A1: You can gain the experience you need to become a certified powerplant or airframe mechanic in one of three ways.

1. Part 147 School: You can attend one of the 170 FAR part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools nationwide. You need a high school diploma or a General Education Diploma (GED) to get in to most schools. The schooling lasts from 12 months and 24 months, generally less than required by FAA for on-the-job training. When you graduate, you are qualified to take FAA's exams.
2. (OJT) On-The-Job-Work-Experience: You can work an FAA Repair Station or FBO or international entity under the supervision of a certified mechanic for 18 months for each certificate, or 30 months for both.

3. Military Work Experience: You can join one of the armed services and get training and experience in aircraft maintenance. Make sure you are in a military occupational specialty for which FAA gives credit. You can get a current list of acceptable specialties from the local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). (See: military specialty codes)

    

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A2: You are eligible for the Inspection Authorization Knowledge Test if you meet the requirements of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 65, section 65.91(c).  The section states that you must:

• Hold a currently effective mechanic certificate with both an airframe rating and a powerplant rating, each of which is currently effective and has been in effect for a total of at least 3 years;
• Have been actively engaged, for at least the 2-year period before the date he applies, in maintaining aircraft certificated and maintained in accordance with this chapter;
• Have a fixed base of operations at which he/she may be located in person or by telephone during a normal working week, but it need not be the place where he will exercise his inspection authority;
• Have available to him the equipment, facilities, and inspection data necessary to properly inspect
  airframes, powerplants, propellers, or any related part or appliance.

Once you determine you have met the experience requirements make an appointment with your Local FSDO Office.  An FAA Maintenance Inspector will review your documentation and issue a FAA FORM 8610-1 authorizing you to take the Inspection Authorization Knowledge Test.  NOTE: "You must have an authorized FORM 8610-1 in your possession prior to enrollment."

International IA Students: International  U.S. FAA Airframe and Powerplant holders can receive authorization (8610-1 Form) to test here with us in New York.  We will escort you to the FAA's international field office at our location prior to course commencement to receiver permission to take the examination.  You will then retun to the FAA at the completion of the course to receive your (IA) Inspection Authorization Certificate.  Call or email us with questions: info@americanairman.com.

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A3: You must produce a graduation or completion certificate from the Part 147 school attended. You do not need to go to the FAA to get a 8610-2 form.  We are designated to complete an 8610-2 form on your behalf.  Again, do not be afraid to call us with questions, 631.471.3550.

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A4: You must document your (OJT) work experience with pay receipts, a log book signed by your supervising mechanic, a notarized statement (letter) See Sample Letters from your employer or other documents proving you worked the required time, (see FAR 65.71-65.77).  Contact us with questions.

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A5: You must present an official letter (see note below) from your military employer certifying your length of service, the amount of time you worked in each specialties, the make and model of the aircraft or engine on which you got practical experience, and where you got the experience. You cannot count time you spent training for the specialty, only the time you spent working in the specialty.  NOTE: "In many cases it's impossible to obtain an "official letter" from the military.  More often than not a DD-214 depicting the accepted Military job-codes will suffice as well as any other records pertaining to your practical experience, i.e. training completion certificates, etc."

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A6: You have all your documentation and are ready to visit your local FSDO to receive authorization to test!  Congratulations!  The first thing you need to do is find a local Flight Standard District Office in your area.  Call the FSDO and make an appointment with a FAA Airworthiness Maintenance Inspector. Tell them that you are seeking to receive "Authorization" to test for the A&P Certifications. NOTE: "Be sure you make an appointment.  The FAA no longer will accommodate "walk-in" requests."

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A7: After the local FSDO FAA Maintenance Inspector finds your "proof of experience documentation" to test for the Airframe and/or Powerplant Certifications (see FAR 65.71-65.77) acceptable you will be issued (2) Two "Original" Copies of FAA FORM 8610-2.  This is the Airman Certification and/or Rating Application Form.   The inspector will sign and endorse the form authorizing you to test.  NOTE: "These forms must be produced to American Airman prior to enrollment."

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A8: No.  The American Airman Ground School A&P and Inspection Authority Aviation Mechanic Courses are specifically designed for applicants who meet  the experience requirements of (FAR) 65.71-65.77 and posses an "authorized" FORM 8610-2 or 8610-1.

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A9: The cost of the American Airman Ground School A&P Aviation Mechanic Course is $1,595.00 USD.  This comprehensive course is comprised of the following:

1. The full (7) Seven Day A&P Aviation Mechanic Course™ (Monday - Sunday) - included

2. Course Materials & Required Texts - included

3. Daily Comprehensive Instructor Lecture (written test preparation) - included

4. All Computerized Practice Written Exams - included

5. All Moderated Computerized Study Sessions - included

6. Oral and Practical Exam Preparation - included

7. The Three A&P FAA Written Exams (administered in our on-site testing facility) - included

NOTE: "The Designated FAA Maintenance Examiner is not an employee of American Airman or her affiliates.  The Fee of $850.00 USD.

A9b: The cost of the American Airman Ground School FAA Inspection Authorization Course is $900.00 USD.  This comprehensive course is comprised of the following:

1. The full (5) Day FAA Inspection Authorization Course, (Monday - Friday) - included

2. All Course Materials & Required Texts - included

3. Daily Comprehensive Instructor Lecture (written test preparation) - included

4. Computerized Practice Written Exam - included

5. All Moderated Computerized Study Sessions - included

6. The (IA) Written Exam with Approved Testing Supplement -included

NOTE: "Although our pass rate is in the upper 90% range there are times when some students need a little extra help. If you are unable to pass any of the written exams, or the oral, or practical exam after completing the course, we will give you additional instruction at a reduced hourly rate up to one year from enrollment!" 

** Please note that FAA Written Examinations are included in the price of your selected course.  In the unlikely event that you score unsatisfactory on a FAA written exam an additional fee of $165.00 USD per re-test shall be assessed.

 

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A10: The Admission Enrollment process is as follows:

1. Call: American Airman at 631.471.3550 or toll free at 800.786.9060 to discuss and schedule your program of study.

2. FAA Authorization Process: We will guide you in the process of attaining the prerequisite FAA authorizations before you arrive at the school.  We are here to assist and guide you every step of the way.

3. Remit Deposit: A  deposit registration fee of $500.00 USD is due prior to your arrival to guarantee placement in the program of choice. Forms of payment are limited to credit card - VISA, MasterCard, Amex or Discover Card. (This deposit also applies to all individual and specialized courses).  See cancellation policy for information on refunds.

4. Arrival at American Airman/Heritage Flight Academy: The course fee difference (less the deposit) shall be paid in full when you arrive at the school.    

Course Cancellation Policy: A student may cancel without penalty or obligation within 21 business days (three weeks) of the confirmed course start date.  All refunds shall be processed within 30 days of  request.  The course deposit can be applied to a future course start date if cancellation is within 21 business days.  If a student cancels his/her reservation after 21 business days the course registration fee of $500.00 USD is forfeited.  Course fee's and tuition shall be paid in full when you arrive at the school and are not refundable after course commencement.

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A11: The A&P Mechanic Course runs Monday - Sunday, (7) seven days.  (On Monday of the following week Oral and Practical Testing begins with the designated examiner.) School is in session each of those days from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.  Yes, it's intensive but don't worry - you'll do fine!  Lunch and coffee breaks are built-in to the daily schedule.  The FAA Inspection Authorization Course runs Monday - Friday (5) five days, 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. 

Individual A&P Courses are created with a schedule based on the particular needs of a student.

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A12: International Students are Welcome! American Airman and Heritage Flight Academy have had the privilege of training  and preparing students for FAA testing from all over 80 countries across the globe!  If you're going to be in the United States and would like to learn more about how American Airman can prepare you for the FAA written, oral and practical exams - give us a call at 631.471.3550 or send us an e-mail at info@americanairman.com.

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A13: Hotel Accommodations: American Airman/Heritage Flight Academy has a relationship with the Residence Inn Marriott.  As far as we're concerned they are the best bang for your buck.  Visit our American Airman hotel link to read all about it.

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A14: Transportation from Major Airports: Many of our clients travel to us by airline into New York's JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Airports. These airports are between 45  and 1 hour 15 minutes from our location. We offer a transportation package for a cost additional to your course but more affordable then most New York taxi and limo services.  Give us a call at 800.786.9060 to discuss your options.

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A15: Yes, please click on the following link: Driving Directions to American Airman/HFA.

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A16: The General Radiotelephone Operator License: The General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) is required to adjust maintain, or internally repair FCC licensed radiotelephone transmitters in the aviation, maritime and international fixed public radio services.

It is required to operate the following:

1. any maritime land radio station or compulsorily equipped ship radiotelephone station operating with more than 1500 watts of peak envelope power;

2. voluntarily equipped ship and aeronautical (including aircraft) stations with more than 1000 watts of peak envelope power.

To be eligible for a GROL you must: be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States; be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English; and pass the Written Examination for Element 1 (or provide proof of a current Marine Radio Operator Permit) and Written Element 3.

1. Written Element 1 Examination covers basic radio law and operating procedures with which every maritime radio operator should be familiar. 24 questions concerning provisions of laws, treaties, regulations, and operating procedures and practices generally followed or required in communicating by means of radiotelephone stations. The minimum passing score is 75% (18 questions answered correctly).

2. Written Element 3 Examination comprised of 76 questions concerning electronic fundamentals and techniques required to adjust, repair, and maintain radio transmitters and receivers at stations licensed by the FCC in the aviation, maritime, and international fixed public radio services. Categories covered are: operating procedures, radio wave propagation, radio practice, electrical principles, circuit components, practical circuits, signals and emissions and antennas and feed lines. The minimum passing score is 75% (57 questions answered correctly).
   
   The GROL is issued for the lifetime of the holder.

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CONTACT US TODAY: We are here to answer all your questions and guide you in the process of realizing your dream of becoming a licensed A&P Mechanic.  Contact us to learn more about all our programs or to enroll in one of our preparation courses at 800.786.9060. Please take a moment to complete our on-line application questionnaire.