FAA A&P Certification

The Global Value & Unique Journey for Non-U.S. Citizens

The FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate is among aviation’s gold-standard credentials, highly respected worldwide. It provides unmatched mobility and career opportunities, empowering aviation technicians from the Philippines, India, Malaysia, and across the Asia-Pacific region to maintain U.S.-registered (N-numbered) aircraft and significantly enhance their international marketability. This certification is also your personal brand of trust—your aviation skills independently verified, a symbol of professionalism, technical excellence, and dedication to global aviation safety standards.
Non-U.S. applicants, however, must navigate specific documentation and procedural challenges, notably demonstrating a clear “need” as mandated by FAA regulations.

Global Potential

Unlock Your Potential Worldwide
Recognized in 65+ countries.
Over 382,000 technicians needed globally in the next 10 years.
Earn at least 35% higher average pay.
Become an in-demand professional across the globe!

Key Hurdles for International Applicants:

Documenting Foreign-earned Experience to FAA Standards
Securing Verifiable MRO/Employer Letters
Understanding and Meeting the FAA “Need” Requirement (14 CFR § 65.3)
Obtaining National Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Validation
Navigating Interactions with FAA International Field Office (IFO) and Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)
Managing Language Barriers and Communication Challenges
Meeting FAA Agent for Service Requirements
Logistical Challenges in Scheduling Exams in the United States

Core FAA A&P Certification Requirements (14 CFR Part 65)

All applicants must meet fundamental criteria. For those not attending an FAA-approved school, documented practical experience is the primary route. This section breaks down the essential eligibility and experience benchmarks.
Age
18+
Years Old Minimum
Language
English Proficient
Read, Write, Speak, Understand
Experience
18 or 30 Months
Practical, Hands-On Work
Tests
Pass All
Written, Oral & Practical Within 24 Months

FAA Practical Experience Duration Requirements

  • Single Rating (Airframe OR Powerplant)
  • Both Ratings (Concurrent Experience)
  • Both Ratings (Non-Concurrent - Estimated)

Documenting Experience: The Evidentiary Backbone

For applicants relying on experience, robust, verifiable documentation is non-negotiable. This involves detailed employer letters, potential CAA validation, and understanding FAA’s stance on where experience was gained.
Myth vs. Fact: N-Registered Aircraft Experience

📜Fact

Practical experience DOES NOT have to be on U.S.-registered (N-registered) aircraft.
(Ref: FAA Order 8900.1, Vol 5, Ch 5, Sec 2, Para 5-1134(D)(2); AC 65-30B). The FAA values the nature, quality, and relevance of tasks performed.

Essential Elements of Employer Letters:

Official company letterhead.
Signed by supervisor/manager with contact info.
Specific aircraft types worked on.
Detailed description of tasks (General, Airframe, Powerplant).
Exact dates of employment & total hands-on duration.
Must be in English or translated by a certified translator.

The “Need” for Certification (14 CFR § 65.3)

A crucial hurdle for non-U.S. citizens applying while located outside the United States is proving a specific “need” for the FAA certificate. This typically involves maintenance of U.S.-registered aircraft.

Understanding 14 CFR § 65.3

“A person who is neither a U.S. citizen nor a resident alien is issued a certificate under subpart D of this part, outside the United States, only when the Administrator finds that the certificate is needed for the operation or continued airworthiness of a U.S.-registered civil aircraft.”
Key Takeaway: This rule links the certificate to a tangible U.S. aviation interest when applying from abroad.

What Constitutes “Need”?

Current employment (or confirmed offer) with an entity operating/maintaining N-registered aircraft outside the U.S.
A specific “Letter of Need” from this employer is essential.
Letter must include reason to obtain FAA A&P Certification such as need to maintain N-Registered Aircraft during the course of work and employment.
A general desire for the certificate for purpose of professional advancement and to pursue new job opportunities are secondary and insufficient in of itself.
Application as a Non-US Citizen?
“Letter of Need” for N-Reg Aircraft Maintenance is CRITICAL and Mandatory.

Navigating the FAA: Application Process

The application process to obtain your FAA Certification can be quite a challenging path without professional and structured guidance.
Core Application Steps:
1. Obtain FTN: Create an account in FAA’s IACRA system for an FAA Tracking Number.
2. Complete Form 8610-2: Fill out two original copies of the Airman Certificate/Rating Application.
4. Receive Test Authorization: If satisfied, the ASI signs Form 8610-2, authorizing you for tests. This is a critical milestone.
5. Take FAA Tests: Pass all three written (knowledge) tests, then the oral and practical (O&P) tests with a DME.
The FAA Inspector Interview and the journey beyond can be daunting, especially for international applicants. Effective documentation and thorough preparation are paramount. This is precisely where Avia Tech steps in. Our Asia-based program is designed to provide contextualized guidance, preparing you comprehensively for the interview and the entire certification process, all with the flexibility of traveling to the US only for your exams.

Avia Tech A&P Proficiency Training & FAA Certification Program – Asia’s First

Avia Tech
Aaspire LLP
Mc Coy

Comprehensive Certification Solution

Avia Tech International Training Academy Inc, in collaboration with McCoy Aeronautical Services LLC (USA)—our designated FAA Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME)—and strategic consultancy partner Aaspire LLP (Singapore), provides a complete, end-to-end FAA A&P Certification solution. Our meticulously structured program offers expert preparatory courses, thorough guidance through FAA-compliant documentation processes, streamlined facilitation of exams in the U.S., and essential support in appointing your FAA-required U.S. Agent for Service.

Final Preparation Phase

The concluding phase of our certification preparation incorporates interactive online video lectures, personalized live instructor interviews, dynamic PowerPoint presentations, and intensive hands-on exercises conducted in the U.S. These elements thoroughly equip candidates for their oral and practical examinations administered by our FAA Designated Mechanic Examiner. Critical knowledge areas—including Aircraft General, Airframe Structures, Systems and Components, as well as Powerplant Theory, Systems, and Components—are comprehensively covered, ensuring candidates are confidently prepared to attain their FAA certification.
Choose the pathway that best fits your experience and career aspirations:

🚀 Pathway 1: Direct Certification (Fast-Track)

Target Audience:
Aircraft Mechanics with at least 18 to 30 months of verifiable practical experience.
Key Features (One-Stop Support):
Ideal for candidates with immediate/nearing FAA documentation eligibility.
Comprehensive review of documentation & Form 8610-2 assistance.
Intensive preparation for knowledge, oral, & practical exams.
Full support for USA examination scheduling & execution with partner DME.
Guidance on US Agent of Service appointment.
Duration:
Typically 3 months (subject to documentation & visa).
Instalment Plan:
Interest-free over 10 weeks available.
Location:
Philippines (Preparation) + USA (Examinations).
Outcome:
Full FAA A&P Certification (Single or Dual Rated).

🚶‍♂️➡️✈️ Pathway 2: Phased Approach (Prep + Certification Track)

Target Audience:
Candidates nearing 18/30 months experience needing structured support & extensive documentation guidance.
Phase 1: Pre-Qualification (Documentation Journey & Prep)
FAA eligibility verification & gap analysis.
LMS access for Knowledge, Oral & Practical exam prep.
Step-by-step guidance for Form 8610-2, logbook/skills matrix, documentation.
Assistance with FAA Inspector Interview scheduling & test authorization.
Visa application support (Optional separate arrangement).
Duration:
Within 12 months (both phases).
Phase 2: Certification Completion (USA)
Facilitation of FAA written exams in the USA.
Final Oral & Practical examination with partner FAA DME.
Issuance of FAA A&P Certification (Single or Dual Rated).
Guidance on US Agent of Service appointment.
Instalment Plan:
Interest-free over 10 weeks (Phase 1 only). Phase 2: full payment.
Outcome:
Full FAA A&P Certification. Verified document pack if paused after Phase 1.

🌱🎓 Pathway 3: Maintenance Training Program Track

Overview of Avia Tech’s MTP: Aligning with FAA Standards
Avia Tech’s Maintenance Training Program is developed in alignment with current U.S. FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) standards and complemented by targeted remedial training. Our students receive direct access to our U.S.-based Knowledge Test Preparation resources, specifically designed for those pursuing FAA A&P Certification, ensuring participants gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of international maintenance proficiency and safety standards.
Target Audience:
Fresh aviation trainees with limited / no initial practical experience; enrolled in Avia Tech’s MTP Program.
Program Overview (Foundation for FAA Success):
6-month training: theory + supervised OJT with live aircraft.
Comprehensive FAA-modelled A&P curriculum.
FAA knowledge study guides (Books) provided.
Benchmarking against international maintenance standards via Knowledge Test curriculum.
6-month online Learning Management System access for Knowledge Prep during the MTP.
Guidance on FAA-standard logbook, task schedules, documentation & task recording.
Skills/knowledge overview, gap analysis, & career step guidance.
Post-Graduation Incentive & Continued Support:
Ongoing ad-hoc guidance for alumni on FAA documentation.
Seamless transition to Pathway 1 or 2 upon reaching required experience.
Modified Pathway 2 (max 6 months) for MTP alumni needing further guidance.
$100 special discount for MTP alumni on FAA certification pathways.

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Aviation Career?

If you’re keen to pursue your FAA A&P certification and want expert guidance through a proven, one-stop solution, Avia Tech’s program in the Philippines is designed for you. We’re here to help you navigate every step, from initial preparation to final certification.
Discover how our tailored pathways can match your experience and accelerate your journey to becoming an FAA-certified A&P Mechanic.
If you require any assistance at any stage of your journey, your designated A&P Training Instructor or Program Administrator will be available to support you. You may also reach out to us directly at:
📩 For enrolled students: amtprep@aviatech.aero
📩 Want to know more and not yet enrolled? info@aviatech.aero
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