Part-147 School vs. Experience Route — Two Paths to FAA A&P Eligibility

The Part-147 School Path

FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools (AMTS) operating under 14 CFR Part 147 offer structured, curriculum-based training programs that culminate in graduation. Upon graduation, the school's training records and director's signature serve as your eligibility documentation on Form 8610-2 in lieu of a supervising mechanic's sign-off. Part-147 programs must meet FAA-minimum curriculum-hour requirements and cover all three subject areas (General, Airframe, and Powerplant). Programs typically run 18–24 months for the combined A&P curriculum. Schools range from two-year community colleges to standalone aviation maintenance academies; some offer associate degrees alongside the A&P curriculum. Tuition and fees vary widely — research specific schools and apply for financial aid early (GI Bill and Pell Grant are commonly used). Confirm that any school you consider holds current FAA Part-147 certification before enrolling.

The Experience Path: 18 or 30 Months of Practical Work

Under 14 CFR §65.77, candidates who do not attend a Part-147 school can qualify by accumulating practical, hands-on maintenance experience directly on aircraft or aircraft components. You need 18 months of documented experience for a single rating (Airframe only or Powerplant only) or 30 months of experience concurrently covering both Airframe and Powerplant work for both ratings. The experience must be certified by a qualified supervising A&P mechanic who holds the rating(s) you are seeking, and must cover the tasks defined by the FAA as practical experience — not administrative, ramp, or parts-counter work. Military aviation maintenance experience is generally accepted with appropriate documentation. There is no formal school, classroom requirement, or tuition — but you must find employment or a formal apprenticeship that provides qualifying maintenance work.

Time to Eligibility: A Realistic Comparison

On the Part-147 path, most programs take 18–24 months to complete, and upon graduation you are immediately eligible to take all three knowledge tests. On the experience path, you need at least 18 months (single rating) or 30 months (both ratings) before you can apply — and accumulating experience depends on securing qualifying employment, which may itself take time. If you already have aircraft maintenance employment and a supervising mechanic willing to document your work, the experience path may be faster for a single rating. For the combined A&P, a Part-147 program is often faster because it provides structured, simultaneous coverage of both General and the two rating areas. The elapsed-time comparison also depends on whether you are working full-time or part-time alongside other commitments.

Cost Comparison

Part-147 AMTS tuition varies considerably by institution and location — community college programs may be substantially less expensive than proprietary aviation academies. Financial aid (Pell Grant, GI Bill Chapter 33, VA vocational rehabilitation, scholarships) can significantly offset tuition costs; research your options early. Tool kits and supplies add to total cost. The experience path typically has no tuition cost if you are employed in a qualifying maintenance role, but you may earn apprentice-level wages during the experience period. Either way, total costs depend heavily on your location, employer, and personal circumstances — verify current figures with the schools or employers you are considering rather than relying on any general estimate.

Quality of Preparation for the Knowledge Tests

Part-147 programs are specifically designed to prepare graduates for the FAA knowledge tests and the O&P exam; the curriculum must cover the ACS subject areas. However, program quality varies — some schools are excellent at producing well-prepared graduates, while others may provide minimal study support beyond the required curriculum hours. On the experience path, you gain real-world maintenance skills, but structured preparation for the written tests depends entirely on your own self-study. Many experience-path candidates use study resources like the AMT handbooks and adaptive practice platforms to prepare alongside their work. In practice, some of the best-prepared test candidates are experience-path mechanics who combine real-world exposure with disciplined self-study.

Which Path Is Right for You?

The Part-147 path suits candidates who prefer structured, classroom-based learning; who are starting from zero maintenance experience; who want the fastest path to combined A&P eligibility; or who can access financial aid to offset tuition. The experience path suits candidates who already work in aviation maintenance and have a supervising mechanic willing to document their work; who prefer earning while learning; who want to avoid tuition debt; or who are pursuing a single rating first. There is no regulatory difference in the certificates issued — an A&P from the experience path is identical to one from a Part-147 program. The choice is personal and practical, not a mark of quality.

Frequently asked questions

Does a Part-147 graduate still need to take the three FAA written tests?

Yes. Part-147 graduation satisfies the practical experience requirement, not the written-test requirement. All candidates — whether Part-147 graduates or experience-path applicants — must pass all three FAA knowledge tests (General, Airframe, Powerplant) and the oral and practical exam with a DME before being certificated.

Can I switch paths midway — start the experience route and then go to a Part-147 school?

Yes. Nothing prevents you from attending a Part-147 school after accumulating some experience. However, experience accumulated before school enrollment generally does not 'count' toward Part-147 graduation — the school's own curriculum is what satisfies the requirement. Consult the school and your local FSDO if you have a hybrid situation.

Is experience on military aircraft enough to use the experience path?

Military aviation maintenance experience is generally accepted. You will need official military records (such as training records, DD-214, or letters from a commanding officer) documenting the nature and duration of your maintenance work. Your DME and the FSDO evaluate the documentation to determine whether it satisfies the §65.77 requirement for the rating(s) you are seeking.

How do I verify that a school is actually FAA-certified under Part 147?

The FAA maintains a searchable directory of certificated Part-147 schools. You can also ask the school to provide its FAA certificate number and verify it directly with your local FSDO. Do not rely solely on a school's marketing materials — confirm active FAA certification before enrolling or committing funds.

What if a Part-147 school closes before I graduate?

If an FAA-certified AMTS closes, the FAA may allow credits toward completion at another approved school. Contact the FAA and the receiving school immediately — partial credit policies vary. This is a known risk with proprietary schools; researching a school's financial stability before enrolling is prudent.

Primary sources

• 14 CFR §65.77 — Experience Requirements (eCFR)
• 14 CFR Part 147 — Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools (eCFR)
• FAA Find Maintenance Schools (AMTS directory)

Related guides

• FAA A&P Mechanic Eligibility Requirements — Age, English, Experience
• How to Become an FAA Aircraft Mechanic (A&P Certificate Guide)
• FAA Form 8610-2 and IACRA — Applying for Your A&P Certificate