Getting your A&P through the military

[MarineGrunt]

This doesn't apply to me, since I'm going to be flying, but: If you become a military aircraft mechanic when (if at all) can you take your FAA Practical for your A&P?

 

[AArider]

I'm guessing the FAA has something set up similar to the military equivalency of getting your Commercial and Instrument rating. I bet if you check out the FAR - somewhere in there it will tell you. Or call your local FISDU office.

 

[Weasel Keeper]

I think it's about like civilian A&P testing. You have to have 18 months experience working on airframe or powerplant for a specialized license...(only airframe or only powerplant)...or you have to have 30 months experience working on both for the full A&P.

I seperated from the Air Force long before they started helping mechanics get their A&P, but I've heard they do help a lot if the mechanic is interested in doing it now.

 

[guidoverduci]

That's a great question, and I'd love to hear the answer myself! I recently became a mechanic in the AF and I've always wanted to get my A & P. I just bought and airplane and It would be nice to do my own maintenance. Do I have to get my license the traditional way or is it different because I've received military training? Do I start from scratch when it comes to needing 18 months, or do I get some credit because I've been trained? If anyone knows I'd love to hear it. Or what reg. in the FAR's it is! Thanks

 

[TR4A]

Individuals with aviation maintenance experience must meet the following requirements:

Be 18 years of age (65.71);
Be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language (65.71);
Pass the written, practical and oral exams to demonstrate knowledge and Skills (65.75 and 65.79)
Have at least 18 months airframe or powerplant practical experience appropriate to the rating sought or have at least 30 months combined airframe and powerplant practical experience if both ratings are sought (65.77).
The 18 or 30 months of practical experience DOES NOT include the time spent in training. The practical time starts when you report to your first duty station to work.

http://www.awp.faa.gov/fsdo/cert_milit_exp.htm

http://umet-vets.dol.gov/airframe-mechanic.htm#FAA

 

[wms]

The military experience counts toward the experience requirements. You still have to do the FAA written, oral and practical. There are good prep courses to help through the FAA process with written, oral and practical prep. You don't time mags etc in the AF, but may have to demonstrate it for the DME (designated mechanic examiner), that's where a good prep helps. Near military bases there are DME's that have experience with examining military applicants. It was a non-event when I did it in 1993.

 

[guidoverduci]

thanks for the replies! What if you're in the guard? Is it still 18 months and 30 months? Seems like it should be longer seeing that you are not a full time mechanic!

 

[CrewDawg]

I'm a 16 CrewChief in the Air Guard, and many of my friends are trying to do the same thing. From what I have learned from them, once you finish your 5-level CDC's and reach a certain number of months, that is enough to get signed off to take your exam. Not sure, if anyone know more, please correct me, I have am considering getting my A&P also.