FAA Requirements for U.S. Applicants

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Eligibility (FAR 65.71)

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years of age
2. Be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language
3. Pass all required examinations within 24 months

Experience Requirements (FAR 65.77)

Before taking the A&P computer-based exams, applicants must receive authorization from their local FAA office (FSDO) and meet one of the following experience options:

• Completion of over 2,000 hours at an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technical school (FAR Part 147), including lab and classroom time
• 18 months of hands-on experience on either Airframe or Powerplant systems
• 30 months of combined experience on both Airframe and Powerplant for dual certification

Documenting Your Experience

To verify your qualifications, you must present one or more of the following to your local FAA office:

• Graduation certificate from an FAA-approved Part 147 maintenance school
• Employer letter(s) verifying time and experience, signed by a supervisor (preferably an A&P license holder)
• A statement from a licensed FAA mechanic who directly supervised your work for the required months
• Military service records with relevant mechanic experience (e.g., DD-214)
• FAA exam grade slip indicating past experience

We have sample letters in FAA-acceptable formats. Click here to see samples.

Final Steps

Once your experience is approved, you will receive FAA Form 8610-2 from the inspector. Bring this signed form to our school for registration. Please bring a calculator. Our team will help you complete the necessary paperwork and begin your training.