If you want to become a certificated aircraft mechanic in the United States, FAA Part 147 aviation maintenance technician (AMT) schools are the most structured and widely available path. Understanding what these schools require — from admission through graduation — helps you choose the right program and know what you are committing to before you enroll.
What Is a Part 147 School?
Part 147 refers to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 147 — Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools. Schools operating under this regulation have received FAA approval for their training curricula, training syllabi, and quality systems.
FAA approval means the school has demonstrated to the FAA that its program covers all the subject areas and training hours required for students to be eligible to test for the A&P certificate. The FAA inspects Part 147 schools to verify ongoing compliance.
Not every school that teaches aviation maintenance is a Part 147 school. Only FAA-certificated schools carry this designation. It matters because only Part 147 graduates receive the streamlined eligibility pathway to take the A&P tests — other routes require accumulating and documenting work experience over years.
Admission Requirements
Part 147 schools set their own admission requirements, but most share common elements:
Age: You must be at least 16 to enroll in most programs. You must be 18 to receive the A&P certificate itself.
Education: Most programs require a high school diploma or GED. Some community college programs require placement testing in math and English.
English proficiency: The FAA requires that A&P certificate holders be able to read, write, speak, and understand English. Programs taught in English assume this.
Physical requirements: Unlike pilot certificates, the A&P does not require a medical certificate. However, the work is physically demanding — working in confined spaces, lifting equipment, working in temperature extremes. Consider whether you can perform the physical aspects of the job.
Background: Some employers conduct background checks, though the FAA itself does not require a clean record for A&P certification.
What the Curriculum Covers
Part 147 schools must provide training in all subject areas specified by the FAA for each rating. For the combined Airframe and Powerplant program, this is a substantial curriculum.
General subject areas (required for both A and P ratings):
- Mathematics and physics as applied to aviation maintenance
- Aircraft drawings and technical publications
- Weight and balance
- Fluid lines and fittings
- Materials and processes (metals, composites, welding)
- Ground operation and servicing
- Cleaning and corrosion control
- Basic electricity
- Aircraft inspection
- FAA regulations
Airframe subject areas:
- Wood structures
- Aircraft covering (fabric)
- Aircraft finishes
- Sheet metal structures
- Welding
- Assembly and rigging
- Hydraulics and pneumatics
- Cabin atmosphere control
- Aircraft instrument systems
- Communications and navigation systems
- Aircraft fuel systems
- Aircraft electrical systems
- Landing gear systems
- Flight controls
Powerplant subject areas:
- Reciprocating engines
- Turbine engines
- Engine inspection
- Engine fire protection
- Engine electrical systems
- Lubrication and cooling
- Exhaust and thrust reversers
- Engine fuel and fuel metering
- Induction, ventilation, and pressurization
- Propellers
- Auxiliary power units
Training Hour Requirements
The FAA mandates minimum training hours for Part 147 programs:
- Airframe rating only: 1,150 hours
- Powerplant rating only: 750 hours
- Combined Airframe and Powerplant: 1,900 hours
These are minimums. Most schools exceed these hours to ensure students are adequately prepared for the tests and for actual work.
1,900 hours of training is a substantial commitment. Full-time programs typically run 18–24 months. Some schools offer evening and weekend programs that extend the timeline to 2–3 years.
The Tests
Graduating from a Part 147 school makes you eligible to take the FAA A&P tests — it does not automatically certify you. You must pass:
- Written knowledge test (for each rating)
- Oral test (for each rating)
- Practical test (for each rating)
That is six tests for the combined A&P. Part 147 programs prepare you for all of them. Schools with strong pass rates are worth seeking out — ask any prospective school for their first-attempt pass rates on all three test types.
Choosing the Right Program
With Part 147 programs offered at community colleges, private aviation schools, and aviation universities, the decision involves more than curriculum comparison.
Cost: Community college programs are often significantly less expensive and eligible for federal financial aid. Private schools may cost 2–3× more.
Schedule: Full-time day programs get you through faster. Evening and weekend options exist at some schools for those working while training.
Equipment: What aircraft and engines does the school actually use for training? Schools with current-generation equipment prepare you better for modern shop environments.
Employer relationships: Schools with strong regional airline, MRO, and aviation employer relationships provide better job placement outcomes. Ask specifically about where recent graduates have gone to work.
VA benefits: If you have VA education benefits, verify the school is approved for VA use before enrolling.
Finding Part 147 Schools
Aeradex has catalogued FAA Part 147 A&P schools across all 50 states. Use our free matching tool to find programs near you based on your location, schedule, and budget.
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The Bottom Line
Part 147 schools provide the clearest, most structured path to A&P certification. Understanding the admission requirements, curriculum scope, and training hour commitment before you enroll helps you choose the right program and set realistic expectations for the road ahead.
The A&P certificate is a significant credential that opens doors across the aviation industry. The investment in a quality Part 147 program pays off in a career with strong demand and solid earnings.