Qualifying for an Airframe and Powerplant (AP) License After Military Service: USAF Maintenance Officers and Other Roles

After serving in the United States Air Force (USAF) as a Maintenance Officer, transitioning to an Airframe and Powerplant (AP) license is certainly within reach. This article will explore the requirements for obtaining an AP license and highlight other roles that also qualify.

Requirements for the AP License

Successfully transitioning to an AP license requires meeting specific criteria set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Important requirements include:

Experience

To qualify for an AP license, applicants must have at least 18 months of practical experience working on aircraft airframes or powerplants, or a combination of both. Military experience in aircraft maintenance can count toward this requirement. In addition, graduates of an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school can also fulfill the experience requirement.

Examination

Other than experience, AP license candidates must successfully pass written, oral, and practical exams. These exams are typically supervised and administered by a FAA-licensed airframe and powerplant inspector.

Qualified Individuals Beyond USAF Maintenance Officers

Several other roles and titles also qualify individuals for the AP license:

Aircraft Maintenance Technicians

Civilian aircraft maintenance technicians can apply for an AP license if they meet the required experience or education criteria.

Avionics Technicians

Experience with avionics systems contributes to the qualifications for an AP license.

Helicopter and Airplane Mechanics

Individuals with experience in maintaining both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft are eligible.

Military Technicians

From other branches of the military, personnel with relevant maintenance experience can also apply.

Aircraft Repair Stations

Experience in FAA-certified repair stations can be counted toward the required qualifications.

Arrangements for Obtaining an AP License

While there are no work history requirements for AP license candidates, all must be trained by an FAA-approved school for AP licensure. Military training does not qualify due to its lack of FAA approval. Individuals can obtain their AP license by:

In-Classroom Training

Doing it from scratch at an FAA authorized AP school.

Enrolling in an FAA authorized school, potentially a community college or university such as Embry-Riddle University in Florida, and having them evaluate your military training and award you credits toward a degree plan that graduates you as a licensed AP mechanic, if they are willing to do a transcript evaluation.

These schools may offer credits for some of the required training hours but will likely require you to enroll in additional in-class and shop classes.

Customized Training Syllabus

Some FAA-approved schools offer a non-traditional personalized training approach. These schools evaluate your current level of aviation maintenance theory and shop skills and then develop a customized training syllabus for you. This method is similar to a cram class but requires you to do the majority of the work, with your instructor available for guidance and mentoring.

FAA Approval

The FAA will grant you permission to sit for the written and practical exams once they are satisfied with your qualifications. This process may involve a significant time and financial investment.

Conclusion

Obtaining an AP license after military service requires dedication and investment in training and exams. While USAF Maintenance Officers and other military roles can provide valuable experience, obtaining the license still requires formal training at an FAA-approved school. The transition can be challenging but is achievable with the right preparation and resources.

Final Note

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