A&P Part 65
 

Hello -

I am very interested in getting my A&P through the Part 65 experience route for both A&P. I see on the FAA website that 30 months of experience is required. Any idea how much a 'month' equates to? If I do one hour a month for 30 months would that qualify? (Obviously I am using that merely as an example). Would it need to be 30 months x 40 hours/week x 4 weeks/month? Does part-time work count? Must it be paid? Thanks for any insights someone may have.

Our local fsdo wanted the equivalent in hours of 30 months of full-time work. It does not have to be full time or paid work. An A&P can sign off the experience requirements for you if you have worked together.

The days of one mechanic simply signing a note saying that he saw the work performed are rapidly coming to a close. The FAA prefers more documentation now.

The Feds don't really like the OJT route; additionally they are cracking down/changing their policy on IA's too. The FAA is trying to do away with the IA's that are not, at least, working as A&P's or otherwise in the loop as in a supervisory position, Etc.

If you have the time go to a community college and complete a A&P program in about 18 months time. The alternative is a private college charging you up the yang yang. Good luck!

That is really the best route. Additionally, if you are seeking a Bachelors Degree; most city colleges offering an A&P program will put together/facilitate a special major for you, if they don't already have that system in place. That is, you do the A&P at city then transfer to a state college for the remainder. Many folks have done this and it effectively results in an aviation degree and generally one that is more useful...

I kept a logbook for my son when he started coming to the airport to help me, he was 8 years old. After age 17, his work with me was very sporadic. After he graduated college and earned a non-av degree, he decided he missed the airport and wanted to test for his A&P. When the FSDO examiner was presented my sons logbook, he whipped out his calculator and started figuring. The examiner wanted to see 30 months equivalent of hours, approximately 5000 hours. My son was signed off to take the written, oral and practicals and is now in the field maintaining aircraft.
So some would say... how did he gain significant hours at a young age/ Good question.. My wife and I home-schooled him,,, half the day was academic studies.. the remainder was getting his hands dirty.
By the way.. he's a fantastic mech.

About fifteen years ago Aviation Maintenance Technology magazine ran an article about Eastern New Mexico University and their associate degree. Online, a mechanic holding A&P ratings could achieve an associate degree with only four classes. It's still that way, with the bulk of the credit coming from the A&P.

Many schools do the associate along with the maintenance training anyway; if you can spare the time, schools offer a good basic understanding, though it's very basic.

That's the best way to learn something...hands on and young.