Your career. Clear path.
From military or high school to A&P mechanic.
Clear, honest paths into aircraft maintenance: what it takes, how long, what it costs, and what to do next. Built by pilots who depend on mechanics every day.
Free to use. Independent and not affiliated with the FAA. Mapper inputs never leave your device.
Pathways
Three ways to earn your A&P
Every path ends at the same FAA tests. They differ in time, cost, and whether you get paid along the way.
School
High school students, recent grads, and career changers who want the most direct, structured route.
- Time:
- Usually about 18–24 months full-time (accelerated programs can be shorter; part-time takes longer)
- Earn while learning:
- Usually part-time only
Apprenticeship
People who need to earn while they learn, or who already work around aircraft (line service, parts, ramp).
- Time:
- At least 18 months for one rating, or 30 months of concurrent experience for both (A&P)
- Earn while learning:
- Yes
Military
Current and former military aircraft maintainers.
- Time:
- Often a few months of paperwork and study if experience qualifies; longer if you need to fill gaps
- Earn while learning:
- Yes
Turned wrenches in the military?
Pick your branch and specialty, log your hands-on hours, and see which experience areas you've covered, where the gaps are, and the paperwork you'll need. Your inputs stay in your browser.
Orientation only. The FAA decides eligibility.
Why Aircraft Mechanic Paths
Why this exists
Aviation needs more certificated mechanics than the pipeline produces. Job boards serve people who are already close to an A&P. We focus on the step before that: helping students, career changers, and military maintainers understand the real options and take the next concrete step.
Jobs that hire on the way up
Apprentice, student-tech, and A&P roles, filterable by aircraft type, location, and pay.