FAA Part 65 Requirements Explained (2026 Guide)
- America's Best AMT Team
- Jul 11
- 5 min read
Everything You Need to Know Before Applying for Your FAA A&P Certificate
If you're planning to become an FAA-certified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic, one of the first regulations you'll encounter is 14 CFR Part 65. Understanding these requirements is critical because they determine whether you're eligible to earn your FAA Mechanic Certificate.
Every year, experienced aircraft maintenance technicians delay their certification simply because they misunderstand the FAA eligibility process. Whether you're a military mechanic, airline technician, MRO employee, or an experienced aircraft mechanic from Mexico, knowing how Part 65 applies to you can save months of frustration.
At America's Best AMT Courses, we help qualified applicants prepare for FAA certification through our accelerated A&P preparation programs. Through America's Best AMT Mexico, we also assist experienced Mexican aircraft maintenance technicians in understanding the FAA certification pathway.
This guide explains FAA Part 65 in plain English and how it affects your journey toward becoming an FAA-certified A&P mechanic.
What Is FAA Part 65?
14 CFR Part 65 is the section of the Federal Aviation Regulations that governs the certification requirements for airmen other than flight crewmembers. Within Part 65, Subpart D specifically establishes the rules for FAA Mechanics seeking Airframe and/or Powerplant ratings. (eCFR)
In simple terms, Part 65 answers questions such as:
Who can become an FAA mechanic?
What experience is required?
What tests must be passed?
What privileges does an A&P mechanic have?
What limitations apply after certification?
Understanding these regulations is the foundation of a successful certification journey.
Why FAA Part 65 Matters
Your aviation experience alone does not automatically qualify you for FAA certification.
The FAA evaluates applicants against the eligibility requirements outlined in Part 65 before authorizing them to take the required examinations.
If you don't meet these requirements—or cannot properly document your experience—you may not receive authorization to test.
That's why understanding Part 65 should be your very first step.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
According to FAA Part 65, applicants must generally meet the following requirements:
Be at least 18 years old
Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English
Meet the required aviation maintenance experience or graduate from an FAA-approved Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School
Pass the required FAA written, oral, and practical examinations (Federal Aviation Administration)
These requirements are designed to ensure mechanics can safely perform maintenance on U.S.-registered aircraft.
Experience Requirements
One of the most important sections of Part 65 is §65.77, which outlines the experience requirements.
Applicants generally qualify by documenting:
Airframe Rating
At least 18 months of practical experience performing aircraft maintenance related to airframes.
Powerplant Rating
At least 18 months of practical experience performing engine and powerplant maintenance.
Airframe & Powerplant (A&P)
At least 30 months of concurrent practical experience performing duties related to both airframes and powerplants. (eCFR)
What Counts as Practical Experience?
The FAA looks for hands-on aircraft maintenance experience.
Examples include:
Airline maintenance
Repair station (MRO) maintenance
General aviation maintenance
Corporate aviation
Helicopter maintenance
Military aircraft maintenance
Aircraft manufacturing maintenance
International aviation maintenance experience (with appropriate documentation)
The key is being able to document your actual maintenance duties.
Do You Need to Attend a Part 147 School?
No.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions in aviation.
There are two primary pathways to FAA certification:
Option 1
Graduate from an FAA-approved Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School.
Option 2
Qualify through documented practical experience under FAA Part 65.
Both routes ultimately lead to the same FAA Mechanic Certificate. (Federal Aviation Administration)
The 8610-2 Process
Applicants qualifying through experience will normally complete FAA Form 8610-2, commonly referred to as "getting signed off."
During this process, an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector reviews your documentation to determine whether your experience satisfies Part 65 requirements.
Typical documentation may include:
Resume
Employment verification
Military records
Employer letters
Maintenance records
Training certificates
Job descriptions
Proper documentation can make the approval process much smoother.
FAA Testing Requirements
After meeting the eligibility requirements, applicants must successfully complete the FAA testing process.
For both Airframe and Powerplant ratings, this generally includes:
Three Written Exams
General
Airframe
Powerplant
Oral Examination
An examiner evaluates your understanding of aircraft maintenance principles and FAA regulations.
Practical Examination
Applicants demonstrate their ability to safely perform aircraft maintenance tasks.
All three portions must be successfully completed to earn the FAA Mechanic Certificate. (Federal Aviation Administration)
Privileges of an FAA A&P Mechanic
Once certificated, an A&P mechanic may perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations within the privileges of the certificate and applicable regulations.
Many mechanics work in:
Commercial airlines
Corporate aviation
Cargo operators
Helicopter maintenance
Repair stations
General aviation
Government contracts
International aviation
An FAA A&P certificate is recognized throughout the aviation industry as a professional credential.
Military Applicants
Military aircraft maintenance experience frequently qualifies under FAA Part 65.
Applicants should maintain documentation such as:
DD-214 (when applicable)
Military training records
MOS/AFSC documentation
Maintenance experience summaries
Supervisor letters
America's Best AMT Courses has helped numerous military aviation professionals prepare for FAA certification by guiding them through the eligibility and testing process.
International Applicants
Many experienced aircraft maintenance technicians outside the United States ask whether their experience counts.
The answer is:
Possibly.
International experience—including experience gained in Mexico—may be considered by the FAA if it can be properly documented and reviewed.
Through America's Best AMT Mexico, we help experienced technicians understand:
FAA eligibility
Documentation preparation
English technical readiness
Certification planning
Transition into FAA testing
Common Mistakes
Many applicants delay certification because they:
Wait too long to begin the process
Fail to document experience
Assume years of experience automatically qualify
Misunderstand the 18-month and 30-month rules
Prepare only for written tests while neglecting oral and practical exams
A clear understanding of Part 65 helps avoid these issues.
Why Students Choose America's Best AMT Courses
At America's Best AMT Courses, we specialize in accelerated preparation for experienced aircraft maintenance technicians.
Our program is designed to help qualified applicants prepare efficiently for:
FAA Written Exams
Oral Preparation
Practical Preparation
PSI Testing
DME Testing
We are not a Part 147 school. Instead, we focus on helping applicants who already meet the FAA's eligibility requirements prepare for certification.
For international technicians, America's Best AMT Mexico provides additional guidance throughout the qualification and preparation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FAA Part 65?
FAA Part 65 contains the federal regulations governing the certification of mechanics and several other airmen who are not flight crewmembers. (eCFR)
Do I need 30 months of experience?
If you are applying for both Airframe and Powerplant ratings through the experience pathway, applicants generally need 30 months of concurrent practical experience. A single rating generally requires 18 months of experience. (eCFR)
Does military experience count?
Yes. Military aviation maintenance experience may qualify if it meets FAA requirements and is properly documented. (Federal Aviation Administration)
Does experience from Mexico count?
International experience may be accepted when it is properly documented and reviewed by the FAA. Each applicant's background is evaluated individually. (Federal Aviation Administration)
Do I have to attend a Part 147 school?
No. Qualified applicants may pursue certification through documented practical experience or by graduating from an FAA-approved Part 147 school. (Federal Aviation Administration)
Final Thoughts
FAA Part 65 is the foundation of every FAA mechanic certificate. Understanding these regulations before beginning the certification process can save time, reduce confusion, and help you prepare correctly.
If you already have aircraft maintenance experience, your next step is determining whether you meet the FAA's eligibility requirements. Once qualified, proper preparation for the written, oral, and practical examinations is essential.
At America's Best AMT Courses, we help experienced aviation professionals prepare for FAA certification through accelerated A&P preparation in Goodyear, Arizona.
For experienced aircraft maintenance technicians in Mexico, America's Best AMT Mexico provides guidance on documentation, eligibility, and preparing for the FAA certification pathway.
Whether your goal is to work for a major airline, an MRO, corporate aviation department, or repair station, understanding FAA Part 65 is the first step toward earning your FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate.
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