After you pass: landing your first A&P job

Written tests done? Here is the short version of what comes next: the oral and practical, a resume that gets read, and where the jobs are posted.

We're with you from start to finish. More than just prep: we'll help you get to the flightline, starting with the steps in this guide.

1. The oral and practical (O&P)

• What it is. Under 14 CFR 65.79, you must pass an oral test and a practical test covering the knowledge, risk management and skill elements in the Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe and Powerplant Airman Certification Standards (ACS).
• Who runs it. A Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME), appointed by the FAA. Find one with the FAA Designee Locator. DMEs charge a fee; ask for it up front.
• What to bring. Per the FAA: your Form 8610-2 and your passing Airman Knowledge Test Reports. Confirm anything else (ID, tools, references) with your DME.
• Timing. All tests must be passed within 24 months (14 CFR 65.71). After you pass the O&P, you receive a temporary certificate.

Prep tips

• Study from the ACS for your rating. It lists the subject areas the DME tests from.
• Practice finding answers in the FAA handbooks, ACs and manufacturer data. Using references correctly counts.
• Do practical tasks out loud: say what you are checking and why, and follow the manual's steps.
• Ask the DME beforehand how the day runs and what they expect you to supply.

2. Resume tips for new A&P mechanics

• Put certificates at the top: A, P or A&P, and the date issued (or "O&P scheduled" with the date). Add any other FAA or FCC certificates you hold.
• List hands-on work by aircraft and system: e.g. "100-hour inspections on piston singles," "turbine borescope assist." Be specific and honest.
• Include school or military training: Part 147 school and hours, or your military specialty and airframes.
• Show paperwork skills: logbook entries, work orders, reading maintenance manuals and ADs.
• Tools and availability: note whether you own a basic toolset and which shifts you can work. The BLS notes that shifts can include nights, weekends and holidays.
• Keep it to one page, and match the wording to each posting.

3. Where A&P jobs are posted

The FAA lists airlines, MROs and repair stations, fixed-base operators, manufacturers, maintenance schools, and business or general aviation as typical employers.

• Major and regional airlines: airline careers pages. Many run apprentice or new-hire mechanic programs.
• MROs and Part 145 repair stations: company careers pages and general job boards.
• GA shops and FBOs: local airport shops often hire by word of mouth. Visit in person with your resume.
• Manufacturers: airframe, engine and component makers' careers pages.
• Federal government and military civilian jobs: USAJOBS. FAA positions are also listed at faa.gov/jobs.
• Job boards: general boards such as LinkedIn Jobs and Indeed, and aviation-specific boards such as JSfirm and Avjobs. These are listed for reference only, not endorsed. Check every posting yourself.
• Your school's career office or instructors: many employers recruit at Part 147 schools.

From start to finish. Study for the written with us, then use this page and the FAA references. We'll help you get to the flightline with free guides and study tools. We don't schedule exams, list jobs or place mechanics.

FAQ

Sources: FAA: Become an Aviation Mechanic · 14 CFR Part 65 Subpart D · FAA ACS · FAA DME · BLS Occupational Outlook. Checked Oct 31, 2026. Always confirm with the FAA and your DME.