Don’t confuse A&P License with something
different than A&P Certificate. Both terms
are equal and are commonly used synonymously. The “A” stands
for airframe and the “P” stands for
powerplant. The A&P License is referred to
as the license required by the Federal Aviation
Administration to maintain and repair commercial
aircraft. The A&P License is held by an aviation
mechanic who has earned both the airframe and powerplant
ratings. Mechanics who do not hold an A&P License
are supervised by mechanics that hold the A&P
license.
An A&P License can be acquired through licensed A&P
mechanic schools that are authorized by the Federal Aviation
Administration to offer training and education leading to
certification and licensing as an Aviation
Maintenance Technician. A&P schools usually operate
under FAR 147 regulations and are required to offer students
a minimum of 1900 actual class hours. A&P schools usually
offer programs lasting from 18 to 24 months that prepare
students to obtain the A&P license. Although some A&P
schools offer programs meeting the Federal Aviation Administration
minimum requirements, it is recommended locating an A&P
mechanic school that goes beyond just teaching the basics
and prepares students for entry-level mechanic career positions.
