Certification
To be competitive in the civilian aircraft industry, maintainers who are looking for careers outside of the military must be certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with an Airframe and/or Powerplant (A&P) license in order to become mechanics that perform maintenance on civilian aircraft.
A&P License
The certification that reflects the FAA qualifications required to work as a Maintenance Technician for all systems having to do with the airframe of the aircraft and/or the engines and all related machinery.
Eligibility to Test
The FAA certifies civilian aircraft mechanics through written tests and practical examinations. Through oversight by the FAA and Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Certification Council (JSAMCC), a maintainer can become eligible to test either by:
1. Certificate of Eligibility: Received after an assessment of military time-in-service, military training records, completion of required A&P courses via Community College of the Air Force.
2. FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) sign-off of FAA Form 8610-2: Received after assessment of military time-in-service, military training records and interview process.
