Definition
An aircraft maintenance technician certificated by the FAA to perform, supervise, and approve maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations on the airframe (the structural and non-powerplant systems of an aircraft) and the powerplant (the engine and its directly associated systems). The certificate is issued under 14 CFR Part 65 after the applicant meets experience, knowledge, and practical test requirements.
Plain English
A mechanic the FAA has officially licensed to work on both the body of an aircraft and its engine, and to sign off that the work was done correctly.
Context Anchor
You will see this term in maintenance records, aircraft logbooks, prebuy inspections, flight school maintenance discussions, and conversations about whether an aircraft is safe and legal to fly.
Derivation
The '&' simply joins the two areas the certificate covers: Airframe (the aircraft structure and systems other than the engine) and Powerplant (the engine and its accessories). A holder of both ratings is referred to as an 'A&P'.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots rely on A&P technicians to confirm that an aircraft meets all airworthiness requirements before flight.
Intuition Check
Do not assume an A&P technician can sign off every inspection just because they are a mechanic. Some inspections or approvals require additional FAA authorization.
Example Sentence 1
Before the flight, the pilot reviewed the maintenance logbook and confirmed the A&P technician had signed off the recent oil change.
Example Sentence 2
Before departure, the pilot reviewed the work performed by the A&P technician during the recent engine overhaul.