Definition
An aviation maintenance technician certificated by the FAA to perform, supervise, and approve maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations on aircraft airframes and powerplants (engines and propellers). The certificate is issued under 14 CFR Part 65 and requires meeting experience or schooling requirements and passing written, oral, and practical tests.
Plain English
A mechanic who is officially licensed by the FAA to work on both the body of the aircraft and its engine.
Context Anchor
Pilots encounter this term when arranging aircraft maintenance, reviewing aircraft records, or deciding who is legally allowed to inspect or repair an aircraft.
Derivation
A&P stands for 'Airframe and Powerplant,' the two halves of the certificate. 'Airframe' covers the structure of the aircraft (fuselage, wings, control surfaces). 'Powerplant' covers the engine and propeller. A mechanic can hold one rating or both, but 'A&P Mechanic' means they hold both.
Why Pilots Care
Only an A&P mechanic can legally sign off on most repairs and inspections, directly affecting whether the aircraft is airworthy for flight.
Intuition Check
Do not read “mechanic” here as simply someone who is handy with machines. An A&P Mechanic is a certificated aviation mechanic with specific FAA ratings and legal privileges.
Example Sentence 1
The owner took the aircraft to an A&P Mechanic to replace the worn brake pads before the next flight.
Example Sentence 2
An A&P mechanic performed the engine overhaul and completed the required operational checks.