An aviation maintenance technician school — also called an AMT school or A&P school — is an FAA-approved training program that prepares students to earn their Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic certificate. This certificate is the core credential for anyone who wants to work legally as an aviation mechanic in the United States.
You can't just watch YouTube videos and show up at an airline. The FAA requires documented training hours — and the most straightforward path is completing an approved program at a Part 147 aviation maintenance technician school. These programs are specifically designed to meet FAA curriculum requirements, which means graduates qualify to sit for the A&P written, oral, and practical exams.
Part 147 refers to the section of federal aviation regulations that governs aviation maintenance technician schools. A Part 147-approved school must maintain FAA oversight, qualified instructors, and approved curriculum covering both airframe and powerplant systems.
Why does this matter? Because graduating from a Part 147 school is one of the three official pathways to sit for the A&P certificate. The other two — military aviation experience and 18/30 months of civilian work experience — are valid, but the school route is the fastest for most people starting fresh.
When you're evaluating aviation maintenance technician schools near you, check FAA approval status first. Non-Part-147 programs exist, but their graduates don't automatically qualify for FAA certification without accumulating additional work experience.
Aviation maintenance technician school cost varies significantly depending on the type of program, location, and whether you attend a community college vs. a private aviation school.
Community colleges with aviation programs: Often the most affordable option. Programs at community colleges can run $8,000–$20,000 for the full certificate. Some states have specific community college systems with strong AMT programs — Florida, Texas, and California each have several.
Private aviation schools: Usually more expensive — $25,000–$70,000 — but sometimes offer accelerated timelines, better industry connections, or specialized training on specific aircraft types. Schools near major aviation hubs (like those near Boeing facilities or major airline MRO centers) may offer placement advantages.
University-affiliated programs: Schools like Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offer aviation maintenance programs as part of broader aviation degrees. These can cost more but provide additional credentials.
Financial aid is available at many Part 147 schools. If your school is accredited (many are), you can apply for federal student aid through FAFSA. GI Bill benefits also cover tuition at many approved aviation schools — a significant advantage for veterans.
Most full-time aviation maintenance technician school programs run 18–24 months. The FAA requires a minimum of 1,900 training hours covering general aviation knowledge, airframe systems, and powerplant systems. How quickly you accumulate those hours depends on the program's schedule.
Some accelerated programs complete training in as little as 14–16 months by running classes five or six days a week. Traditional programs run closer to the 24-month mark on a standard school schedule. Part-time options exist but extend the timeline significantly.
After completing school, you still need to pass three written exams and then oral and practical tests with an FAA Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME). Most graduates complete the full certification process within 6–12 months of finishing their program.
The FAA maintains a searchable database of all Part 147-approved aviation maintenance technician schools. You can search by state on the FAA website. As of recent data, there are over 170 approved schools across the United States.
When evaluating aviation maintenance technician schools near you, consider:
Florida has a strong AMT school ecosystem, with programs at Broward College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, and several private schools near Miami International and Orlando. The state's aviation industry — commercial, cargo, and general aviation repair stations — provides strong job placement options after graduation.
New York's AMT programs include offerings from the State University of New York (SUNY) system and private schools in the metro area. Proximity to JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark MRO facilities makes placement competitive for graduates who network during school.
Georgia's AMT training options benefit from the state's aviation sector — Delta Air Lines' MRO operations in Atlanta, Lockheed Martin facilities, and multiple regional airports create ongoing demand for certified mechanics.
For applicants in the Salisbury, Maryland area, the closest Part 147-approved options include programs in the Baltimore-DC corridor. Wor-Wic Community College has offered aviation maintenance programs serving the Eastern Shore region. Check the FAA's current Part 147 database for the most up-to-date approved programs — school approval status can change.
Completing school is step one. Certification requires passing the FAA's A&P exams — and there are three written tests plus an oral and practical exam for each rating (airframe and powerplant, separately).
The written tests are computer-based, multiple-choice, and administered at FAA-approved testing centers. Passing score is 70%. Most students take the written tests near the end of their school program or immediately after graduation while the material is fresh.
After passing the writtens, you'll schedule an oral and practical test with a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME). This is a hands-on evaluation where the examiner asks technical questions and asks you to demonstrate specific maintenance tasks. It's not a one-day affair — plan for multiple sessions.
The AMT certification process can feel daunting, but most graduates from Part 147 schools pass if they prepare systematically. Your school's pass rate for A&P tests is a good indicator of program quality — ask about it when touring schools.
The aviation maintenance technician career outlook is strong. The FAA forecasts demand for thousands of new A&P mechanics over the next decade as the aviation industry grows and an aging workforce retires. Airlines, MRO facilities, corporate aviation, and the military all hire certified A&P mechanics.
Median pay for aircraft mechanics and service technicians is around $67,000 annually, with significant variation by employer. Airline mechanics — especially those with union contracts at major carriers — often earn well above that figure. Geographic location also matters; mechanics near major aviation hubs typically earn more.
After earning your A&P certificate, the Inspection Authorization (IA) is the next major credential. IAs allow mechanics to sign off on major repairs and conduct annual inspections — a significant career upgrade that requires two years of active A&P experience plus an additional FAA exam.