Question 1

What Aviation Mechanic certificates and ratings does the FAA issue?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What are the basic eligibility requirements for an FAA Aviation Mechanic certificate?

Accepted Answer

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)

Question 3

Are there any formal education requirements for an Aviation Mechanic certificate?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

Do I need a medical certificate to become an Aviation Mechanic?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

Will a physical or medical disability disqualify me from an Aviation Mechanic certificate?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Does my experience as a non-certificated mechanic or repairman count toward the Aviation Mechanic certificate?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Do I need a separate certificate to work on avionics equipment?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What is the difference between an FAA certificate and a license?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

How do I get a Repairman’s Certificate?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

Does the FAA issue specialist ratings like “welder” or “electronics specialist”?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

How much experience do I need to qualify for the Aviation Mechanic certificate?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

Is there a fee for issuing the FAA Aviation Mechanic certificate itself?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 13

I hold an aircraft maintenance license from another country. Can I get an FAA Aviation Mechanic certificate based on that?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Where can I find more detailed FAA information about Aviation Mechanic requirements and testing?

Accepted Answer

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

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