and Rain Control Systems
- Fire Protection Systems
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Mechanic (Airframe & Powerplant) examination:
-
Best Sources
- 14 CFR Part 65 -- Certification: Airmen other than Flight Crewmembers
- FAA Airmen Knowledge Test Guides
- FAA Airmen Knowledge Test Questions
- FAA Aviation Mechanic Airframe - Practical Test Standards
- FAA Aviation Mechanic General - Practical Test Standards
- FAA Aviation Mechanic Powerplant Practical Test Standards (FAA-S-8081-28A)
Testing Information
Testing for this credential is handled by PSI. The test centers are located in the U.S.
To find out more, use the following links on the PSI website:
For more information on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) testing process, visit the agency website.
Additional considerations for the Mechanic (Airframe & Powerplant) include:
- A Designated Mechanic Examiner gives you the oral exam along with the practical test. You can get a list of these examiners at the local FAA office.
- To be eligible to obtain General and Airframe exam permission slips from the FAA, you must present the following:
-
- An official letter from your military employer certifying your length of service. You may have multiple letters but they must total 18 months experience. You cannot count time you spent training for the specialty, only the time you spent working in the specialty.
- The make and model of the aircraft or engine on which you got practical experience, and where you got the experience.
-
- Applicant must document your experience with pay receipts, a logbook signed by your supervising mechanic, a notarized statement from your employer, or other proof you worked the required time.
- The FAA Airworthiness inspector decides if candidate meets the requirements to take the tests.
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