FAA Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Schools: How to Choose One
Choosing the right Part 147 school is one of the biggest decisions you'll make on your path to becoming an A&P mechanic. There are over 170 FAA-approved Part 147 schools in the United States, and the quality varies enormously. Some will set you up for a great career. Others will take your money and leave you underprepared.
Here's how to evaluate and choose the right school.
What Is a Part 147 School?
Part 147 (14 CFR Part 147) is the FAA regulation governing Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools (AMTS). These schools are approved by the FAA to provide structured training that prepares students to take the A&P written, oral, and practical exams.
Part 147 schools must cover a minimum curriculum:
| Subject Area | Minimum Hours |
|---|---|
| General | 400 hours |
| Airframe | 750 hours |
| Powerplant | 750 hours |
| Total | 1,900 hours |
Most programs run 18–24 months for the full A&P program.
Key Factors for Choosing a School
1. Accreditation and FAA Approval
Verify that the school is currently FAA-approved under Part 147. You can check on the FAA's website (faa.gov/mechanics/schools). Accreditation from regional accrediting bodies (Middle States, ACCSC, etc.) is also important — especially for financial aid eligibility.
2. Cost and Financial Aid
| School Type | Typical Cost | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|
| Community College Program | $8,000–$20,000 | Yes (FAFSA, Pell Grants) |
| Private Technical School (AIM, Spartan, PIA) | $25,000–$45,000 | Yes (FAFSA, private loans) |
| University Program (Embry-Riddle, LeTourneau) | $40,000–$80,000+ | Yes (full financial aid) |
Community colleges are dramatically more affordable. If cost is a major factor, a community college Part 147 program is almost always the best financial decision.
3. Job Placement Rate
Ask the school directly: What is your job placement rate for graduates? Good schools track this and will share the data. National average placement rates for Part 147 graduates are 85%+ within 6 months of graduation.
4. Facilities and Equipment
Visit the school before enrolling if possible. What you're looking for:
- Actual aircraft to work on (not just mockups)
- Current-generation and legacy equipment
- Turbine engines for hands-on training
- Avionics lab equipment
- Well-maintained tools and workstations
- Clean, professional shop environment
5. Instructor Quality
The best school is only as good as its instructors. Look for:
- Instructors with real industry experience (airline, MRO, corporate, military)
- A&P and IA certificated instructors
- Favorable student-to-instructor ratio (15:1 or better)
- Positive reviews from current and former students
6. Location and Industry Connections
Schools near major airline maintenance bases, MROs, or aerospace hubs have significant advantages:
- Easier internships and part-time work during school
- Employer recruiting directly from the school
- Networking opportunities with working mechanics
Major aviation maintenance hubs:
- Tulsa, OK (American Airlines heavy maintenance)
- Atlanta, GA (Delta TechOps)
- Miami, FL (multiple MROs, LATAM, Copa)
- Dallas-Fort Worth, TX (American Airlines, Aviall/Boeing)
- Indianapolis, IN (AAR, Rolls-Royce, FedEx)
- Everett/Seattle, WA (Boeing)
- Wichita, KS (Textron, Spirit AeroSystems, Bombardier Learjet)
7. Program Length and Schedule
| Schedule | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time day | 18–24 months | Students with no competing obligations |
| Full-time evening | 18–24 months | Students who work during the day |
| Part-time/weekend | 24–36 months | Career changers, parents |
| Accelerated | 14–18 months | Focused students, GI Bill users wanting efficiency |
Top Part 147 Schools to Consider (2026)
| School | Location | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) | 14 locations nationwide | $25,000–$40,000 | Largest chain; mixed reviews |
| Spartan College of Aeronautics | Tulsa, OK / LA, CA | $30,000–$40,000 | Strong reputation, near AA maintenance |
| Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics | PA, multiple locations | $20,000–$30,000 | Solid regional reputation |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical | Daytona, FL / Prescott, AZ | $60,000+ | University program with degree option |
| Community College programs | Nationwide | $8,000–$20,000 | Best value; check local options |
| TCATs (Tennessee) | Multiple TN locations | Very low cost | State-funded, excellent value |
Questions to Ask Before Enrolling
- What is your current job placement rate?
- Do you have employer partnerships for recruitment?
- What is the student-to-instructor ratio?
- What aircraft and engines do students work on?
- Is there financial aid available? Are you Title IV eligible?
- What is the program's FAA written test pass rate?
- Do you offer career services or resume assistance?
- Are there evening/weekend schedule options?
- Can I visit the facilities before committing?
Red Flags to Avoid
- ❌ Schools that won't share placement statistics
- ❌ Extremely high tuition with no financial aid options
- ❌ Old, poorly maintained equipment
- ❌ Aggressive sales tactics (high-pressure enrollment counselors)
- ❌ No employer relationships or job placement support
- ❌ Low FAA exam pass rates (ask specifically)
- ❌ Online-only programs (you can't learn A&P online — hands-on is everything)
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