Definition
An aviation maintenance technician certificated by the FAA under 14 CFR Part 65 to perform, supervise, and approve maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations on aircraft airframes and powerplants. The certificate is issued in two ratings — Airframe (A) and Powerplant (P) — and most mechanics hold both, allowing them to work on the structure of the aircraft as well as its engine and propeller systems.
Plain English
An A&P is a licensed aircraft mechanic who is legally allowed to repair, inspect, and sign off work on both the body of the aircraft and its engine.
Context Anchor
Seen in maintenance discussions, aircraft records, inspection requirements, and light-sport aircraft maintenance decisions.
Derivation
The two halves of the rating describe the two halves of the aircraft a mechanic is qualified for. 'Airframe' is the structure — fuselage, wings, landing gear, control surfaces. 'Powerplant' comes from the idea of the engine as the 'plant' that produces power, the same way a power station produces electricity. Together they cover almost everything mechanical on the aircraft.
Why Pilots Care
Only an A&P may perform and sign off on many required inspections and repairs, directly affecting whether the aircraft remains legal to fly.
Intuition Check
Do not read mechanic here as just any person who is good at fixing airplanes. In this FAA context, an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (A&P) is a person with a specific FAA certificate and privileges.
Example Sentence 1
Before the annual inspection, the owner dropped the aircraft off with an A&P who held an Inspection Authorization.
Example Sentence 2
Major engine work must be signed off by a licensed A&P before the airplane returns to service.