An Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) is an FAA-certificated professional authorized to inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft and their components. The AMT certificate, commonly known as the A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) license, is issued under 14 CFR Part 65 and requires a combination of approved training or work experience followed by written, oral, and practical examinations.

What Is an Aviation Maintenance Technician?

An aviation maintenance technician is responsible for keeping aircraft in airworthy condition. AMTs perform inspections, troubleshooting, repairs, and component replacements on aircraft structures, engines, avionics, hydraulic systems, landing gear, and flight controls. Every commercial and private aircraft must be maintained by or under the supervision of certificated AMTs — it is a legal requirement under federal aviation regulations.

The FAA issues two ratings under the AMT certificate:

• Airframe (A) — Covers the aircraft structure, control surfaces, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, landing gear, fuel systems, electrical systems, instruments, and cabin pressurization. Airframe technicians can work on everything except the engines.
• Powerplant (P) — Covers reciprocating engines, turbine engines, propellers, engine fuel and ignition systems, engine electrical systems, lubrication, cooling, and exhaust systems.

Most technicians earn both ratings simultaneously, becoming an A&P mechanic. Holding both ratings qualifies you to perform maintenance on virtually any part of an aircraft and opens the widest range of employment opportunities.

AMTs work in diverse environments including commercial airlines, regional carriers, general aviation FBOs (fixed-base operators), MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) facilities, corporate flight departments, and military contractor organizations. The work is physically demanding and often requires shift work, but the career offers strong job security due to the ongoing shortage of qualified technicians.

To start preparing for the knowledge tests, practice with our AMT FAA Rules Safety Procedures and Documentation Questions and Answers quiz.

FAA Certification Requirements

The FAA outlines specific eligibility requirements for the aviation maintenance technician certificate in 14 CFR Part 65, Subpart D. You must meet one of the following experience pathways:

Pathway 1 — FAA Part 147 Approved School:

• Graduate from an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (Part 147 program)
• Programs typically take 18-24 months for the combined A&P curriculum
• The school curriculum covers General, Airframe, and Powerplant subjects as defined by the FAA
• Upon graduation, the school authorizes you to take the FAA written, oral, and practical exams

Pathway 2 — Practical Experience:

• Airframe only: 18 months (minimum 1,900 hours) of practical experience maintaining airframes or performing airframe-related duties
• Powerplant only: 18 months (minimum 1,900 hours) of practical experience maintaining powerplants
• Both ratings: 30 months (minimum 3,800 hours total) of practical experience maintaining both airframes and powerplants
• Experience must be documented and verified by an employer or supervisor

Pathway 3 — Military Experience:

• Military aircraft maintenance experience can qualify if it meets the scope and duration requirements
• You must obtain a letter from your commanding officer or military records office documenting your experience
• The FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) reviews military experience on a case-by-case basis

Additional Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Read, write, speak, and understand English
• Pass all required examinations within 24 months of eligibility

AMT Exam Format and Content

Earning your AMT certificate requires passing three types of examinations for each rating (Airframe and Powerplant). If you are pursuing both ratings, you will take a total of seven exams: one General written test (shared), plus written, oral, and practical exams for each rating.

Written Knowledge Tests:

• General — 60 questions, 2 hours. Covers mathematics, physics, regulations (14 CFR Parts 43, 65, 91), aircraft drawings, weight and balance, fluid lines, materials, and ground operations.
• Airframe — 100 questions, 2.5 hours. Covers structures, sheet metal, composite repair, hydraulics, pneumatics, landing gear, fuel systems, electrical systems, instruments, and cabin atmosphere.
• Powerplant — 100 questions, 2.5 hours. Covers reciprocating engines, turbine engines, propellers, engine systems (fuel, ignition, lubrication, cooling), and engine inspections.

All written tests require a minimum score of 70% to pass. Tests are administered at FAA-authorized testing centers (PSI or similar). Results are valid for 24 months — you must complete all remaining tests within that window.

Oral and Practical Tests:

After passing the written tests, you schedule oral and practical exams with a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME). These tests evaluate hands-on competency:

• Oral exam — The examiner asks questions about procedures, regulations, and technical knowledge while you explain your reasoning. Duration varies but typically runs 4-8 hours per rating.
• Practical exam — You demonstrate specific maintenance tasks selected by the examiner from the FAA Practical Test Standards (PTS). Tasks include inspections, component removal/installation, troubleshooting, and documentation. This can take a full day per rating.

The examiner selects topics from each subject area in the PTS. You cannot predict exactly which tasks will be tested, so comprehensive preparation is essential. Practice with our AMT Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems Questions and Answers quiz for one of the most commonly tested Airframe subjects.

FAA-Approved Training Programs

Attending an FAA Part 147 approved school is the most common pathway to the AMT certificate. Here is what to know when choosing a training program:

Program Duration and Structure:

• Combined A&P programs: 18-24 months, covering General, Airframe, and Powerplant curricula. This is the most efficient path to earning both ratings.
• Single rating programs: 12-15 months for either Airframe or Powerplant alone. Less common since most employers prefer A&P holders.
• Curriculum: Programs must cover a minimum of 1,900 hours of instruction, split between classroom theory and hands-on laboratory work. The FAA specifies required subject areas and minimum hours for each.

What to Look for in a Program:

• FAA Part 147 approval — Verify the school is listed on the FAA's approved school directory. Only graduates of Part 147 schools can take exams without documenting independent work experience.
• Accreditation — Regional accreditation (e.g., by ACCSC or a regional higher education accreditor) ensures the school meets educational quality standards and may qualify for federal financial aid.
• Graduation and pass rates — Ask for the school's FAA exam pass rates and job placement statistics. Top programs have pass rates above 85%.
• Equipment and facilities — Good programs provide hands-on training with actual aircraft, turbine engines, and modern avionics equipment, not just textbooks and simulators.
• Industry connections — Schools with partnerships with airlines, MRO facilities, and manufacturers often provide better internship and job placement opportunities.

Cost:

Tuition for Part 147 programs ranges from $15,000 to $40,000 depending on the institution. Community colleges tend to be the most affordable option, while private aviation schools charge premium tuition. Federal financial aid (Pell grants, student loans) is available at accredited institutions. Some airlines and MRO companies offer tuition assistance or apprenticeship programs that cover training costs in exchange for a work commitment.