How to Choose an Aviation Mechanic (A&P)

Finding a trustworthy aviation mechanic determines whether your aircraft receives proper care or becomes a money pit. The right A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) mechanic prevents problems, spots issues early, and keeps your aircraft safe and legal. The wrong mechanic misses critical items, performs shoddy work, or charges excessively. Understanding how to evaluate mechanics protects your investment and your safety.

Quick Answer: Choose an A&P mechanic with IA (Inspection Authorization) for annual inspections. Look for experience with your specific aircraft type, reasonable rates ($80-$120/hour), clear communication, and good references from other owners. Verify their certificate through the FAA registry. Visit their shop to assess organization and equipment. Avoid mechanics who rush work, can’t explain issues clearly, or have poor reputations in the pilot community. Expect to pay $1,500-$5,000 for annuals depending on aircraft complexity.

Understanding A&P Certification Levels

A&P mechanics hold FAA certificates for Airframe and Powerplant maintenance. They can perform maintenance, repairs, and modifications on aircraft. However, only A&Ps with IA (Inspection Authorization) can conduct annual inspections and return aircraft to service. The IA requires at least three years as an A&P, additional testing, and ongoing training to maintain.

Some mechanics specialize in airframe or powerplant work only. Verify your mechanic holds both ratings. The IA designation matters for annual inspections—non-IA mechanics cannot sign off annuals. Repairmen certificates exist for specific aircraft types (experimental aircraft) but don’t qualify for certified aircraft work. Always verify credentials through the FAA’s airman registry before hiring any mechanic.

Experience with Your Aircraft Type

Mechanics develop expertise through repetition. A mechanic who services 50 Cessna 172s annually knows every common issue. That same mechanic may struggle with a Mooney’s retractable gear or a Bonanza’s V-tail. Ask potential mechanics how many aircraft like yours they maintain. Request references from owners of similar aircraft.

Complex aircraft require specialized knowledge. Retractable gear systems, turbocharged engines, and pressurization systems demand expertise. If you fly a Cirrus SR22, find mechanics experienced with composite construction and CAPS systems. Vintage aircraft need mechanics familiar with older designs and parts sourcing. Match the mechanic’s experience to your aircraft’s complexity—don’t let someone learn on your aircraft.

Shop Facilities and Equipment

Visit the shop before committing to work. A professional shop is organized with proper lighting, clean work areas, and appropriate tools. Aircraft should be properly supported on jacks or stands. Tools should be calibrated and well-maintained. Look for technical manuals, parts catalogs, and reference materials for various aircraft types.

Adequate hangar space protects your aircraft during extended maintenance. The shop should have engine hoists, panel equipment, and specialized tools for your aircraft type. Messy shops with disorganized parts and poor lighting suggest sloppy work. However, a working shop won’t be spotless—some clutter is normal. Trust your gut: would you feel comfortable leaving your aircraft here for weeks?

Communication and Transparency

Good mechanics communicate clearly about problems, options, and costs. They explain what they find, why it matters, and what it costs to fix. Red flags include vague answers, pressure to approve work immediately, or inability to explain technical issues in understandable terms. The mechanic should welcome your questions and provide written estimates before beginning work.

Ask about their inspection process. A thorough annual takes 16-30 hours depending on aircraft type. Mechanics who quote 8-hour annuals are cutting corners. Request written squawk lists with descriptions of each discrepancy. Good mechanics photograph problems to show you. They distinguish between airworthiness items (must fix) and maintenance items (should fix eventually). Transparency builds trust and prevents surprise bills.

Pricing and Payment Terms

Hourly rates vary by region and mechanic experience: $80-$120 per hour is typical. Some mechanics charge flat rates for routine work like oil changes ($75-$150). Annual inspections include labor plus parts. Expect $1,500-$3,000 for simple aircraft, $3,000-$5,000 for complex singles, and $5,000+ for twins.

Request written estimates before work begins. Understand the estimate is for inspection only—repairs are additional. Reputable mechanics call before exceeding estimates by significant amounts. Payment terms vary: some require deposits, others bill upon completion. Avoid mechanics demanding full payment upfront—that’s unusual in aviation maintenance. Discuss payment expectations clearly before dropping off your aircraft.

References and Reputation

Ask for references from current customers. Call those references and ask specific questions: Does work get done on time? Are estimates accurate? Have you experienced repeat problems? Does the mechanic explain things clearly? Most happy customers gladly share their experiences. Lack of references is a red flag.

Check online reviews and aviation forums. Pilots of America, Reddit’s r/flying, and type-specific owner groups discuss mechanics frequently. Multiple complaints about the same mechanic warrant caution. However, consider that upset customers complain louder than satisfied ones. Look for patterns in feedback rather than isolated incidents. Local flying clubs often have strong opinions about area mechanics.

Owner-Assisted Maintenance

FAA regulations allow owners to perform certain maintenance tasks under mechanic supervision (FAR 43 Appendix A). Owner-assisted annuals save money while teaching aircraft systems. Some mechanics welcome owner involvement; others discourage it. If you want hands-on participation, discuss this upfront. Owner-assisted work requires clear boundaries: you help with disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly under supervision.

Benefits include lower costs and better aircraft knowledge. Drawbacks include time investment and potential disagreements about what owners can do. Not all mechanics offer this arrangement. If owner-assisted maintenance interests you, find mechanics experienced with this approach. Clear communication about roles, insurance, and liability prevents misunderstandings.

Red Flags to Avoid

Avoid mechanics who pressure you into unnecessary work. Some suggest replacing perfectly good components “while we’re in there.” Replace parts based on condition, not convenience. Be wary of mechanics who can’t show you the problem or explain why it’s a safety concern. Annual inspections shouldn’t discover $10,000 in surprise repairs every year—that suggests poor planning or gouging.

Mechanics who return aircraft with discrepancies noted but not fixed deserve scrutiny. If something is unsafe, it should be grounded or repaired before return to service. Avoid mechanics with multiple FAA enforcement actions—check the FAA’s sanctions database. Rushed work, cutting corners on safety, or pencil-whipping logbooks are grounds for immediately finding a new mechanic. Your life depends on proper maintenance—never compromise safety to save money.

Building a Long-Term Relationship

The best mechanic relationships last years or decades. Your mechanic learns your aircraft’s quirks and history. They track recurring issues and preventive maintenance needs. You develop trust in their recommendations. This relationship takes time to build—don’t switch mechanics frequently unless problems exist.

Treat your mechanic fairly. Pay bills promptly. Don’t argue over every dollar. Respect their time by showing up for scheduled appointments. Provide accurate descriptions of problems. Maintain good records to help them work efficiently. A good mechanic will prioritize your aircraft and provide excellent service when treated professionally. The right mechanic becomes a valuable partner in aircraft ownership, preventing problems and keeping you flying safely for years.