Wrench & WingHow Long It Takes to Become an A&P Mechanic: Realistic Timelines
Updated · Written and reviewed by the Wrench & Wing editorial team
- Experience route minimum: 18 months for one rating, 30 for both
- School length depends on the program
- Add time for the written, oral and practical tests
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The two FAA routes (14 CFR Part 65)
The mechanic certificate rules are in 14 CFR Part 65, Subpart D. You must be at least 18, read, write, speak and understand English, and pass three tests: written (knowledge), oral, and practical (§65.71, §65.75).
- School route: graduate from an FAA-certificated Part 147 aviation maintenance technician school (§65.77(b)).
- Experience route: documented practical experience: 18 months for airframe or powerplant, or 30 months working on both at the same time (§65.77(a)).
- Military experience can also qualify. See the FAA's "become a mechanic" page.
Realistic planning
Plan for the program or experience time, plus weeks to months for testing and scheduling an examiner. Be wary of anything sold as a fast or two-week certificate; FAA eligibility still requires a school or documented experience.
Timeline at a glance
| Step | Typical time | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Part 147 program | 21 months average (18 private, 22 public) | ATEC 2026 |
| Experience route, one rating | 18 months minimum | 14 CFR 65.77 |
| Experience route, both ratings | 30 months minimum | 14 CFR 65.77 |
| Written, oral and practical tests | Weeks to months (estimate; depends on examiner availability) | Estimate |
Related guides
- What A&P school really costs
- A&P school vs the experience route
- How to become an aircraft mechanic (A&P)
- Switching at 30, 40 or 50
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