Accelerated airframe and powerplant schools are available for aircraft mechanics that have previous experience of performing maintenance on planes. The FAA introduced the A&P license to set a level of quality and safety required of aviation maintenance personnel, and create a standard qualification for aircraft mechanics. People with no previous experience as aircraft mechanics must study one to two years before taking the tests.
The accelerated A&P course is a full-time, intensive program designed to be completed within seven to 10 days by experienced aircraft mechanics. It prepares aircraft mechanics for the written exams offered by the FAA. After passing the written exams, the course then focuses on the oral and practical testing that students must successfully complete to receive an A&P license.
Experience as an aircraft mechanic is required to take the A&P tests. Aircraft mechanics must have at least 18 months experience of supervised work to take either the airframe or powerplant license tests, and 30 months experience for the A&P combined tests. The accelerated A&P course is open to aircraft mechanics that have served in the military and have relevant experience of aviation maintenance, but is subject to certain eligibility requirements. Proof of aircraft mechanic experience, outlined in a letter by a previous employer, is required by schools offering accelerated A&P programs.
A number of schools throughout the United States offer an accelerated A&P course. The FAA website has a comprehensive list of all the schools in the country providing the FAA certified tests. Schools include the American Airman Ground School found at the Heritage Flight Academy in Ronkonkoma, New York; the Aviation Maintenance Training School in Miami, Florida; and the Aviation Consulting and Education Company, part of Airogenics Inc., based in College Park, Massachusetts.