How To Become An Airframe And Powerplant Mechanic: What It Is and Career Path

What is an airframe and powerplant mechanic and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

An airframe and powerplant (A&P;) mechanic is a trained and licensed airplane mechanic who maintains, repairs, and troubleshoots airframes and engines to ensure they conform with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) regulations. They work on various parts of an aircraft, including the engine, brakes, air-conditioning system, pumps, and landing gear to identify electrical and mechanical issues and then institute repair and maintenance procedures.

A&P; mechanics usually work on helicopters, jets, and propeller-driven airplanes. They mostly work in hangars, airfields, or repair stations. A successful A&P; mechanic should have strong mechanical abilities, in-depth knowledge of aircraft mechanics, communication skills, attention to detail, analytical skills, and good coordination in their hands and fingers.

A&P; mechanics work full time. They usually work on eight-hour shifts and may be required to work overtime and over the weekend as well.

ScoreAirframe And Powerplant MechanicUS Average

Salary

4.3

Avg. Salary $54,430

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.8

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

8.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.63%

Asian 7.13%

Black or African American 10.28%

Hispanic or Latino 20.57%

Unknown 5.16%

White 56.22%

Gender

female 3.58%

male 96.42%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress level

7.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.2

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an airframe and powerplant mechanic

Explore airframe and powerplant mechanic education requirements

Most common airframe and powerplant mechanic degrees

Associate

46.9 %

Bachelor's

28.4 %

Certificate

8.5 %

Start to develop specific airframe and powerplant mechanic skills

Skills	Percentages
FAA	11.81%
Aircraft Systems	10.80%
Troubleshoot	8.03%
Hand Tools	6.47%
Operational Checks	5.13%

Complete relevant airframe and powerplant mechanic training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New airframe and powerplant mechanics learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an airframe and powerplant mechanic based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real airframe and powerplant mechanic resumes.

Gain additional airframe and powerplant mechanic certifications

Airframe and powerplant mechanic certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific airframe and powerplant mechanic certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for airframe and powerplant mechanics include Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) and Mechanical Inspector Certification (CMI).

More About Certifications

Research airframe and powerplant mechanic duties and responsibilities

Manage QA programs to include aircraft turn-up and monitoring and FOD prevention
Execute airframe and power plant inspections.
Assemble and install mechanical, plumbing, electrical, structural, and hydraulic mechanisms, and parts.
Perform inspections, maintenance and repairs in compliance with FAA requirements and manufacturers specifications for airworthiness.

Prepare your airframe and powerplant mechanic resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your airframe and powerplant mechanic resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an airframe and powerplant mechanic resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable airframe and powerplant mechanic resume templates

Build a professional airframe and powerplant mechanic resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your airframe and powerplant mechanic resume.