A&P Mechanic: Job Description, Duties and Requirements
An airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic is an airplane mechanic who repairs and services every part and system in an airplane except the instruments. An A&P mechanic must meet the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) standards and comply with FAA regulations to be authorized to work on airplanes.
A&P Mechanic Job Description
An A&P mechanic inspects, services and repairs airplanes to ensure they're operating correctly and safely. A mechanic is responsible for ensuring that airplanes get regular maintenance and that any problems are fixed correctly. Mechanics may work on different parts of an aircraft, such as the engine, landing gear, brakes and pumps.
A mechanic may work with special instruments designed specifically for aircraft maintenance. The job may also involve standing on ladders and working at various heights. Mechanics service different types of aircraft, such as helicopters, jets and propeller-driven airplanes.
A&P Mechanic Duties
The job duties of an A&P mechanic vary from preventive maintenance to repairs. A mechanic makes routine inspections, documents inspections and repairs, performs scheduled maintenance and runs tests after making repairs or performing maintenance. Job duties may vary based on which part of the plane is being worked on. A mechanic working on the exterior of a plane may be fixing a broken wing, repairing paint or securing a door so it seals properly. A mechanic working on the engine may be changing the oil, replacing belts or repairing a broken part.
An A&P mechanic must know and follow all regulations set by the FAA. FAA regulations govern the maintenance schedules, inspections and repairs made to airplanes. The FAA conducts regular checks on equipment and ensures regulations are being met.
A&P Mechanic Requirements
An A&P mechanic needs strong mechanical ability and skills. A mechanic is required to solve mechanical problems quickly and must have the physical ability to move about when working on airplanes. An aptitude for working with complex equipment and understanding technology is also necessary. Training in computers and electronics provides good preparation for the career.
The FAA requires mechanics working on airplanes to be certified. Requirements to be a certified mechanic through the FAA for a U.S. citizen include:
- Be 18 years old or older
- Be fluent in English
- Meet experience requirements (18 months on airframes or powerplants, or 30 months of combined experience) or graduate from an FAA-approved school
- Pass written, oral and practical tests
Many mechanics choose to meet the experience requirement by graduating from an FAA-approved school instead of getting on-the-job experience. Programs approved by the FAA include certificate and associate degree programs in aviation maintenance technology and aviation technical engineering.
These programs provide training in all aspects of maintenance, repair and inspection of airplanes to prepare students to take the required FAA tests. Coursework builds fundamental skills necessary for the job. Students take foundation courses in math, physics and electricity for aviation followed by courses in all plane systems and parts.
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4 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Associate
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- CCAF - Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative Program (AUABC)
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 17 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Northern Michigan University include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Aircraft Powerplant Tech
- Autobody Repair
- Automotive Mechanics
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School locations:
- Alaska (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Alaska include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrical Repair and Maintenance
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Aircraft Powerplant Tech
- Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance
- Automotive Mechanics
- Diesel Mechanics
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School locations:
- Wisconsin (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Milwaukee Area Technical College include:
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- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrical Repair and Maintenance
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Aircraft Powerplant Tech
- Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance
- Autobody Repair
- Automotive Mechanics
- Diesel Mechanics
Other Related Schools:
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School locations:
- Rhode Island (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
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- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrical Repair and Maintenance
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Autobody Repair
- Automotive Mechanics
- Marine Watercraft Repair and Maintenance
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School locations:
- Ohio (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Cincinnati include:
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- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Automotive Mechanics
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Ferris State University include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrical Repair and Maintenance
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Autobody Repair
- Automotive Mechanics
