Understanding the “A” and “P” License in Atlanta: What It Means and How It Works

If you’ve seen references to an “A and P license” in Atlanta, you’re almost certainly looking for information about the Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic license used in aviation. This is a federal FAA certification, but many people search for it with a city name added, because they want to know how to get or use an A&P license in Atlanta, Georgia specifically.

This guide walks you through what an A&P license is, what it lets you do in Atlanta, how to qualify and test, and where in the Atlanta area you can realistically train, work, and get more information.

What Is an A&P License?

In aviation, an A&P license is shorthand for an FAA Airframe and Powerplant mechanic certificate. It allows you to inspect, maintain, and repair aircraft.

  • Airframe: The structure of the aircraft (fuselage, wings, landing gear, etc.).
  • Powerplant: The engine and related systems.

With an A&P license, you’re recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as qualified to perform and approve certain types of work on aircraft.

Even though certification is federal, the way you train, test, and use your A&P license can feel very local. That’s where Atlanta comes in.

Is an A&P License an “Atlanta” License?

No. There is no separate “Atlanta A&P license” or “Georgia A&P license.”

  • The license is issued by the FAA, not the City of Atlanta or the State of Georgia.
  • Once you are certified, your A&P license is valid anywhere in the United States, including Atlanta.

However, if you:

  • Live in Atlanta
  • Plan to train for an A&P license near Atlanta
  • Want to work as an A&P mechanic in Atlanta

…then you’ll deal with local FAA offices, local schools, and local aviation employers in and around the city.

What Can You Do With an A&P License in Atlanta?

Atlanta is a major aviation hub, anchored by Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and supported by several regional airports and aviation businesses. With an A&P license, you can pursue work in areas like:

  • Airline maintenance (line maintenance, heavy checks, component repair)
  • Corporate and business aviation (private jets, charter aircraft)
  • General aviation (small airplanes, flight school fleets)
  • Helicopter maintenance
  • Repair stations (FAA-certified Part 145 repair facilities)
  • Aircraft manufacturing or component overhaul (depending on employer)

Common Atlanta-area employers for A&P mechanics often include:

  • Major airlines with hubs or operations at Hartsfield–Jackson
  • Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) providers
  • Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) at local airports like:
    • DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK) in Chamblee
    • Fulton County Airport – Brown Field (FTY)
    • Cobb County International Airport – McCollum Field (RYY) in Kennesaw
  • Flight schools and charter companies around the metro area

Because Atlanta has such a strong aviation presence, A&P-certified mechanics often find a range of entry-level and experienced roles within realistic commuting distance.

Basic Requirements for an A&P License (Applies in Atlanta Too)

Since the A&P license is federal, the core requirements are the same in Atlanta as anywhere in the U.S. Generally, to qualify you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English
  • Gain enough practical experience or complete an approved aviation maintenance program
  • Pass three separate FAA written tests (General, Airframe, Powerplant)
  • Pass an oral and practical (O&P) exam with an FAA-designated examiner

Atlanta-area residents usually follow one of two paths:

  1. Attend an FAA-approved aviation maintenance school in or near the Atlanta region
  2. Gain qualifying hands-on work experience, often through military service or civilian employment, then test through the FAA system

Path 1: A&P Training Schools in the Atlanta Area

Many people prefer a structured aviation maintenance technician school because it provides:

  • Organized coursework
  • Hands-on training
  • A direct path to qualifying for the FAA exams

In the Atlanta metro area, you can typically find:

  • Technical colleges / aviation campuses that offer:
    • Airframe and Powerplant programs
    • Aviation Maintenance Technology diplomas or degrees
  • Programs based at or near local airports, providing access to actual aircraft and hangars

Key things to look for in an Atlanta A&P school:

  • FAA-approved Part 147 aviation maintenance program
  • Clear explanation of how the program:
    • Prepares you for FAA written tests
    • Satisfies the experience requirement for the A&P license
  • Reasonable commute from your part of metro Atlanta
  • Class schedules that fit your work or family responsibilities

Because program details can change, it’s best to contact the school directly to confirm current offerings, length of study, and any links to local employers.

Path 2: Qualifying Through Work or Military Experience in Atlanta

Some Atlanta-area residents already have aviation maintenance experience through:

  • Active-duty military or National Guard/Reserve
  • Work at a local repair station, airline, or maintenance shop

If your experience matches the FAA requirements, you may not need to attend a school. Instead, you can:

  1. Document your experience (type of work, hours, aircraft types).
  2. Visit or contact a local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) to:
    • Have your experience reviewed
    • Receive authorization to take the A&P written tests

Atlanta-area FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)

For Atlanta residents, the primary local FAA office handling mechanic certification issues is:

Atlanta FSDO
FAA Flight Standards District Office – Atlanta
1701 Columbia Avenue
College Park, GA 30337
Phone: 404-305-7150 (main line; menu options may change over time)

The FSDO can:

  • Explain what counts as qualifying experience
  • Tell you what documentation you need
  • Issue the paperwork that allows you to schedule your tests

It’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm office hours and whether an appointment is required.

Testing for Your A&P License in Atlanta

To become an A&P mechanic, you must pass:

  1. Three written knowledge tests

    • General
    • Airframe
    • Powerplant

  2. Oral and Practical exam (O&P)

    • Conducted by a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME)

Written Tests in the Atlanta Area

In and around Atlanta, the A&P written exams are usually taken at:

  • FAA-authorized testing centers, which may be:
    • Independent test centers
    • Located inside flight schools or technical colleges

What to know:

  • You must have authorization from the FAA (or proof of graduation from an approved school) before testing.
  • You schedule exams directly with the testing provider.
  • There are often multiple testing locations in the broader metro area, including near major airports and business districts.

Oral & Practical (O&P) Exams in Atlanta

After passing all written tests:

  • You schedule your O&P exam with a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME).
  • DMEs are often based at or near:
    • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
    • DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK)
    • Other regional airports

In Atlanta, many applicants:

  • Get referrals from their school to specific DMEs, or
  • Use contact lists available from the Atlanta FSDO

Using an Out-of-State A&P License in Atlanta

If you already hold an A&P license from another state and you’re moving to or working in Atlanta:

  • Your license is federal, so it is valid in Atlanta with no re-testing.
  • You can apply for jobs with:
    • Airlines at ATL
    • MROs and FBOs at airports like PDK, FTY, RYY, and others in the region

Employers may require:

  • Proof of your FAA mechanic certificate
  • Work history or logbooks
  • Additional company-specific training

There is no separate city or state aviation mechanic license you need to obtain.

A&P License vs. Other “A” or “P” Licenses in Atlanta

People sometimes mix up the A&P license with other Atlanta-area licenses that use similar letters. Here’s a quick comparison to keep things clear:

Term / LicenseWhat It Usually MeansIssued ByRelevant to “A&P mechanic”?
A&P License (Airframe & Powerplant)Aircraft mechanic certificationFAA (federal)✅ Yes – this is the one
“A license” (alone)Could refer to various local permits (e.g., alcohol license “A” type, etc.)Often City of Atlanta or State of Georgia licensing boards❌ Not the same thing
“P license” (alone)Sometimes used informally for “P” endorsements or professional licensesVaries❌ Not the same thing

If your goal is aviation maintenance, you are almost certainly looking for the FAA A&P mechanic license, not a city or state “A” or “P” permit.

Typical Steps to Get an A&P License in Atlanta

Here’s a simple, Atlanta-focused roadmap if you’re starting from scratch:

  1. Decide on your path

    • 🎓 School route: Look for an FAA-approved aviation maintenance program in or near Atlanta.
    • 🔧 Experience route: Document your aircraft maintenance experience (military or civilian).

  2. Confirm eligibility with the FAA

    • Contact the Atlanta FSDO in College Park for guidance on your specific situation.

  3. Complete training or accumulate experience

    • For schools: Finish the required courses and hands-on labs.
    • For experience: Make sure your work covers both airframe and powerplant tasks sufficiently.

  4. Get authorization to test

    • From your approved school, or
    • Directly from the Atlanta FSDO (based on experience).

  5. Pass the three written exams

    • Schedule at an FAA-authorized testing center in the Atlanta area.

  6. Schedule and pass the O&P exam

    • Arrange with a Designated Mechanic Examiner near Atlanta (often at a local airport).

  7. Receive your FAA mechanic certificate (A&P)

    • Once issued, you can apply for A&P mechanic jobs across the Atlanta aviation industry.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

  • Traffic & commute: When choosing a school, test center, or DME, consider Atlanta traffic patterns. Locations near your home or along MARTA routes can make training more manageable.
  • Airport access: Hartsfield–Jackson is busy and heavily secured. Training programs and exam locations may prefer smaller airports like PDK, FTY, or RYY for easier access and parking.
  • Job networking: Atlanta’s aviation community is relatively connected. Many students in local programs meet employers at:
    • Airport open houses
    • Aviation career events
    • Internships or part-time hangar jobs
  • Short visits to Atlanta: If you’re visiting Atlanta to take tests or an O&P exam, plan extra time for:
    • Transportation between airport, hotel, and testing site
    • Possible rescheduling needs

Who to Contact in Atlanta for A&P License Questions

If you’re in or near Atlanta and have specific questions about the A&P license, these are practical starting points:

  • FAA Atlanta FSDO
    1701 Columbia Avenue
    College Park, GA 30337
    Phone: 404-305-7150

  • Local aviation maintenance schools

    • Admissions or program offices can explain:
      • Program length
      • Costs
      • How their training leads to A&P eligibility

  • Atlanta-area airports (maintenance departments/FBOs)

    • DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK) – Chamblee
    • Fulton County Airport – Brown Field (FTY)
    • Cobb County International Airport – McCollum Field (RYY)

Staff at these airports often know local DMEs, employers, and opportunities for entry-level A&P mechanics.

If you’re searching “A and P license Atlanta,” you’re really looking at how to earn and use an FAA A&P mechanic license in the Atlanta aviation ecosystem. The certification itself is federal, but your training, testing, and career path will be shaped by Atlanta’s schools, airports, and aviation employers.