Unlike the requirements for piloting an aircraft, being an aircraft mechanic requires an aircraft maintenance license. For a student interested in becoming an aircraft mechanic, he has to meet the following eligibility requirements: be at least 18; be able to read, speak, and understand English; meet the education and/or experience requirements; and pass the tests. If an aircraft mechanic hopeful has attended an Aviation Maintenance School program approved and supervised by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), he will be able to get his aircraft maintenance license. The program usually takes between 18 and 24 months, and requires 1900 hours for students who want ratings in both the Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) areas and their maintenance license. If the student has not attended an Aviation Maintenance School program, but wants his aircraft maintenance license, he must be able to demonstrate 18 months of applicable work experience. If he wants ratings in both Airframe and Powerplant, he must have 30 months of applicable work experience. Fortunately for military-trained aircraft mechanics, the experience they earned on the job can be applied to the required experience for a civilian aircraft maintenance license.