Looking for an aircraft mechanic apprenticeship or an A&P school near you? This page lists paid aircraft mechanic apprenticeships and airline pathway programs, plus FAA-certificated A&P schools by state, with links to each official page.
Last checked November 12. No program here pays to be listed.
Two ways to become an A&P mechanic
Every route ends with the same FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate. You earn it by passing three FAA tests (written, oral and practical). You qualify to take them one of two ways:
| Route | How it works | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| A&P school (FAA Part 147) | Classroom and shop training at an FAA-certificated school. You pay tuition, but financial aid and GI Bill benefits often apply. | About 18–24 months |
| Apprenticeship / experience | You work under certificated mechanics and document your experience. The FAA requires 18 months for one rating (airframe or powerplant) or 30 months for both (14 CFR 65.77). You get paid while you learn. | 18–30 months |
Aircraft mechanic apprenticeships and airline pathways
These programs either pay you while you train or help pay for A&P school. Most do not post fixed application windows, so each card says how to check.
Kalitta Air A&P Apprenticeship
Paid apprenticeship (USDOL registered)Oscoda, MichiganKalitta Air says this is the only USDOL-approved A&P apprenticeship in Michigan. Apprentices start at $17 an hour, with about a $1 raise every six months, and work toward FAA A&P testing over at least 5,360 hours (about 2.5 years). Kalitta covers exam fees.
Who can apply: 18+, high school diploma or GED, background check and drug test, WorkKeys aptitude tests (can be waived with a college degree, ASVAB scores or military service).
Status: No application window posted. Apply through Kalitta's careers page.
Official program page →Duncan Aviation Apprenticeship
Paid apprenticeshipLincoln, Nebraska and Battle Creek, MichiganA 20-month program that mixes classroom work with on-the-job training and prepares you for an FAA Airframe or Powerplant certificate. Pay starts day one, with raises at milestones; health insurance, 401(k) and paid time off also start day one. Duncan covers certification testing fees and study materials.
Who can apply: Start with Duncan's online Qualification Check. GI Bill benefits may apply for eligible veterans and dependents.
Status: No cohort dates posted. Check current openings on Duncan's apprenticeship page.
Official program page →Textron Aviation A&P Aircraft Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship
Paid apprenticeship + associate degreeTextron Aviation (location listed with each opening)A 3-year program: 2 years of skill-building (two days a week at a technical college, three days on the job) and 1 year of full-time work, with an associate degree covered through tuition assistance and guaranteed job placement at the end.
Who can apply: Apply to the opening, interview, then enroll at the partner technical college (FAFSA required).
Status: Openings rotate and are not posted year-round. Search "apprentice" on Textron Aviation's careers site.
Official program page →Academy College AMT Apprenticeship
Paid on-the-job apprenticeshipBloomington, Minnesota (employer partners in Minnesota and nationwide)You work full time for an aviation employer (airlines, repair stations, FBOs, corporate flight departments) while Academy College documents your hours and provides the study curriculum. After 30 months you test for the A&P under the FAA's experience route. The school notes the program is "FAA-supported," not FAA-approved.
Who can apply: 18+, high school diploma or equivalent, basic mechanical aptitude, able to work full time. No aviation experience needed.
Status: No start dates posted. Contact admissions.
Official program page →Delta TechOps ASM Apprentice Program
Airline apprenticeshipLos Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA), Boston (BOS), New York (LGA and JFK)An entry-level program where apprentices learn under experienced Delta technicians and work toward their airframe and powerplant certificates. Delta also runs Aircraft Support Mechanic roles and a regional pathway through Endeavor Air.
Who can apply: See each posting on Delta Careers. Delta also lists 50+ partner A&P schools for people who want to go the school route.
Status: Check Delta Careers for open apprentice postings.
Official program page →United Airlines Calibrate
Airline apprenticeshipUnited technical operations stations nationwideUnited's paid apprenticeship for aspiring aircraft maintenance technicians, launched in 2022. It recruits from partner schools, including the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, and partners with the Aviation Institute of Maintenance and the National Aviation Academy.
Who can apply: Students at United's partner schools who meet the program's eligibility rules.
Status: No public application window. Ask your A&P school if it is a Calibrate partner.
Official program page →SkyWest AMT Pathway Program
Airline pathway (while in school)SkyWest partner schoolsFor students at SkyWest's partner A&P schools: mentorship from SkyWest mechanics, facility tours and job shadowing, seniority and benefits perks, and a guaranteed final interview for a Level I Mechanic job.
Who can apply: Students at SkyWest partner schools (partners include Spartan College and National Aviation Academy).
Status: No public dates. Ask your school or check SkyWest careers.
Official program page →Piedmont Airlines AMT Tuition Payment Program
Tuition paid + conditional job offerPartner schools in New York, Maryland, Virginia and South CarolinaPiedmont pays tuition and FAA testing costs at partner schools (Mohawk Valley Community College, PIA Hagerstown, Liberty University, AIM Norfolk, PIA Myrtle Beach) and gives selected students a conditional job offer at an East Coast maintenance base before school starts.
Who can apply: Students at the partner schools. Needs a FAFSA, a letter of recommendation and Piedmont's application.
Status: Deadlines are set for each school term. Check Piedmont's program page for the next one.
Official program page →A&P schools by state
Pick your state to see the FAA-certificated aviation maintenance (Part 147) schools there. Many offer financial aid, and several partner with the airline programs above.
A&P schools in Alabama
- Alabama Aviation Center Mobile (Coastal Alabama)
- Alabama Aviation College (Enterprise State Community College)
- Alabama Aviation College at Albertville
- Southern Union Aviation Center
A&P schools in Alaska
- University of Alaska Anchorage
- University of Alaska Fairbanks
- Yuut Elitnaurviat Regional AMT School
A&P schools in Arizona
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Phoenix)
- Chandler-Gilbert Community College
- Pima Community College
- Universal Technical Institute, A&P program (Avondale)
- West-MEC (Western Maricopa Education Center)
A&P schools in Arkansas
- Arkansas Northeastern College
- Arkansas State University Mid-South
- Southern Arkansas University Tech
- University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College
A&P schools in California
- Antelope Valley College
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Fremont)
- Bounty Island Corporation
- Chaffey College
- College of Alameda
- Cuesta College
- Gavilan College
- Mt. San Antonio College
- North Valley Occupational Center
- Orange Coast College
- Reedley College
- Sacramento City College
- San Bernardino Valley College
- San Diego Miramar College
- San Joaquin Valley College
- San Jose State University
- Santa Barbara Business College
- Solano Community College
- Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology (Inglewood and Riverside)
- Victor Valley College
- West Los Angeles College
A&P schools in Colorado
- Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (high school program)
- Colorado Northwestern Community College
- Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology (Broomfield)
A&P schools in Connecticut
- Connecticut Aero Tech School
- Stratford School for Aviation Maintenance Technicians
A&P schools in Delaware
- Delaware Technical Community College
A&P schools in District of Columbia
- University of the District of Columbia
A&P schools in Florida
- A&P Mechanic Institute (International AeroTech Academy)
- Ari Ben Aviator
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Orlando)
- Broward College
- Central Florida Aerospace Academy
- Charlotte Technical College
- Eastern Florida State College
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Epic Aviation Academy
- Florida AMT Center
- Florida State College at Jacksonville (Aviation Center)
- George Stone Technical College
- George T. Baker Aviation Technical College
- Lively Technical College
- Lorenzo Walker Technical College
- National Aviation Academy (Clearwater)
- Northwest Florida State College
- Tom P. Haney Technical College
- Universal Technical Institute, A&P program (Miramar)
A&P schools in Georgia
- Atlanta Technical College
- Augusta Technical College
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Atlanta)
- Central Georgia Technical College
- Georgia Northwestern Technical College
- Middle Georgia State University
- Savannah Technical College
- South Georgia Technical College
- Technical Education Services Inc. (TESI)
A&P schools in Hawaii
- Honolulu Community College
A&P schools in Idaho
- Idaho State University
A&P schools in Illinois
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Chicago)
- Lewis University
- Lincoln Land Community College
- Rock Valley College Aviation Tech
- Southern Illinois University Aviation Technologies
A&P schools in Indiana
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Indianapolis)
- Ivy Tech Community College Northeast
- Purdue University School of Aviation and Transportation Technology
- Vincennes University
A&P schools in Iowa
- Indian Hills Community College
- Iowa Western Community College
- Kirkwood Community College
A&P schools in Kansas
- Kansas State University Salina
- WSU Tech (Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology)
A&P schools in Kentucky
- Jefferson Community and Technical College
- Maysville Community and Technical College
- Somerset Community College
A&P schools in Louisiana
- Baton Rouge Community College
- South Louisiana Community College
- Southern University
- SOWELA Technical Community College
A&P schools in Maryland
- Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (Hagerstown)
A&P schools in Massachusetts
- Cape Cod Community College
- National Aviation Academy (New England)
- Westfield Technical Academy
A&P schools in Michigan
- Andrews University
- Lansing Community College
- Legacy Aviation Learning Center
- MIAT College of Technology
- School of Missionary Aviation Technology
- Universal Technical Institute, A&P program (Canton)
- Western Michigan University College of Aviation
A&P schools in Minnesota
- Lake Superior College
- Minneapolis Community and Technical College
- Northland Community and Technical College
A&P schools in Mississippi
- Hinds Community College
- Northwest Mississippi Community College
A&P schools in Missouri
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Kansas City)
- State Technical College of Missouri
A&P schools in Montana
- Helena College University of Montana
A&P schools in Nebraska
- Western Nebraska Community College
A&P schools in Nevada
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Las Vegas)
A&P schools in New Hampshire
- Nashua Community College
A&P schools in New Jersey
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Hasbrouck Heights)
A&P schools in New Mexico
- Central New Mexico Community College
- Eastern New Mexico University
A&P schools in New York
- Aviation High School (high school program)
- Dutchess Community College
- Mohawk Valley Community College
- Vaughn College (Aviation Training Institute)
- Wilson Technological Center
A&P schools in North Carolina
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Charlotte)
- College of the Albemarle
- Craven Community College
- Forsyth Technical Community College
- Guilford Technical Community College
- Wayne Community College
A&P schools in Ohio
- Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
- Columbus State Community College
- Great Oaks Career Campuses
- Greene County Career Center
- Mahoning County Career and Technical Center
- Miami Valley Career Technology Center
- Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (Youngstown)
- Sinclair Community College
A&P schools in Oklahoma
- Canadian Valley Technology Center
- Gordon Cooper Technology Center
- Metro Technology Centers Aviation Career Campus
- Moore Norman Technology Center
- Southwest Technology Center
- Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology (Tulsa)
- Tulsa Technology Center
A&P schools in Oregon
- Columbia Gorge Community College
- Lane Community College
- Portland Community College
A&P schools in Pennsylvania
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Philadelphia)
- Johnson College
- Pennsylvania College of Technology
- Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (Pittsburgh)
A&P schools in Puerto Rico
- Puerto Rico Aviation Maintenance Institute
A&P schools in South Carolina
- Greenville Technical College
- Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (Myrtle Beach)
- Trident Technical College
A&P schools in South Dakota
- Lake Area Technical College
A&P schools in Tennessee
- Middle Tennessee State University (Department of Aerospace)
- North Central Institute
- Northeast State Community College
- Tennessee College of Applied Technology Memphis
- Tennessee College of Applied Technology Morristown
- Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville
A&P schools in Texas
- Amarillo College
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Dallas and Houston)
- Del Mar College
- Hallmark University
- LeTourneau University
- Midland College
- St. Philip's College
- Tarrant County College
- Texas State Technical College (several campuses)
- Thrust Aviation Institute
- Universal Technical Institute, A&P program (Houston)
- US Aviation Group
A&P schools in Utah
- Salt Lake Community College
- Southern Utah University
- Utah State University
A&P schools in Vermont
- Burlington Technical Center
A&P schools in Virginia
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Norfolk and Northern Virginia)
- Blue Ridge Community College
- Liberty University
- Training Services Inc.
A&P schools in Washington
- Big Bend Community College
- Clover Park Technical College
- Everett Community College
- Moody Aviation (Moody Bible Institute, Spokane)
- South Seattle College
- Spokane Community College
Disclosure: Lester Burkes, who runs this site, works at Clover Park Technical College. It is listed here the same way as every other FAA-certificated school.
A&P schools in West Virginia
- Marshall University Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Pierpont Community and Technical College
A&P schools in Wisconsin
- Fox Valley Technical College
- Milwaukee Area Technical College
Source: FAA list of certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools that reported student test results, plus each multi-campus school’s own campus list. Schools open and close, so confirm a school’s status with the FAA’s Find a Facility tool before you apply.
Apprenticeship or school: which should you pick?
Pick an apprenticeship if you need a paycheck now and can handle studying on your own. Openings are limited, and you may need to move.
Pick an A&P school if you want a set schedule and the fastest structured route, and you can use financial aid or the GI Bill. Ask schools which airline pathways (Delta, United, SkyWest, Piedmont) they partner with. That can mean a guaranteed interview or tuition help.
Coming from the military? Military maintenance experience can count toward the FAA experience requirement. Ask an A&P school about its military prep course.
FAQ
How long does it take to become an aircraft mechanic?
About 18 to 24 months at an A&P school, or 18 to 30 months of documented experience through an apprenticeship, before you can take the FAA tests.
Can you become an aircraft mechanic without going to school?
Yes. The FAA lets you qualify through documented work experience: 18 months for one rating or 30 months for both. Paid apprenticeships like Kalitta Air’s and Academy College’s are built on this route.
Do aircraft mechanic apprentices get paid?
Yes. Apprenticeships pay hourly from day one. For example, Kalitta Air lists a $17 an hour starting wage.
How much do aircraft mechanics make?
The median pay for aircraft mechanics and service technicians is $79,870 a year ($38.40 an hour), according to O*NET (BLS 2025 data).
Where can I find an A&P school near me?
Use the state menu above, then confirm with the FAA’s Find a Facility tool.
More on aviation careers: The most in-demand jobs in the aviation industry.
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