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Pathway · Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship & On-the-Job Experience

Work under the supervision of certificated mechanics and document your practical experience. With enough documented time, an FAA inspector can authorize you to take the tests.

Best for: People who need to earn while they learn, or who already work around aircraft (line service, parts, ramp).

Typical time

At least 18 months for one rating, or 30 months of concurrent experience for both (A&P)

Typical cost

Often roughly $2,000–$7,000 over time (tools, study materials, and testing fees)

Earn while learning?

Yes. You're employed throughout.

What to do next

This week

  • Search apprenticeship listings and local repair stations for helper or apprentice roles.
  • Start a simple experience log (date, aircraft, task, supervisor). Our Mapper categories are a good template.

This month

  • Ask a supervisor what documentation your local FSDO typically expects, and how they write experience letters.
  • Price out a basic tool set and ask whether the employer helps.

Typical timeline

  1. Land an entry role

    1–3 months

    Helper, apprentice, or line service at a repair station, FBO, or airline.

  2. Build documented experience

    18 or 30 months

    At least 18 months for one rating, or 30 months of concurrent airframe and powerplant work. Registered apprenticeships often run 2–3 years.

  3. FSDO review

    Varies by office

    An FAA inspector reviews your records and, if satisfied, signs Form 8610-2. Often a few weeks; call your local FSDO.

  4. Study & test

    2–6 months

    Knowledge tests, then oral & practical. All tests must be passed within 24 months.

Cost ranges

ItemTypical range
Tools (built up over time)

Employers usually supply specialty tools.

Roughly $1,000–$4,000
Test prep (guides, apps)

More if you take a prep course.

About $100–$300
Knowledge tests (3)

General, Airframe, and Powerplant are separate tests. Prices change; check the current price when you book.

Roughly $175 each
Oral & practical (examiner fee)

Set by each examiner, not the FAA. Some employers reimburse.

Often ~$1,000–$2,500 for both ratings

Step by step

  1. 1

    Get a job working on aircraft

    Repair stations, airlines, regional carriers, FBOs, and general aviation shops. Registered apprenticeships often run 2–3 years; some sponsors offer shorter tracks for prior or military experience.

  2. 2

    Document everything

    Log tasks, aircraft, dates, and the certificated mechanic who supervised you. Collect signed employer letters as you go, not years later.

  3. 3

    Get FSDO approval (Form 8610-2)

    An FAA inspector reviews your documented experience. Approval authorizes you to take the tests.

  4. 4

    Study and test

    Self-study or a prep course for the knowledge tests, then oral & practical with a DME.

Upsides

  • ✅ Earn while you learn
  • ✅ Little to no debt
  • ✅ Real-world experience employers value

Trade-offs

  • ⚖️ Takes discipline to document experience
  • ⚖️ Longer for full A&P
  • ⚖️ Less structured knowledge training

Official sources

Aircraft Mechanic Paths is for orientation only. It does not decide eligibility. Only the FAA can authorize you to test or issue a mechanic certificate. Content last reviewed 2026-10-17. Questions? See the FAQ.

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