2 answers
Taylor
Student
Stanwood, Washington
1
Question
Asked
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How difficult is it to get through a A&P course? Which of the big tests were the most difficult? I am about to start college for a associates in applied science in Aviation Maintenance Technology, and I've heard mixed statements on how difficult it is.
How difficult is it to get through a A&P course? Which of the big tests were the most difficult? I am about to start college for a associates in applied science in Aviation Maintenance Technology, and I've heard mixed statements on how difficult it is.
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2 answers
Larry Apfel
Aircraft Mechanic
30
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Larry’s Answer
Hi Taylor.
A&P classes are only taught to students who have graduated from high school so you would have to have passed most of the classes that would prepare you for the classes taught at a part 147 school (also known as an A&P school). Some of the subjects I know that have given some of the student's concerns are the math classes and the classes in electricity. I have found that doing the homework and practicing using the equations you are taught will get you comfortable with the subjects. All of the classes will have shop projects which will help you get familiar with what you're learning in the classroom.
Now, answering your question about the hardest tests........ Once you have passed your school subjects and graduated from your 2-year A&P school the FAA requires you to take 3 different written exams which are all multiple choice. One exam tests your general information knowledge, another exam tests your airframe knowledge, and the third and last written exam covers powerplants. Your school will make sure you get a lot of practice taking pseudo FAA exams to prepare you for taking these exams. If you practice sufficiently, you will not have trouble passing these exams. You need to get at least a 70% to pass the exams. I recall that the general exam has 60 questions and the other 2 exams have 100 questions. NOT DONE YET......
After passing the 3 written FAA exams, you are required to take two more "Practical" exams with a designated mechanical examiner (DME). The first Practical exam will test your "general" and your "airframe" skills. The second Practical exam will test your "powerplant". They are called
Practical" exams because the examiner will give you several small projects to perform for him/her (like the projects you will have already done in school). Based on the successful completion of all of the projects the DME will pass you and issue you your A(airframe) license and your P(powerplant) license. You can have both an A7P, just an A, or just a P license. Nothing says you need to have both but it's easier to find work if you have both.
So, I can't really answer your question as to what test is the hardest. Some people have trouble taking written exams and some people don't work well doing the practical part. It's really what your strengths and weaknesses are that determine which you will find hardest.
I love working on aircraft and I enjoyed every aspect of my schoolwork and my mechanical life. I hope that my answer is helpful and you pursue your licenses. There's a lot of work out there for A&P mechanics. Best wishes and luck to you.
Larry A.
A&P classes are only taught to students who have graduated from high school so you would have to have passed most of the classes that would prepare you for the classes taught at a part 147 school (also known as an A&P school). Some of the subjects I know that have given some of the student's concerns are the math classes and the classes in electricity. I have found that doing the homework and practicing using the equations you are taught will get you comfortable with the subjects. All of the classes will have shop projects which will help you get familiar with what you're learning in the classroom.
Now, answering your question about the hardest tests........ Once you have passed your school subjects and graduated from your 2-year A&P school the FAA requires you to take 3 different written exams which are all multiple choice. One exam tests your general information knowledge, another exam tests your airframe knowledge, and the third and last written exam covers powerplants. Your school will make sure you get a lot of practice taking pseudo FAA exams to prepare you for taking these exams. If you practice sufficiently, you will not have trouble passing these exams. You need to get at least a 70% to pass the exams. I recall that the general exam has 60 questions and the other 2 exams have 100 questions. NOT DONE YET......
After passing the 3 written FAA exams, you are required to take two more "Practical" exams with a designated mechanical examiner (DME). The first Practical exam will test your "general" and your "airframe" skills. The second Practical exam will test your "powerplant". They are called
Practical" exams because the examiner will give you several small projects to perform for him/her (like the projects you will have already done in school). Based on the successful completion of all of the projects the DME will pass you and issue you your A(airframe) license and your P(powerplant) license. You can have both an A7P, just an A, or just a P license. Nothing says you need to have both but it's easier to find work if you have both.
So, I can't really answer your question as to what test is the hardest. Some people have trouble taking written exams and some people don't work well doing the practical part. It's really what your strengths and weaknesses are that determine which you will find hardest.
I love working on aircraft and I enjoyed every aspect of my schoolwork and my mechanical life. I hope that my answer is helpful and you pursue your licenses. There's a lot of work out there for A&P mechanics. Best wishes and luck to you.
Larry A.
Justin Ko
Aircraft Mechanic
10
Answers
Upland, California
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Hi Taylor,
I think getting through the A&P coursework is fairly straightforward. If you show up and apply yourself to learning each day, you will be setting yourself up well to get through the courses. In my estimation, the subjects are taught at roughly a high school level, so you can expect the courses to be approximately as difficult as any given high school class. If you find yourself having trouble with a given subject, ask your instructor for more help and take advantage of any tutoring your school offers.
Good luck!
I think getting through the A&P coursework is fairly straightforward. If you show up and apply yourself to learning each day, you will be setting yourself up well to get through the courses. In my estimation, the subjects are taught at roughly a high school level, so you can expect the courses to be approximately as difficult as any given high school class. If you find yourself having trouble with a given subject, ask your instructor for more help and take advantage of any tutoring your school offers.
Good luck!