Aircraft Mechanic (A&P) Apprenticeships in South Dakota
A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) apprenticeships in South Dakota are on-the-job training positions where you log the supervised work experience 14 CFR 65.77 requires for your FAA mechanic certificate — you don't need to go to A&P school.
12 places to ask about A&P on-the-job training in South Dakota- View A&P Apprenticeship Opportunities
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Where can I find an aircraft mechanic apprenticeship in South Dakota?
No A&P supervisor in South Dakota is accepting apprentices on Grease Pilot yet. Grease Pilot lists 12 places to ask about on-the-job training across 9 cities: FAA-certificated repair stations. The supervised hours you log count toward the experience 14 CFR 65.77 requires for your A&P certificate — no Part 147 school needed. Most of the places to ask are in Aberdeen, Sioux Falls, and Brookings.
Updated
Places to Ask About On-the-Job Training in South Dakota
In South Dakota, these are FAA-certificated repair stations. None has posted an apprenticeship on Grease Pilot, so ask them whether they take apprentices. Where we have an email on file, sign up and Grease Pilot sends them your request.
| Name | City | FAA Cert | Type | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aberdeen Flying Service INC | Aberdeen | Part 145 | Repair Station | |
Quest Aviation INC | Aberdeen | Part 145 | Repair Station | |
Satnan Avionics | Sioux Falls | Part 145 | Repair Station | |
Southwest Aviation INC | Sioux Falls | Part 145 | Repair Station | |
Mtr Technologies | Brookings | Part 145 | Repair Station | |
Legacy Aviation LLC | Tea | Part 145 | Repair Station | |
Dakota Cub Aircraft INC | Valley Springs | Part 145 | Repair Station | |
Howard Aviation LLC | Winner | Part 145 | Repair Station | |
Hangar 9 INC | Aberdeen | Part 145 | Repair Station | |
The Flying Circus Incorporated | Custer | Part 145 | Repair Station | |
Rapid Avionics INC | Rapid City | Part 145 | Repair Station | |
Roger Wilco Aviation Services | Yankton | Part 145 | Repair Station |
Is your name or company listed above?
Certified A&P mechanics claim or create their listing free with Grease Pilot's Mechanic Free membership, and maintenance shops with MX Shop Free; both include one A&P apprentice seat and digital OJT sign-offs.
FAA FSDO Serving South Dakota
What is a FSDO? Your local FAA office: it verifies the on-the-job hours you've logged and clears you to take the FAA mechanic tests.
Rapid City Flight Standards District Office
- FAA page: faa.gov FSDO page
- Address: 3501 5th St., Rapid City, SD 57701
- Phone: (605) 737-3050
- Email: 7-AGL-RAP-FSDO@faa.gov
Common Questions
What opportunities are available in South Dakota as an A&P mechanic?
Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City, South Dakota — home of the 28th Bomb Wing and its B-1B Lancer bombers — was designated Main Operating Base 1 for the U.S. Air Force's new B-21 Raider stealth bomber, making it the first installation slated to receive the aircraft. Beyond that, FAA-certificated maintenance shops across South Dakota can supervise on-the-job training where you log experience toward your A&P certificate under 14 CFR 65.77.
Do I need to attend an A&P school in South Dakota?
No. Some of the FAA-approved Part 147 aviation maintenance schools in South Dakota include Lake Area Technical College (Watertown). You don't have to attend one — the FAA also recognizes documented on-the-job training under 14 CFR 65.77 as a path to A&P eligibility.
How on-the-job training works anywhere in the U.S. — the hours, the FAA tests, and what you need to start — is in our A&P on-the-job training guide.
A&P Apprenticeships in Nearby States
About A&P apprenticeships
In South Dakota, the state employs about 150 aircraft mechanics and service technicians, earning a median wage of about $75,750/year (BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2025). Entry-level pay starts near $51,160/year and experienced mechanics earn up to about $89,360/year. A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) mechanics are certified by the FAA under 14 CFR Part 65. On-the-job training is a recognized route to certification eligibility. Learn more from the FAA experience requirements, the U.S. Department of Labor's Registered Apprenticeship program, and the BLS profile for Aircraft Mechanics (49-3011).