Becoming an FAA-certified airframe mechanic requires completing an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) school program of 1,900 curriculum hours — or accumulating 30 months of practical experience on airframes — followed by passing three written knowledge tests and a hands-on practical exam. The full A&P certificate authorizes you to inspect, repair, and return aircraft to service, with median salaries ranging from $65,000 to over $100,000 depending on employer and location.

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What Does an Airframe Mechanic Do?

An airframe mechanic specializes in the non-engine structural and mechanical systems of an aircraft. While the term "airframe mechanic" focuses on the airframe rating, most professionals pursue the full A&P certificate, which covers both airframe and powerplant systems.

Core airframe mechanic responsibilities include:

• Structural inspection and repair — Examining fuselage, wings, empennage, and control surfaces for corrosion, cracks, fatigue, and damage using visual inspection and NDT methods
• Sheet metal and composite work — Riveting, forming aluminum alloy skins, and repairing advanced composite structures (carbon fiber, fiberglass, Kevlar)
• Flight control systems — Rigging, adjusting, and troubleshooting cables, pushrods, bellcranks, and fly-by-wire actuators
• Hydraulic and pneumatic systems — Maintaining landing gear, brakes, flaps, and flight control actuators
• Electrical systems — Wiring, avionics installation, troubleshooting circuits, and maintaining generators and batteries
• Fuel systems — Inspecting integral and bladder fuel tanks, fuel lines, pumps, and fuel quantity indication systems
• Landing gear — Overhaul and inspection of struts, tires, wheels, brakes, and retraction mechanisms

Airframe mechanics work in hangars, on flight lines, and at maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities. The work is physically demanding and requires attention to detail — a missed defect can have serious safety consequences. Test your airframe knowledge with our Aircraft Structures Practice Quiz.

FAA A&P Certification Requirements

The FAA sets two pathways to qualify for the Airframe and Powerplant mechanic certificate under 14 CFR Part 65:

Pathway 1: FAA-Approved AMT School (Most Common)

• Complete a program at an FAA Part 147 certified Aviation Maintenance Technician school
• Minimum 1,150 curriculum hours for the airframe rating alone, or 1,900 hours for the combined A&P certificate
• Programs typically last 18-24 months for the full A&P
• The school issues a completion certificate that authorizes you to take the FAA exams

Pathway 2: Practical Experience

• 18 months of practical experience working on either airframes or powerplants for a single rating
• 30 months of practical experience working on both airframes and powerplants for the full A&P
• Experience must be documented and verifiable — keep detailed logbooks of all maintenance tasks performed
• Military aircraft maintenance experience qualifies, and the FAA accepts DD Form 214 and training records
• You must obtain a letter from your employer or military branch verifying the type and duration of experience

Basic eligibility (both pathways):

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English
• Must be a US citizen or hold appropriate work authorization

The school pathway is recommended for most people because it provides structured training, hands-on lab work, and direct exam eligibility. Military veterans with aircraft maintenance specialties often qualify immediately through the experience pathway.

AMT Schools and Training Programs

Choosing the right Aviation Maintenance Technician school is one of the most important decisions in your career path. Here is what to look for and what to expect:

Types of AMT programs:

• Community college programs — 18-24 months, often the most affordable ($8,000-$20,000 total). Many offer associate degrees alongside the A&P certification, which can boost starting salary.
• Dedicated aviation technical schools — 14-21 months, focused curriculum ($15,000-$40,000). Schools like Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM), National Aviation Academy, and Spartan College.
• University programs — 2-4 years, combine A&P with a bachelor's degree in aviation maintenance management ($30,000-$80,000). Best for those targeting management or engineering roles.
• Military transition programs — Some schools offer accelerated tracks for veterans with military maintenance experience, reducing program length by several months.

What AMT school covers:

The FAA Part 147 curriculum includes three subject areas that mirror the certification exams:

1. General — Mathematics, physics, regulations (14 CFR), maintenance publications, ground operations, cleaning and corrosion control, fluid lines and fittings, materials and processes
2. Airframe — Structures (wood, fabric, sheet metal, composites), assembly and rigging, hydraulics, pneumatics, landing gear, electrical systems, fuel systems, instruments, cabin atmosphere, fire protection
3. Powerplant — Reciprocating engines, turbine engines, engine electrical, fuel metering, lubrication, ignition, starting, propellers, exhaust and reverser systems

Most programs include substantial hands-on lab time where you work on actual aircraft components, engines, and systems. The best schools maintain training aircraft and modern avionics trainers.

Financial aid: AMT programs qualify for federal financial aid (FAFSA), VA benefits (GI Bill), and many state workforce development grants. Some airlines offer tuition reimbursement programs for students who commit to working for them after graduation.

The FAA Knowledge and Practical Exams

After completing your training or accumulating the required experience, you must pass FAA exams to earn your airframe mechanic certificate:

Written Knowledge Tests (computerized):

• General (AMG) — 60 questions, covering basic math, physics, regulations, maintenance forms, ground operations, and materials
• Airframe (AMA) — 100 questions on aircraft structures, systems, instruments, and regulations specific to airframe work
• Powerplant (AMP) — 100 questions on engine theory, systems, troubleshooting, and powerplant-specific regulations
• All tests require a minimum score of 70% to pass
• Tests are taken at FAA-approved testing centers (PSI/Prometric) for $165 each
• You have 24 months from passing the first written test to complete all remaining exams

Oral and Practical (O&P) Exam:

This is the final and most comprehensive exam, administered by a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME):

• The DME asks oral questions on each subject area and assigns practical tasks
• Tasks include hands-on demonstrations such as performing a sheet metal repair, rigging a flight control, troubleshooting a system, and interpreting maintenance manuals
• The exam takes 6-8 hours per rating (full day for combined A&P)
• You must demonstrate proficiency in each subject — failing one area requires retesting only that section
• DME fee is typically $300-$600 depending on location

Prepare thoroughly with our practice quizzes covering key exam areas: Aircraft Structures and Flight Control Systems.

Career Outlook and Next Steps

The aviation maintenance industry is experiencing a significant technician shortage, making this an excellent time to enter the field.

Industry demand:

• Boeing's 2026 Technician Outlook projects a need for 690,000 new maintenance technicians worldwide through 2043
• The US alone needs approximately 40,000 new technicians in the next decade
• Retirements of baby-boomer mechanics are creating thousands of openings annually
• Airlines, MROs, and business aviation are all competing for certified mechanics

Where A&P mechanics work:

• Airlines — Major carriers (Delta, United, American, Southwest) offer top pay, benefits, and union representation. Starting pay $28-$35/hour with progression to $45-$55/hour.
• MRO facilities — Companies like AAR, ST Engineering, and HAECO perform heavy maintenance on airline fleets. Good entry-level option with competitive pay.
• Business/corporate aviation — Maintaining private jets and turboprops. Often smaller teams with varied work and competitive salaries.
• General aviation — FBOs and small repair stations. More variety in aircraft types but typically lower pay than airlines.
• Government/military contractors — Defense contractors and government agencies employ A&P mechanics for military and government aircraft.

Career advancement paths:

1. Inspection Authorization (IA) — After 3 years as an A&P, you can earn the IA rating, which allows you to perform annual inspections and approve aircraft for return to service after major repairs
2. Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME) — Experienced mechanics can be designated by the FAA to administer practical exams to new A&P candidates
3. Lead mechanic / crew chief — Supervisory roles overseeing teams of mechanics
4. Quality assurance / technical management — Moving into management within MRO or airline maintenance departments

Visit our Airframe Mechanic Certification masterpage for additional study resources and practice tests to help you pass your FAA exams on the first attempt.