Becoming an A & P Mechanic | FAQ's

Please do not hesitate to contact us directly with questions or clarifications. This is most important before visiting with the FAA for authorization to test. One question asked and answered can save you time and trouble. American Airman/Heritage Flight Academy can be reached at 800.786.9060, 631.471.3550 or via email at info@americanairman.com. We're at your service!

(FAQ's) Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1.) What experience do I need to become a certified Powerplant and/or Airframe Aviation mechanic?

Q2.) I'm already a Certified A&P Aviation Mechanic. What experience do I need to qualify to take the "Inspection Authorization Knowledge Test?"

Q3.) I attended and graduated from a "FAR part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School." What documentation do I need to bring to the FAA to receive authorization to take the Written, Oral and Practical Exams for the Power Plant and/or Airframe Mechanic?

Q4.) I experienced the required "On the job work Experience" at an FAA Repair Station and/or FBO. What documentation do I need to bring to the FAA to receive authorization to take the Written, Oral and Practical Exams for the Power Plant and/or Airframe Mechanic?

Q5.) I was a member of the U.S. Military and received the required training and work experience in an "Accepted Occupational Specialty" for which the FAA gives credit. What documentation do I need to bring to the FAA to receive authorization to take the Written, Oral and Practical Exams for the Power Plant and/or Airframe Mechanic?

Q6.) I have gathered the required documentation that demonstrate the experience mandated by (FAR 65.71-65.77) and am ready to visit my local FSDO to receive "Authorization" to take the required A&P knowledge, oral and practical tests. What's the next step?

Q7.) What document will the FSDO issue after they find my documentation of experience to test for the A&P certifications satisfactory?

Q8.) Can I participate in American Airman Preparation Courses without an authorized FAA FORM 8610-2 for the A&P Tests or the 8610-1 for the Inspection Authorization Knowledge Test.

Q9.) Cost: What are the Tuition FEE's associated with the full A&P Aviation Mechanic and FAA Inspection Authorization Courses.

Q10.) Enrollment: What is the enrollment process for Courses Offered by American Airman Ground School?

Q11.) Hours of Operation: What are the School hours of operation for the American Airman ground school programs?

Q12.) International Students: I plan on traveling to the United States and would like to participate in your ground schools? What do I need to do?

Q13.) Hotel Accommodation: I will be traveling from a long distance and will need a place to reside. Where can I stay?

Q14.) Transportation from Major Airports: I will be traveling to your facility by air and will be arriving at one of the major airports in the region. How do I get from the airport to your facility?

Q15.) Driving Directions to our Location: Can I print-out a copy of driving directions to your facility?

A1: You can get the experience you need to become a certified power plant or airframe mechanic in one of three ways.

Part 147 School: You can attend one of the 170 FAR part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools nationwide. You need a high school diploma or a General Education Diploma (GED) to get in to most schools. The schooling lasts from 12 months and 24 months, generally less than required by FAA for on-the-job training. When you graduate, you are qualified to take FAA's exams.
(OJT) On-The-Job-Work-Experience: You can work an FAA Repair Station or FBO under the supervision of a certified mechanic for 18 months for each certificate, or 30 months for both.
Military Work Experience: You can join one of the armed services and get training and experience in aircraft maintenance. Make sure you are in a military occupational specialty for which FAA gives credit. You can get a current list of acceptable specialties from the local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). (See: military specialty codes)

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A2: You are eligible for the Inspection Authorization Knowledge Test if you meet the requirements of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 65, section 65.91(c). The section states that you must:

Hold a currently effective mechanic certificate with both an airframe rating and a powerplant rating, each of which is currently effective and has been in effect for a total of at least 3 years;
Have been actively engaged, for at least the 2-year period before the date he applies, in maintaining aircraft certificated and maintained in accordance with this chapter;
Have a fixed base of operations at which he may be located in person or by telephone during a normal working week, but it need not be the place where he will exercise his inspection authority;
Have available to him the equipment, facilities, and inspection data necessary to properly inspect
airframes, powerplants, propellers, or any related part or appliance.

Once you determine you have met the experience requirements make an appointment with your Local FSDO Office. An FAA Maintenance Inspector will review your documentation and issue a FAA FORM 8610-1 authorizing you to take the Inspection Authorization Knowledge Test. NOTE: "You must have an authorized FORM 8610-1 in your possession prior to enrollment."

A3: You must produce a graduation certificate from the Part 147 school attended. Some local or regional Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO) may also require copies of original transcripts.

A4: You must document your (OJT) work experience with pay receipts, a log book signed by your supervising mechanic, a notarized statement (letter) See Sample Letters from your employer (see Sample Letters), or other proof you worked the required time, (see FAR 65.71-65.77)

A5: You must present an official letter (see note below) from your military employer certifying your length of service, the amount of time you worked in each specialties, the make and model of the aircraft or engine on which you got practical experience, and where you got the experience. You cannot count time you spent training for the specialty, only the time you spent working in the specialty. NOTE: "In many cases it's impossible to obtain an "official letter" from the military. More often than not a DD-214 depicting the accepted Military job-codes will suffice as well as any other records pertaining to your practical experience."

A6: You have all your documentation and are ready to visit your local FSDO to receive authorization to test! Congratulations! The first thing you need to do is find a local Flight Standard District Office in your area. Call the FSDO and make an appointment with a FAA Certified Maintenance Inspector. Tell them that you are seeking to receive "Authorization" to test for the A&P Certifications. NOTE: "Be sure you make an appointment. Since the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 the FAA no longer will accommodate "walk-in" requests."

A7: After the local FSDO FAA Maintenance Inspector finds your "proof of experience documentation" to test for the Airframe and/or Powerplant Certifications (see FAR 65.71-65.77) acceptable you will be issued (2) Two "Original" Copies of FAA FORM 8610-2. This is the Airman Certification and/or Rating Application Form. The inspector will sign and endorse the form authorizing you to test. NOTE: "These forms must be produce to American Airman prior to enrollment."

A8: No. The American Airman Ground School A&P and Inspection Authority Aviation Mechanic Courses are specifically designed for applicants who meet the experience requirements of (FAR) 65.71-65.77 and posses an "authorized" FORM 8610-2 or 8610-1.

A9: The cost of the American Airman Ground School A&P Aviation Mechanic Course is $975.00 USD. This comprehensive course is comprised of the following:

A9b: The cost of the American Airman Ground School FAA Inspection Authorization Course is $650.00 USD. This comprehensive course is comprised of the following:

A10: The Admission Enrollment process is as follows:

Call: American Airman at 631.471.3550 or toll free at 800.786.9060 to discuss and schedule your program of study.
FAA Authorization Process: We will guide you in the process of attaining the prerequisite FAA authorizations before you arrive at the school. We are here to assist and guide you every step of the way.
Remit Deposit: A deposit of $250.00 USD is due prior to your arrival to guarantee placement in the program of choice. Forms of payment are limited to credit card - VISA, MasterCard, Amex or Discover Card. (This deposit also applies to individual and specialized courses). ** The course deposit (less a $50 enrollment and processing fee) shall be applied to the total cost of course the 1st day of class. **
Arrival at American Airman/Heritage Flight Academy: Course fee's shall be paid in full at check-in when you arrive at the school.

** Course Cancellation Policy: Course cancellations made 72 hours prior to program start shall result in the loss of your total deposit amount.

A11: The A&P Mechanic Course runs Monday - Sunday, (7) seven days. School is in session each of those days from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Yes, it's intensive but don't worry - you'll do fine! Lunch and coffee breaks are built-in to the daily schedule. The FAA Inspection Authorization Course runs Monday - Friday (5) five days, 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Individual Courses are created with a schedule based on the particular needs of a student.

A12: International Students are Welcome! American Airman and Heritage Flight Academy have had the privilege of training and preparing students for FAA testing from all over 80 countries across the globe! If you're going to be in the United States and would like to learn more about how American Airman can prepare you for the FAA written, oral and practical exams - give us a call, 800.786.9060, 631.471.3550 or send us an e-mail at info@americanairman.com.

A13: Hotel Accommodations: American Airman/Heritage Flight Academy has a relationship with the Residence Inn Marriott. As far as we're concerned they are the best bang for your buck. Visit our American Airman hotel link to read all about it.

A14: Transportation from Major Airports: Many of our clients travel to us by airline into New York's JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Airports. These airports are between 45 and 1 hour 15 minutes from our location. We offer a transportation package for a cost additional to your course but more affordable then most New York taxi and limo services. Give us a call at 800.786.9060 to discuss your options.

A15: Yes, please click on the following link: Driving Directions to American Airman/HFA.

CONTACT US TODAY: We are here to answer all your questions and guide you in the process of realizing your dream of becoming a licensed A&P Mechanic. Contact us to learn more about all our programs or to enroll in one of our preparation courses at 800.786.9060. Please take a moment to complete our on-line application questionnaire.