Get Your Aircraft Mechanic License While Getting Paid
Skip the $20k-$50k tuition. Earn your aircraft mechanic certification through paid work experience for just $29.95/month.
A&P Customer Support | No Contracts | Cancel Anytime
Already a Certified A&P? Earn extra income as a supervisor →
Everything Needed to Get A&P License Through OJT
Skip the $30,000+ tuition. Earn while you learn. Work on your schedule.
OJT Document Tracking System
Log hours, get supervisor sign-offs, track progress, and export FAA FSDO-ready reports. Built for FAA compliance.
Learn More →A&P Apprenticeship Finder
Connect with A&P supervisors actively looking to train new mechanics. Find OJT opportunities in your area.
Learn More →How To Become An Aircraft Mechanic Course
AdvancedComplete OJT training course covering FAA requirements, hour tracking, finding supervisors, and exam prep.
Learn More →Aircraft Tech Pubs Library
AdvancedGrowing collection of service manuals, overhaul guides, and technical documentation for airframe & engine work.
Learn More →Priority A&P Support
Got questions? Get answers from certified A&P mechanics who've been through the OJT process themselves.
Learn More →Price Lock Guarantee
Your rate stays locked at $29.95/month forever. No surprise increases, no hidden fees. Cancel anytime.
Learn More →OJT Hour & Document Tracking
The FAA requires detailed records of your OJT experience. Our purpose-built system makes documentation simple.
Stay Organized, Stay Compliant
- Log Every Hour — Track your airframe and powerplant hours with detailed task entries that satisfy FAA requirements
- Digital Supervisor Sign-offs — Get signatures from your supervising A&P mechanics right in the system
- Progress Dashboard — See exactly where you stand on your 18/30 month requirements at a glance
- Organized by FAA Categories — Ensure well-rounded experience across all required subject areas
- Export-Ready Reports — Generate professional documentation for your FAA FSDO appointments with one click
Don't Let Poor Records Delay Your License
Poor documentation is one of the most common reasons mechanics fail to get their A&P certificates approved. Don't spend years building experience only to have your records rejected.
Our system ensures you never miss a detail.
A&P Apprenticeship Finder
The hardest part of OJT? Finding a supervisor. We make it easy to connect with A&P mechanics ready to train you.
How It Works
- Browse Open Positions — Search apprenticeship opportunities from shops and supervisors looking for OJT mechanics
- Filter By Location — Find opportunities near you or explore positions across the country
- Connect Directly — Reach out to supervisors and start your OJT journey faster
- Get Matched — Let supervisors find you based on your profile and goals
Stop Searching, Start Training
Most people spend months cold-calling shops and getting nowhere. Our A&P Apprenticeship Finder puts you in front of supervisors who are actively looking to mentor new mechanics.
New opportunities added regularly—your next career move could be one click away.
How To Become An Aircraft Mechanic Course
Learn exactly how to earn your FAA A&P license through on-the-job training—the affordable alternative to expensive aviation schools.
What You'll Learn
- The OJT Process Explained — Understand how to qualify for your A&P through practical work experience instead of formal schooling
- Hour Tracking & Documentation — Learn how to properly log your airframe and powerplant hours so your prepared for FAA FSDO meetings
- What It's Like Being An Aircraft Mechanic — Get an honest look at the day-to-day work, environment, and career opportunities in aviation maintenance
- FAA Requirements Demystified — Get clear explanations of the regulations, paperwork, and steps required for certification
Skip the $30,000+ Tuition
Traditional A&P schools charge $20,000-$50,000 in tuition alone. With OJT, you earn a paycheck while gaining the exact same FAA certification—for just $29.95/month.
Same license. Fraction of the cost. Real experience.
Growing Aircraft Tech Pubs Library
Get low-cost access to hundreds of aircraft service manuals, overhaul guides, and technical documentation.
What's Available
- Airframe Tech Pubs — Service manuals, structural repair guides, and maintenance documentation for airframe work
- Engine Tech Pubs — Overhaul manuals, troubleshooting guides, and specifications for piston and turbine engines
- Avionics Tech Pubs — Installation manuals, wiring diagrams, and maintenance guides for avionics equipment
- Don't See A Manual? Request It — We add new publications based on member requests to keep growing our library
- Used By A&P's Throughout The United States — Trusted by working mechanics for reference on the job
Learn From Real Manuals
The best way to learn aircraft maintenance is with actual technical publications. Our growing library gives you the same references professional A&P mechanics use every day.
All future additions included—your library grows with your career.
*Grease Pilot's tech pub library is one of the largest general aviation tech pub libraries online. Not all manuals may be recent.
Priority Online Support
Have questions about OJT? Get direct access to certified A&P mechanics who've walked the same path you're on.
We're Here When You Need Us
- Ask Anything — From logging hours to preparing for your DME, no question is too basic or too technical
- Expert Answers — Get guidance from FAA-certified A&P mechanics with real-world experience
- Ongoing Guidance — We're with you from day one until you pass your exams
You're Never On Your Own
The OJT path can feel isolating—but you don't have to figure it out alone. Our support team includes A&P mechanics from both traditional schools and the OJT route, so you get well-rounded guidance no matter your background.
Get the answers you need, when you need them.
Two Paths to Your A&P License
Both routes lead to FAA certification, but the journey looks very different. Here's what you need to know.
Traditional A&P School
The conventional route
On-The-Job Training (OJT)
The smart alternative
Your Price is Locked in Forever*
Join today at $29.95/month — and that's your price for life. No increases, ever.
*Price lock applies as long as membership remains active. Subject to change upon cancellation and reactivation.
Do You Have What It Takes to Be an Aircraft Mechanic?
Your personalized PDF report (click to enlarge)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an A&P license/certificate?
An A&P certificate (Airframe & Powerplant) is an FAA certification that qualifies you to legally inspect, maintain, repair, and approve aircraft for return to service. Airframe (A) = Aircraft structure (fuselage, wings, landing gear, etc.). Powerplant (P) = Aircraft engines and related systems. The FAA issues a single certificate with either an A rating, P rating, or both (A&P). The terms "certificate" and "license" are used interchangeably.
Do I NEED both Airframe AND Powerplant ratings?
The FAA doesn't require both—you can get just Airframe or just Powerplant. However, most employers (especially airlines) require both (A&P), and having both dramatically increases job opportunities. If getting both, you can earn them concurrently (30 months OJT) rather than separately (18 months each = 36 months total). Bottom line: Get both unless you have a specific reason not to.
How long does it take to get an A&P license?
It depends on your path. Aviation Maintenance School (Part 147): is typically 18-24 months. On-the-Job Training (OJT): 18 months for Airframe OR Powerplant alone, or 30 months working concurrently on both. Add 1-3 months after completing school/OJT for written, oral, and practical exams.
Can I get my A&P through work experience instead of school?
Yes! You can gain OJT by working or volunteering at a maintenance facility. Requirements: be supervised by an A&P mechanic, document all work in a logbook, and provide evidence acceptable to the FAA. Challenges include finding shops willing to train apprentices, maintaining meticulous records for 18-30 months, and starting with basic tasks like cleaning before advancing.
What are the testing requirements to get an A&P?
You must pass 9 total tests for a full A&P: 3 written tests (General, Airframe, Powerplant—70% to pass), 3 oral tests, and 3 practical tests administered by a DME. All tests must be completed within a 24-month period.
How hard are the A&P tests?
Moderate difficulty if you prepare properly. Written tests require 70% to pass—many students score 80-95% with proper study. The oral test is often more challenging than the practical since it covers so much material. Key to success: study consistently, take practice tests, score 90%+ on practice before the real thing, and get hands-on experience.
Is OJT really FAA approved?
Yes! Under 14 CFR Part 65, the FAA allows you to qualify for your A&P exams through 18-30 months of practical experience under supervision of a certified mechanic.
Will I actually save money compared to A&P school?
Absolutely. Traditional schools cost $20,000-$50,000+ in tuition alone, plus 18-24 months of no income. With OJT, you pay $29.95/month and earn a full-time salary while building experience.
Do I need any experience to start?
No! Grease Pilot helps you find entry-level apprentice positions. Our program guides you from complete beginner to FAA-certified mechanic.
Do I need a college degree or high school diploma?
The FAA does not require any general education for A&P certification—no college degree or high school diploma needed. However, you must be at least 18 years old and able to read, write, speak, and understand English. Note: Most Part 147 schools do require a diploma, but OJT does not.
What if I can't find an OJT position?
Our program includes job search resources, employer connections, and guidance on where to find OJT opportunities. We help you navigate the entire process.
What's the salary and job outlook for A&P mechanics?
Excellent prospects and competitive pay. Starting: $48,000-$70,000/year. Median: $78,860 (2024 BLS data). Experienced/airline: $100,000-$120,000+. Job outlook: critical shortage—the U.S. could be short 43,000-48,000 maintenance workers by 2027. Strong job security, sign-on bonuses common, and plenty of overtime opportunities.
Can I work on aircraft WITHOUT an A&P license?
Yes, but with limitations. Without certification, you can only perform maintenance under supervision of a certificated A&P mechanic. You cannot approve aircraft for return-to-service, sign off inspections or major repairs, or work independently. You can work as an apprentice, perform tasks with A&P oversight, and gain OJT experience toward your license. Bottom line: You can work in the field, but career advancement and pay are severely limited without the A&P certificate.
How much does A&P school cost?
Costs vary widely. Accelerated programs: $30,000-$36,000. Premium schools: $45,000+ (including books, tools, materials). Additional costs: DME oral/practical exams run $1,000-$1,600. OJT path: Essentially FREE—just testing fees (~$231 for written tests + $1,000-$1,600 for oral/practical exams).
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes! There are no long-term contracts. Cancel your $29.95/month membership anytime if it's not right for you.