How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic (A&P) as an Adult Career-Changer

Updated October 16, 2026 · Written and reviewed by the Wrench & Wing editorial team

Two FAA routes: Part 147 school or 18/30 months of documented experience
Three tests: written, oral, practical
BLS median $79,870 (May 2025); not a guarantee

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The two FAA routes (14 CFR Part 65)

The mechanic certificate rules are in 14 CFR Part 65, Subpart D. You must be at least 18, read, write, speak and understand English, and pass three tests: written (knowledge), oral, and practical (§65.71, §65.75).

School route: graduate from an FAA-certificated Part 147 aviation maintenance technician school (§65.77(b)).
Experience route: documented practical experience: 18 months for airframe or powerplant, or 30 months working on both at the same time (§65.77(a)).
Military experience can also qualify. See the FAA's "become a mechanic" page.

The job market

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, SOC 49-3011, May 2025) counts 138,090 aircraft mechanics and service technicians, with a median annual wage of $79,870. A median is a midpoint, not a promise; many earn less, especially early on.

According to the ATEC/Oliver Wyman 2026 Pipeline Report, the FAA issued a record 11,103 new mechanic certificates in 2025 (7,496 via Part 147 schools; 1,375 military). Part 147 enrollment was 27,740, with about 62% of seats filled, and about 44% of certificated mechanics are over 60. Shortfall estimates in that report are consultancy projections.

Average program cost and length (ATEC)

Program type	Average tuition	Average completion time
All A&P programs	$20,425	21 months
Public community colleges	$13,371	22 months
Private programs	$39,706	18 months

Source: ATEC/Oliver Wyman 2026 Pipeline Report, ATEC's analysis of published tuition for all aviation maintenance technician schools. ATEC also reports 19 programs with a pathway of 12 months or less, and that survey respondents named high test costs as a barrier to certification. Averages hide wide variation; check each school's published price. Tools, FAA knowledge-test fees, examiner fees and living costs are extra.

Timeline at a glance

Step	Typical time	Source
Part 147 program	21 months average (18 private, 22 public)	ATEC 2026
Experience route, one rating	18 months minimum	14 CFR 65.77
Experience route, both ratings	30 months minimum	14 CFR 65.77
Written, oral and practical tests	Weeks to months (estimate; depends on examiner availability)	Estimate

Jobs and employers

BLS describes where aircraft mechanics work and what they do in its Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Next steps

Read the FAA rules yourself.
Compare the school and experience routes.
If you consider school, confirm it is FAA-certificated under Part 147 (see the FAA's mechanic page).

New: test yourself with the free A&P Powerplant practice quiz (24 questions, beta).

Questions and answers

Do I need to go to school to get an A&P?

No. Under 14 CFR 65.77 you can qualify with documented practical experience: 18 months for one rating or 30 months for both airframe and powerplant at the same time. Graduating from a Part 147 school is the other route.

What tests are required?

Applicants must pass written (knowledge) tests and an oral and practical test, per 14 CFR 65.75. The oral and practical are given by an FAA inspector or Designated Mechanic Examiner.

Is there a maximum age?

The FAA sets a minimum age of 18 under 14 CFR 65.71 and no maximum age.

How much does A&P school cost?

ATEC's 2026 Pipeline Report puts average A&P program tuition at $20,425: $13,371 at public community colleges and $39,706 at private programs. Tools, test fees and living costs are extra.

What do aircraft mechanics earn?

BLS OEWS reports a May 2025 median of $79,870 per year for SOC 49-3011. Pay varies by employer, location and experience, and no pay is guaranteed.

Related guides

Pay and outcomes vary; no job or pay is guaranteed. Informational only. Not affiliated with the FAA or any school. No school pays to appear on this site.