I am an 11B1P in the ARNG and am considering switching over to Aviation and becoming a mechanic. I currently hold ASEL/AMEL Commercial pilot certificates and an Instrument rating. Has anyone here been awarded an A&P certificate based on your military experience alone. If so, how hard was it to do, what is involved. Is the process of receiving an A&P certificate accelerated if I have completed some college A&P classes?

Also, I know that there are many 15-series MOSs, but which one(s) would be the most likely to provide the training and experience needed to receive an A&P? How hard is it to find/get into a fixed-wing unit as a mechanic? Is working as a helicopter mechanic much different than working as a fixed-wing mechanic? How much wrench time do ARNG mechanics put in? What is a typical (if there is such a thing) drill and a typical AT like?

If I obtain an A&P certificate before I switch over, is any of the MOSq training waiverable?

Finally, are you ever able to go up with an instructor pilot and log time?

The Army was instituting a program for certain 15 series MOS' to get their A&P. I believe there was a link somewhere on the Aviation proponency page. When it was all said and done, it looked like it would take a while to do. Where I am stationed, there is a local school that does a 10 day A&P course for people that hold a 15 series MOS, and have >18 months of experience. Been gonna do it for a while, but that word OPTEMPO keeps coming around.

As far as fixed wing vs. rotary wing mechanic, I'm not sure the Army even has fixed wing mechanics anymore. I think most of the fixed wing maintenance is contract now. 15U is my MOS, and being it's my third MOS and the one I wanted all along, I think it's the best! As far as training being waiverable? I don't think so. You would most likely have to go to Ft. Eustis, and get the MOS. And finally, you will most definitely NOT be logging time with an IP in an Army aircraft...unless you are a rated Aviator

I just finished this up and await the MGIB payment as we speak.

The college A&P classes will not matter to the FAA. The best way to get this is with training and actual wrench-time through the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Marines. The FAA will require you to go to a Flight Safety District Office (FSDO) and do a little interview. At this interview a FAA rep will ask you questions about your experience and how you came about having the credentials for an A&P license. This rep will sign an FAA Form 8610-2. Two copies to be exact. The key is that you must have 30 months of consecutive "wrench-turning" time on an aircraft before you are eligible for the "tickets" (FAA Form 8610-2). Keep records for all the maintenance you will accomplish in some type of log book or training record. I used my AF training records and had my CC write a letter of reference, along with an A&P mechanic's recommendation. I took all these items with me to the local FSDO (usually at a good size airport) and I interviewed with the rep and they signed the 8610-2s. I discussed engines, hydraulics, landing-gear, rotor systems, electrics, etc in an informal sit down type question and answer session if you will. I just took control of the conversation and told the guy what I knew, likely overkill, but I waited all morning to interview and didn't want to get sent away without my signatures.

I then proceeded to take the three written exams that are required. They are actually on a computer database. I studied one book for two days and took the test. Study for two days; take the next, and so on. After I passed the three tests, I scheduled my oral and practical exam. This was the hardest part because you don't know what questions will be asked or what hands on task you will do, unless the Designated Maintenance Examiner (DME) clues you ahead of the "big day". This truly was a long day, but I got through all the projects and oral questions. DO NOT underestimate any portion of this thing. In all, I got my stuff completed in a little over a year. I got my tickets in July 07 and sat on them until July 08. From the time I took my first written test and the time I left the DME was around 10 days. Trust me, if you are motivated, this is nothing you can't accomplish. Some folks tell me stories of pure torture, whereas others have said it was a piece of cake. I lean in the middle.

For what its worth, I turned wrenches for 8 years and I’m headed to WOFT very soon. Figured I would capitalize on my mechanical background and get the darn thing done.

Good luck and God bless.