You can hold just Airframe, just Powerplant, or both (A&P). There is no requirement to obtain both ratings, although most employers prefer A&P.

Under 14 CFR Part 65, Subpart D – Mechanics, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English (with limited exceptions)

• Pass all required tests within a 24-month period

• Meet the experience, knowledge, and skill requirements for at least one rating (Airframe, Powerplant, or both)

The FAA does not set a specific education requirement for the certificate itself. However, some employers may require a high school diploma or GED.

No. A medical certificate is not required for an Aviation Mechanic certificate.

Not automatically. A disability only becomes an issue if it prevents you from meeting FAA eligibility or skill requirements. If you’re unsure, contact your local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). Employers may have their own physical/medical standards for hiring.

Yes, it can. Your experience may count as long as you performed qualified work on an airframe, powerplant, or both, and it meets FAA experience standards.

There is no separate FAA avionics certificate. However:

• If you do not hold an Aviation Mechanic or Repairman certificate, you may only perform aviation work under the supervision of someone who is certificated.

• You cannot approve an aircraft, engine, propeller, appliance, or component for return-to-service without proper certification. Many employers have additional qualification requirements for avionics positions, even if the FAA does not.

In aviation, the terms are often used interchangeably. The FAA technically issues a certificate, but people often refer to it as a “license.” If you hold an FAA mechanic certificate, it means you have been found to have a certain skill level, with defined privileges and limitations.

To qualify for a Repairman certificate, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English

• Be qualified to perform the specific maintenance task

• Be employed in a specific job requiring special qualifications by an FAA-certificated repair station, commercial operator, or air carrier

• Be recommended by your employer

• Have 18 months of practical experience in that job, or complete an FAA-approved training course

No. The FAA does not issue specialist mechanic ratings such as ground equipment specialist, welder, or electronics specialist.

You must have:

• At least 18 months of appropriate experience for each rating (Airframe or Powerplant), or

• At least 30 months of concurrent experience working on both Airframe and Powerplant for an A&P certificate.

No. The FAA does not charge a fee for issuing the certificate. However, there are fees for written tests (PSI) and oral & practical (O&P) tests (DME).

No. You must still meet all FAA eligibility requirements and pass the required FAA tests to receive a U.S. Aviation Mechanic certificate, even if you hold a similar license from another country.

See Advisory Circular (AC) 65-2, which explains requirements, application procedures, and the knowledge and oral & practical (O&P) tests in detail.