You're Probably Already Eligible
If you maintained aircraft in the military — even if it's been years — you already meet FAA experience requirements. The only question is whether you need Airframe only, Powerplant only, or both.
Find Your Code
| Code | Title | Branch | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2A3X3 | Tactical Aircraft Maintenance | ✈️Air Force | A&P |
| 2A5X1 | Aerospace Maintenance | ✈️Air Force | A&P |
| 2A5X2 | Helicopter/Tiltrotor Maintenance | ✈️Air Force | A&P |
| 2A6X1 | Aerospace Propulsion | ✈️Air Force | P only |
| 2A7X1 | Aircraft Structural Maintenance | ✈️Air Force | A only |
| 2A6X4 | Aircraft Fuel Systems | ✈️Air Force | A only |
| 2A6X5 | Aircraft Hydraulic Systems | ✈️Air Force | A only |
| 2A6X6 | Aircraft Electrical & Environmental | ✈️Air Force | A only |
| 2A3X1 | Avionics Systems | ✈️Air Force | A only |
| 2A3X2 | Avionics Systems | ✈️Air Force | A only |
| 2A5X3 | Integrated Avionics (Heavy) | ✈️Air Force | A only |
| 2A390 | Superintendent, Aircraft Maintenance | ✈️Air Force | Eval |
| 2A590 | Superintendent, Aerospace Maintenance | ✈️Air Force | Eval |
| AD | Aviation Machinist's Mate | ⚓Navy | P only |
| AM | Aviation Structural Mechanic | ⚓Navy | A only |
| AME | Aviation Structural Mechanic (Equipment) | ⚓Navy | A only |
| AE | Aviation Electrician's Mate | ⚓Navy | Eval |
| AT | Aviation Electronics Technician | ⚓Navy | Eval |
| AWF | Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical) | ⚓Navy | Eval |
| 6112-6218 | Fixed & Flying-Wing Mechanic (General) | 🦅Marine Corps | A&P |
| 6172-6276 | Fixed & Flying-Wing Mechanic (General) | 🦅Marine Corps | A&P |
| 6062 | Aircraft Maintenance (Airframe) | 🦅Marine Corps | A only |
| 6092 | Aircraft Maintenance (Airframe) | 🦅Marine Corps | A only |
| 6132 | Aircraft Maintenance (Airframe) | 🦅Marine Corps | A only |
| 6152-6258 | Aircraft Structural Mechanic | 🦅Marine Corps | A only |
| 6122-6227 | Aircraft Powerplant Mechanic | 🦅Marine Corps | P only |
| 15T | UH-60 Helicopter Repairer | ⭐Army | A&P |
| 15U | CH-47 Helicopter Repairer | ⭐Army | A&P |
| 15R | AH-64 Attack Helicopter Repairer | ⭐Army | A&P |
| 15B | Aircraft Powerplant Repairer | ⭐Army | P only |
| 15D | Aircraft Powertrain Repairer | ⭐Army | P only |
| 15G | Aircraft Structural Repairer | ⭐Army | A only |
| 15H | Aircraft Pneudraulics Repairer | ⭐Army | A only |
| 15N | Avionics Mechanic | ⭐Army | A only |
| 15F | Aircraft Electrician | ⭐Army | A only |
| 15Z | Aircraft Maintenance Senior Sergeant | ⭐Army | A&P |
| AMT | Aviation Maintenance Technician | 🛡️Coast Guard | A&P |
| AET | Avionics Electrical Technician | 🛡️Coast Guard | Eval |
Found 38 qualifying specialties. Data from FAA Order 8900.1 Volume 5.
A&P (both)
Airframe only
Powerplant only
Individual eval
What If My Code Isn't Listed?
The FAA list is extensive, but not exhaustive. If your MOS/AFSC/NEC isn't shown, you can still qualify by:
- Requesting evaluation from your local FSDO (Aviation Safety Inspector)
- Enrolling in the JSAMTCC program for a Certificate of Eligibility
- Providing a detailed experience verification letter from your commanding officer
The 18‑Month vs. 30‑Month Rule
18 months experience
Qualifies for a single rating (Airframe or Powerplant)
30 months concurrent experience
Qualifies for both ratings (full A&P)
Time spent in military technical training schools does not count — only actual maintenance duty.
Next Step: Documentation
Once you confirm your code, the real work is gathering your records. The #1 mistake veterans make is waiting until after separation.
DD-214
Blocks 11 (specialty) & 12 (dates)
Experience Verification Letter
From CO, maintenance officer, supervisor
Training Records
AF Form 623, NAVPERS 1070/604, JST
Ready to See the Money?
Check how much your GI Bill will cover and what your salary could look like.