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Military to A&P

Military maintenance experience can count toward FAA eligibility. Many maintainers already have much of what they need; the work is translating and documenting it. The FAA still makes the call.

Best for: Current and former military aircraft maintainers.

Typical time

Often a few months of paperwork and study if experience qualifies; longer if you need to fill gaps

Typical cost

Often low. Test fees may be covered by COOL programs or GI Bill test benefits.

Earn while learning?

Yes. Many start while still serving.

What to do next

This week

  • Run the Military Experience Mapper and print or save your checklist.
  • Download your Joint Services Transcript and locate your DD-214 (or request it).

This month

  • Ask your education office about a JSAMTCC Certificate of Eligibility and COOL funding for your MOS/AFSC/rating.
  • Ask a former supervisor for a signed letter describing your duties, aircraft, and dates.
Open the Military Experience Mapper

How military experience gets credited

The FAA publishes a list of military codes that may receive experience credit toward the Airframe and/or Powerplant ratings: Advisory Circular 65-30B, Appendix A ↗ (edition dated 5/23/23). Being on the list means your experience may count. An FAA inspector still reviews your actual records.

Orientation only: the FAA decides eligibility

In the FAA's words, you won't be authorized to test just because you served in the military, and time spent training for a specialty doesn't count, only time spent working in it. Aircraft Mechanic Paths is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA, DoD, or any military branch.

Two ways forward

Path A

JSAMTCC Certificate of Eligibility

If it's available for your specialty and base, completing the Joint Services Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council (JSAMTCC) program earns a Certificate of Eligibility. Per AC 65-30B, a COE holder is considered to have met the experience requirement for the rating listed on the COE and is authorized to test.

Start with: your base education office or maintenance training office.

FAA: military experience & JSAMTCC ↗

Path B

Document your experience → FAA Form 8610-2

Gather your records and meet with an FAA inspector at your local Flight Standards office (FSDO). If your documented experience satisfies the requirements, the inspector signs Form 8610-2 authorizing you to test. AC 65-30B says inspectors verify your duties cover at least 50% of the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for the rating.

Find your FSDO ↗FAA Form 8610-2 ↗

Is my specialty on the FAA list?25 of the 28 specialties in our data appear in AC 65-30B, Appendix A.

Army

  • 15B Aircraft Powerplant RepairerListed · credit: Powerplant
  • 15D Aircraft Powertrain RepairerListed · credit: Powerplant
  • 15F Aircraft ElectricianListed · credit: Airframe
  • 15G Aircraft Structural RepairerListed · credit: Airframe
  • 15H Aircraft Pneudraulics RepairerListed · credit: Airframe
  • 15N Avionic MechanicListed · credit: Airframe
  • 15R AH-64 Attack Helicopter RepairerListed · credit: Airframe and Powerplant
  • 15T UH-60 Helicopter RepairerListed · credit: Airframe and Powerplant
  • 15U CH-47 Helicopter RepairerListed · credit: Airframe and Powerplant
  • 15E Unmanned Aircraft Systems RepairerListed · credit: Airframe and Powerplant

Air Force

  • 2A3X3 Tactical Aircraft MaintenanceListed · credit: Airframe and Powerplant
  • 2A5X1 Airlift / Special Mission Aircraft MaintenanceListed · credit: Airframe and Powerplant
  • 2A5X2 Helicopter / Tiltrotor Aircraft MaintenanceListed · credit: Airframe and Powerplant
  • 2A6X1 Aerospace PropulsionListed · credit: Powerplant
  • 2A6X4 Aircraft Fuel SystemsListed · credit: Airframe
  • 2A6X5 Aircraft Hydraulic SystemsListed · credit: Airframe
  • 2A6X6 Aircraft Electrical & Environmental SystemsListed · credit: Airframe
  • 2A7X3 Aircraft Structural Maintenance

    Not listed in AC 65-30B Appendix A (5/23/23 edition). The structures-family codes listed are 2A751/2A771 (Aircraft Metals Technology) and 2A752/2A772 (Nondestructive Inspection). Documented experience may still be considered by an inspector; expect a closer review.

Navy

  • AD Aviation Machinist's MateListed · credit: Powerplant
  • AM Aviation Structural MechanicListed · credit: Airframe
  • AE Aviation Electrician's Mate

    Not listed as a creditable rating in AC 65-30B Appendix A. The AC notes that Navy aircraft-specific NECs are considered for Airframe/Powerplant only for applicants who held an AM or AD rating. Talk with an FAA inspector about your specific experience.

  • AT Aviation Electronics Technician

    Not listed as a creditable rating in AC 65-30B Appendix A. The AC notes that Navy aircraft-specific NECs are considered for Airframe/Powerplant only for applicants who held an AM or AD rating. Talk with an FAA inspector about your specific experience.

Marine Corps

  • 6113 Helicopter Mechanic, CH-53Listed · credit: Airframe and Powerplant
  • 6116 Tiltrotor Mechanic (MV-22)Listed · credit: Airframe and Powerplant
  • 6092 Aircraft Intermediate Level Structures MechanicListed · credit: Airframe
  • 6062 Aircraft Intermediate Level Hydraulic/Pneumatic MechanicListed · credit: Airframe

Coast Guard

  • AMT Aviation Maintenance TechnicianListed · credit: Airframe and Powerplant
  • AET Avionics Electrical TechnicianListed · credit: Airframe and/or Powerplant (inspector evaluation required to determine rating)

Our list covers common aviation maintenance specialties; the FAA list includes many more (including older codes, since experience doesn't expire). Check Appendix A for your exact code. For a personalized checklist, use the Military Experience Mapper.

Typical timeline

  1. Map & gather records

    2–6 weeks

    Use the Mapper, then collect DD-214, JST, training records, and supervisor letters.

  2. Certificate of Eligibility (if offered)

    Weeks

    Some specialties qualify for a JSAMTCC Certificate of Eligibility through your service.

  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

    1–4 months

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

Cost ranges

ItemTypical range
Knowledge tests (3)

May be reimbursable via COOL or GI Bill test benefits, and some JSAMTCC participants may be able to test at no cost. Check eligibility before paying.

Roughly $175 each
Oral & practical (examiner fee)

Set by each examiner, not the FAA. Check COOL and GI Bill eligibility before paying.

Often ~$1,000–$2,500 for both ratings
Test prep

Base education centers may offer resources; more if you take a prep course.

Often $0–$300
Gap training (if needed)

Specialists may need extra experience or coursework in areas they didn't cover.

Varies

Step by step

  1. 1

    Map your experience

    Use our Military Experience Mapper to see roughly where your experience stands across General, Airframe, and Powerplant areas.

  2. 2

    Gather documentation

    DD-214, Joint Services Transcript, training and qualification records, and supervisor letters describing duties, aircraft, and dates.

  3. 3

    Check for a Certificate of Eligibility

    Some specialties qualify for a JSAMTCC Certificate of Eligibility, which can simplify FSDO review. Ask your education office.

  4. 4

    Get FSDO approval (Form 8610-2)

    An FAA inspector reviews your records and, if approved, authorizes testing.

  5. 5

    Fill gaps, study, and test

    Then knowledge tests and oral & practical. Transitioning members may also look at DoD SkillBridge to train with an employer during their last months of service.

Upsides

  • ✅ Often the fastest path
  • ✅ Funding programs may cover costs
  • ✅ Can start while still serving

Trade-offs

  • ⚖️ Specialist roles may leave gaps
  • ⚖️ Documentation can be tedious
  • ⚖️ FSDO review varies

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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