Your Path to Certification
Six stages. ~18 days. From eligibility to A&P.
Every step on the FAA A&P pathway, with what we handle for you and what to expect at each stage.
Your Path to Certification
Zero to A&P Certified
FAA Sign-off
2 days
Virtual
General
4 days
Virtual
Airframe
4 days
Virtual
Powerplant
4 days
Virtual
O&P Prep
3 days
In Person
DME
1 day
In Person
← Scroll to see all stages →
Total Program
~18 Days
Certificate never expires!
* This represents the fastest possible timeline. Actual duration varies based on individual pace and scheduling.
What each stage actually looks like
Real detail per step — what we handle, what you do, and what the FAA sees.
01
2 days
Virtual
FAA Sign-off
We assemble your FAA Form 8610-2 (Mechanic Application) packet and walk it through your local FSDO. Your job: bring records. Our job: package, present, and handle any pushback.
- •What to bring: DD-214, training records, MOS/AFSC/Rate description, OPRs/EPRs that mention maintenance duty, command letters, any logbooks.
- •What we do: map your service hours to FAR 65.77 categories (airframe, powerplant, both), build the documentation packet, and submit to FSDO.
- •Outcome: signed FAA Form 8610-2 authorizing you to take the written exams. Most approvals land in days, not weeks.
02
4 days
Virtual
General Knowledge Exam Prep
Self-paced FAA General written prep — the foundation that bridges every airframe and powerplant. You drill it until you're consistently passing practice exams.
- •Topic coverage: regulations and privileges, math, basic physics, materials and processes, fluid lines and fittings, ground operations, weight and balance, maintenance forms and records, basic electricity, materials and physics.
- •Format: targeted study guides + unlimited practice exams pulled from the current FAA test bank.
- •Schedule the FAA General written when you're consistently scoring 85%+ on practice tests. Score is valid for 24 months.
03
4 days
Virtual
Airframe Knowledge Exam Prep
Self-paced FAA Airframe written prep — heavy on civilian GA airframes (sheet-metal, hydraulics, environmental, comms) which may differ from your military platform.
- •Topic coverage: sheet metal and structures, wood and fabric, assembly and rigging, hydraulics and pneumatics, environmental systems, instruments, navigation and communication, electrical systems, fuel systems, ice and rain protection.
- •Conversion notes: if you've spent your career on F/A-18s, P-8s, or rotary, expect new vocabulary for civilian-style sheet-metal repair, MEK / sealants, and Part 91/121/135 logbook conventions.
- •Schedule the FAA Airframe written when you're consistently passing practice tests. Sequence with General + Powerplant so nothing expires.
04
4 days
Virtual
Powerplant Knowledge Exam Prep
Self-paced FAA Powerplant written prep — covers both reciprocating and turbine engines. Engine techs from specific platforms get a primer on the others.
- •Topic coverage: reciprocating engines, turbine engines, induction and exhaust, engine fuel and metering, ignition and starting, lubrication, cooling, propellers, engine instruments.
- •Bench drills: real engine teardown / reassembly fundamentals + civilian troubleshooting culture.
- •Schedule the FAA Powerplant written. With General + Airframe + Powerplant all passed (and within their 24-month windows), you're ready for the Oral & Practical.
05
3 days
In Person — Fresno, CA
Oral & Practical Prep
Three intensive in-person days with our instructors. We rehearse the exact projects you'll see at the DME and walk through the oral question patterns.
- •Bench drills on real components — practice torquing, safety wire, riveting, sheet-metal patches, hose installation, control rigging, ignition timing.
- •Oral exam rehearsal — you stand in front of an instructor and explain the same concepts the DME will ask about, with feedback.
- •Logistics: held at our Fresno, CA facility (KFAT — JB Aeronautics, 4955 E Andersen Ave). Bring work clothes; we provide tools and materials.
06
1 day
In Person — Fresno, CA
DME Practical Exam
The day. You sit with a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME) and complete the projects + oral that earn your FAA A&P certificate.
- •Format: oral component (concept questions, regulatory questions, scenario-based troubleshooting) + practical projects (bench tasks chosen from the FAA's project list).
- •Scoring: each project and oral section is graded; you can pass all subjects in one sitting or retake specific sections.
- •Outcome on pass: you walk out with FAA Form 8060-4 (Temporary Airman Certificate) — the FAA mails the permanent A&P certificate within ~120 days. The certificate has no expiration.
Ready to start at stage 01?
Free 15-minute eligibility call. Bring your records — we'll map them to FAR 65.77 and build the FAA Form 8610-2 packet.
Book a Free Eligibility Call