For aspiring aircraft technicians worldwide, one certification stands out as the gold standard of excellence: the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate.
Crucially, this certification is accessible to international candidates—it is based solely on skill, knowledge, and documented experience, irrespective of nationality.
At Aaspire LLP, we specialize in guiding international technicians toward this esteemed qualification. We recognize the FAA A&P certificate as more than a license; it is your global career passport, affirming your skills against the industry’s most demanding safety and competency standards.
Understanding the FAA A&P Certification
The FAA A&P certificate authorizes the holder to perform, supervise, and approve for return to service maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations on U.S.-registered aircraft (14 CFR §43.7). It comprises two ratings:
Airframe (A): Encompasses the maintenance of the aircraft’s structure, including fuselage, wings, empennage (tail), landing gear, control surfaces, and related systems.
Powerplant (P): Covers reciprocating or turbine engines, propellers, and their related systems.
Holding both “A&P” ratings demonstrates comprehensive proficiency, ensuring your ability to maintain the airworthiness of an aircraft.
Pathway for International Candidates
For technicians outside the United States, eligibility primarily rests on documented practical experience:
Practical Experience Requirement: 18 months for one rating or 30 months for both (14 CFR §65.77).
Detailed Documentation: Documentary evidence (e.g., logbooks, signed work-records, employer letters) must demonstrate the breadth and depth specified in AC 65-30B, clearly verifying competence in aircraft maintenance, inspection, and repair.
English Proficiency: Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English (14 CFR §65.71(b)).
An FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) at a Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) must review your evidence. Upon approval, your FAA Form 8610-2 will be endorsed, authorizing you to take certification exams. Expert guidance during this stage is invaluable due to the rigorous nature of the verification process.
Rigorous Examination Standards
All FAA certification exams—written knowledge tests, oral, and practical—must be taken exclusively within the United States. Some may mistakenly believe these exams can be completed internationally, but this provision applies solely to individuals serving in the U.S. Military. Misunderstandings around this requirement can result in costly setbacks. Therefore, partnering with Aaspire ensures you receive accurate guidance and avoid any misleading information.
Authorized candidates must pass three comprehensive tests to demonstrate their expertise:
Written Knowledge Tests: Computer-based General, Airframe & Powerplant exams delivered by PSI at FAA-approved centres across the United States. Limited overseas centres exist only on certain U.S. Department of Defense bases for eligible military personnel.
Oral Examination: Conducted face to face (in English) by an FAA Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME) at the DME’s FAA-accepted test site in the U.S., evaluating your theoretical knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
Practical Examination: Hands-on evaluation of your ability to perform precise maintenance tasks according to FAA standards. These examinations must also be conducted exclusively by FAA-authorised DMEs at their FAA-accepted oral & practical (O&P) test sites inside the United States
A minimum passing score of 70 % is required on each written exam. All three tests must be completed within 24 months of the first passed written
Successful completion places you among an elite group of trusted aviation technicians globally.
Global Recognition and Benefits
For technicians in Singapore and across Asia-Pacific, FAA certification offers substantial advantages:
Global U.S. Fleet Maintenance: A significant share of corporate, leased, or general aviation (GA) aircraft operating worldwide carry U.S. “N-registration.” While aircraft owners can utilize FAA-approved repair stations abroad, employing an FAA-certificated A&P mechanic on-site often streamlines compliance and expedites the return-to-service process under 14 CFR Part 43.
Preferred by MROs: Major Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in Asia and the Middle East service airlines from all over the world, including U.S. carriers. They actively seek A&P holders because they are certified to the standards of their key clients.
Springboard to Other Licences: BASAs do not cover personnel licences, but many regulators (e.g., EASA authorities) review an A&P holder’s dossier and may grant module credits toward a Part‑66 license on a case‑by‑case basis.
Increased Earnings and Career Advancement: The FAA A&P certification significantly enhances earning potential and accelerates opportunities for leadership roles such as Inspection Authorization (IA)*, quality control, or technical training
(*IA requires holding the A&P certificate for at least 3 years, actively engaging in maintenance activities for the preceding 2 years, and passing the IA knowledge test.)
Aaspire: Your Strategic Partner in FAA Certification
Navigating FAA requirements internationally can be complex, but Aaspire LLP, in collaboration with Avia Tech International Training Academy Inc and McCoy Aeronautical Services LLC, simplifies this process. Our combined expertise includes:
Eligibility Guidance: We assist you in compiling documentary evidence aligned precisely with FAA standards and conduct a preliminary evaluation reflective of an FAA Inspector’s thorough review.
Application Management: Provide specific guidance on the FAA approval process, ensuring you secure your Form 8610-2.
Customized Career Planning: Developing tailored strategic roadmaps leveraging your certification to pursue global opportunities.
The FAA A&P certification is your declaration of excellence in aviation maintenance, opening doors to unparalleled global career opportunities.
To embark on your journey toward global professional recognition, contact us at info@aaspire.com.sg and take your aviation career to new heights.
