Aircraft Mechanic Online Training for A&P Students

US Aviation Academy’s Aircraft Mechanic Online Training option allows eligible students to complete GEN101 and GAF102 online before continuing into hands-on A&P mechanic training. These two online classes represent 2 of the 8 required classes and allow students to start in 103, the next course in the sequence, helping shorten the aircraft mechanic training timeline.

This is not a fully online A&P license program. Students still need hands-on aircraft maintenance training and FAA certification preparation. The online coursework is designed to help working adults, qualifying high school seniors, and career changers begin selected A&P coursework with more flexibility before moving into the in-person training portion.

By completing the online coursework first, eligible students may reduce the 8-month full-time A&P path to 6 months or the 16-month semi-full-time path to 12 months.

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Can You Get an A&P License Online?

You can complete selected A&P coursework online, but you cannot complete the full A&P license path entirely online. Aircraft mechanic training still requires hands-on maintenance training, practical experience with tools and aircraft systems, and preparation for FAA written, oral, and practical exams. US Aviation Academy’s online aircraft mechanic training option is designed to help eligible students begin part of the academic coursework before they move into the hands-on portion of training. The online coursework covers GEN101 and GAF102, which are 2 of the 8 required classes in the A&P training path. After completing those courses online, eligible students can start in 103, the next course in the sequence, instead of beginning with the first course. This makes the online option especially useful for students who want more flexibility before attending hands-on aircraft mechanic training. It can help working adults, career changers, and vocational dual credit students reduce the time needed on campus while still following a training path that includes the practical aircraft maintenance work required for A&P preparation.
Question Answer
Can I complete some A&P coursework online? Yes. Eligible students can complete GEN101 and GAF102 online.
Can I complete the full A&P license online? No. Hands-on aircraft maintenance training and FAA certification preparation are still required.
What does the online portion do? It allows eligible students to start in 103 and shorten the overall training timeline.
Who is the online option for? Working adults, career changers, eligible high school seniors, and students looking for a faster A&P training path.
For students comparing online aircraft mechanic school options, the key point is that the online portion is a head start into the full program. It is not a replacement for hands-on A&P mechanic training. To see how the full program works, visit the A&P Mechanic Program.

How the Aircraft Mechanic Online Training Path Works

The Aircraft Mechanic Online Training option is designed to help eligible students complete the first portion of their A&P coursework before moving into hands-on aircraft mechanic training. Instead of starting at the beginning of the full in-person sequence, students who complete the online coursework can begin in 103, which helps shorten the time needed to complete the remaining training path. This online option covers GEN101 and GAF102, which are 2 of the 8 required classes. After those courses are completed online, students continue into the hands-on portion of the A&P mechanic program, where they train with aircraft systems, tools, maintenance procedures, and certification-focused preparation.

Step 1: Complete GEN101 and GAF102 Online

Students begin by completing GEN101 and GAF102 through the online training option. These courses give students a head start on the academic portion of aircraft mechanic training while allowing them to work at a more flexible pace before beginning the in-person portion of the program.

Step 2: Start in 103

After completing GEN101 and GAF102 online, eligible students can start in 103 instead of beginning with the first course in the standard sequence. This helps reduce the amount of time needed in the remaining hands-on training program.

Step 3: Continue Hands-On A&P Training

The online coursework is only one part of the full A&P training path. Students still continue into hands-on aircraft maintenance training, where they work with aircraft systems, tools, maintenance tasks, inspections, and practical skills needed for aviation maintenance careers.

Step 4: Prepare for FAA Written, Oral, and Practical Exams

A&P students must also prepare for FAA testing, including written, oral, and practical exams. The online coursework helps students begin the training path, while the hands-on portion supports the practical knowledge and skills needed for certification preparation.
Standard A&P Training Path With Online Coursework How It Changes the Timeline
8-month full-time program 6 months GEN101 and GAF102 are completed online before the hands-on portion begins.
16-month semi-full-time program 12 months Online coursework allows eligible students to start in 103 and reduce the remaining training time.
For students who want to move faster while still completing the required hands-on training, this pathway can make aircraft mechanic school more flexible and efficient. To compare the full training options, visit the A&P Mechanic Program.

What Is Included in the Online A&P Coursework?

The online portion of US Aviation Academy’s Aircraft Mechanic Online Training path includes GEN101 and GAF102. These two classes are completed online before students continue into the hands-on portion of A&P mechanic training. GEN101 and GAF102 represent 2 of the 8 required classes in the training sequence. Completing them online allows eligible students to start in 103, which can reduce the amount of time they need to spend in the remaining on-campus training portion. This structure is designed for students who want more flexibility at the beginning of their aircraft mechanic training path. It can be especially helpful for working adults, students with family or job responsibilities, and qualifying high school seniors using the vocational dual credit option.
  • Self-paced online coursework for GEN101 and GAF102
  • 2 of the 8 required classes completed before hands-on training
  • Start in 103 after completing the online coursework
  • Shorter training timeline for eligible students
  • Flexible start before moving into in-person aircraft mechanic training
The online coursework gives students a head start, but it does not replace hands-on A&P training. Students still need practical experience with aircraft systems, tools, maintenance procedures, and FAA certification preparation. To understand the full program beyond the online coursework, visit the A&P Mechanic Program.

Who Is Aircraft Mechanic Online Training For?

Aircraft Mechanic Online Training is designed for students who want a more flexible way to begin the A&P training path before moving into hands-on aircraft maintenance instruction. Because the online portion covers GEN101 and GAF102, it can help eligible students complete selected coursework before they enter the remaining in-person training sequence. This option is especially useful for students who need flexibility at the beginning of their training. It can help reduce time on campus while still keeping students connected to the full A&P mechanic program and the hands-on training required for FAA certification preparation.

Working Adults

Working adults may benefit from completing GEN101 and GAF102 online before entering the hands-on training portion. This can make it easier to begin aircraft mechanic training while still managing a job, family schedule, or other responsibilities.

Students With Full-Time Jobs

Students with full-time jobs often need a training path that gives them more control over the early coursework. The online option allows eligible students to complete the first two classes before starting in 103, which can reduce the time needed in the remaining training schedule.

Students Looking for a Faster A&P Timeline

For students focused on finishing sooner, the online coursework can shorten the full-time A&P path from 8 months to 6 months, or the semi-full-time path from 16 months to 12 months. This can be helpful for students who are ready to move into an aircraft mechanic career faster while still completing the required hands-on training.

Vocational Dual Credit Students

Eligible high school seniors may also use the online training option as part of a vocational dual credit pathway. This allows students to begin selected A&P coursework while still in school, helping them move more quickly into hands-on aircraft mechanic training after graduation. To compare this option with the full hands-on program, visit the A&P Mechanic Program.

Online Training for Working Adults

US Aviation Academy’s Aircraft Mechanic Online Training option can be a strong fit for working adults who want to begin an aviation maintenance career without stepping away from their current responsibilities right away. By completing GEN101 and GAF102 online first, eligible students can start the A&P training path with more flexibility before entering the hands-on portion of the program. This option is especially helpful for career changers, parents, military-connected students, and working adults who need time to plan around work schedules, family commitments, financing, or relocation. Instead of waiting until they are ready to attend hands-on training, students can begin selected coursework online and prepare for the next stage of their aircraft mechanic education.

Flexible Start Before Hands-On Training

The online portion gives students a way to begin the first 2 classes in the A&P sequence before transitioning into in-person training. This can make the full training path easier to manage because students can complete foundational coursework first, then move into the practical training environment with a head start.

Shorter Training Timeline

For eligible students, completing GEN101 and GAF102 online can reduce the 8-month full-time A&P path to 6 months or the 16-month semi-full-time path to 12 months. That can be a meaningful advantage for adults who want to move into an aircraft mechanic career faster while still completing the required hands-on training.

Better Fit for Busy Schedules

Many adults interested in aircraft mechanic training are balancing work, family, and financial planning. The online coursework option can help students begin the process before making the full commitment to an on-campus training schedule. Once the online classes are complete, students can continue into the hands-on A&P mechanic training path and prepare for the skills, procedures, and FAA testing requirements involved in becoming an aircraft mechanic.

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Vocational Dual Credit for High School Seniors

US Aviation Academy’s Aircraft Mechanic Online Training option can also support eligible high school seniors through a vocational dual credit pathway. This gives students a way to begin selected A&P coursework while they are still in school, helping them build momentum toward an aviation maintenance career before graduation. Through this option, qualifying students can complete GEN101 and GAF102 online. These two classes represent 2 of the 8 required classes in the A&P training sequence. After completing the online coursework, eligible students can start in 103 when they continue into the hands-on training portion.

Start Aviation Maintenance Training Earlier

For students who already know they want to work in aviation, vocational dual credit can provide an early start. Instead of waiting until after graduation to begin the entire training path, students can complete selected coursework online and move more quickly into hands-on aircraft mechanic training.

Reduce Time After Graduation

Completing GEN101 and GAF102 online may help eligible students shorten the remaining training timeline. The online coursework can reduce the 8-month full-time path to 6 months or the 16-month semi-full-time path to 12 months after students continue into the A&P training program.

A Practical Alternative to a Traditional Four-Year Degree Path

Aircraft mechanic training can be a strong option for students who want a hands-on aviation career without committing to a traditional four-year college path. The vocational dual credit option helps students begin building career-focused skills earlier while still preparing for the hands-on training and FAA certification preparation required for aircraft mechanics. This pathway can be a good fit for students who enjoy mechanical systems, aviation, troubleshooting, tools, and practical technical training. It also gives high school seniors and their families a clearer view of how online coursework, in-person training, and career preparation fit together.

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Online Coursework vs. Hands-On Aircraft Mechanic Training

Aircraft Mechanic Online Training is a starting point in the A&P training path, not a replacement for hands-on aircraft maintenance instruction. Students can complete GEN101 and GAF102 online, but they still need in-person training to build practical skills with aircraft systems, tools, inspections, maintenance procedures, and FAA certification preparation. This distinction matters because many students search for online A&P school or ask whether they can get an A&P license online. The online portion can help eligible students move faster, but hands-on training remains an essential part of preparing for an aircraft mechanic career.
Training Component Online Coursework Hands-On Training
GEN101 Yes No
GAF102 Yes No
Start in 103 Yes, after completing GEN101 and GAF102 Continues the remaining training sequence
Aircraft systems practice Foundational coursework only Yes
Tool use No Yes
Maintenance procedures Limited to coursework concepts Yes
FAA written, oral, and practical exam preparation Supports the training path Required as part of full preparation
Full A&P training pathway Part of the pathway Required
For students comparing online aircraft mechanic schools, this blended structure gives a more realistic path. You can begin selected coursework online, shorten the timeline, and then continue into hands-on aircraft mechanic training through the full A&P Mechanic Program.

How Fast Can You Complete A&P Mechanic Training?

Completing GEN101 and GAF102 online can help eligible students shorten their A&P mechanic training timeline before they begin the remaining hands-on portion of the program. This gives students a faster path into aircraft mechanic training while still keeping the hands-on maintenance work and FAA certification preparation in place. US Aviation Academy’s standard A&P training options include an 8-month full-time path and a 16-month semi-full-time path. By completing the first two classes online, eligible students may reduce the full-time path to 6 months or the semi-full-time path to 12 months.
Training Path Standard Timeline Timeline With Online Coursework Best Fit
Full-Time A&P Training 8 months 6 months Students who can commit to a more intensive schedule and want to finish faster.
Semi-Full-Time A&P Training 16 months 12 months Working adults and students who need a more flexible training schedule.
The actual timeline can depend on eligibility, completion of the online classes, program availability, campus scheduling, and student progress. The online coursework is designed to reduce time in the remaining training sequence, but students still need to complete the hands-on aircraft mechanic training required for A&P preparation. For a deeper breakdown of training timelines, visit our guide to aircraft mechanic training duration. To compare all program options, review the full A&P Mechanic Program.

Aircraft Mechanic Online Training Cost and Financing

The Aircraft Mechanic Online Training option is designed to help eligible students begin selected A&P coursework before entering the remaining hands-on training sequence. Students can start the online portion with $1,000 to begin training, then work on securing funding for the remaining $35,000 tuition before continuing through the full aircraft mechanic training path. Because this online option is connected to the full A&P mechanic training program, students should think about cost in two parts: the online coursework that helps them start sooner, and the remaining hands-on training that prepares them for aircraft maintenance work and FAA certification exams.

What the Online Start Includes

  • GEN101 and GAF102 online coursework
  • 2 of the 8 required classes completed before hands-on training
  • Ability for eligible students to start in 103 after completing the online coursework
  • A shorter remaining training timeline for eligible students
  • A pathway into the full hands-on A&P mechanic program

Funding the Remaining Training

After starting the online coursework, students can explore financing options for the remaining tuition. US Aviation Academy offers financing resources for students pursuing aviation maintenance training, and eligible students may also be able to use military or veteran education benefits depending on campus, program eligibility, and benefit approval. Students should confirm funding options before beginning the full hands-on training portion. This helps make the transition from online coursework into the remaining A&P mechanic training path clearer and easier to plan.

Cost Questions to Ask Before You Start

  • How much is due before starting GEN101 and GAF102 online?
  • When does the remaining tuition need to be funded?
  • Which financing options are available for aircraft mechanic training?
  • Are VA benefits, GI Bill® benefits, or credentialing assistance available for eligible students?
  • What costs are included, such as tools, digital books, and FAA exam attempts?
For a full cost breakdown, review our guide to aircraft mechanic school cost. You can also learn more about aviation maintenance financing and compare this path with the full A&P Mechanic Program.

Why Choose US Aviation Academy for A&P Training?

US Aviation Academy gives students a practical path into aircraft mechanic training by combining flexible online coursework with hands-on A&P mechanic preparation. The online option helps eligible students complete GEN101 and GAF102 before continuing into the in-person portion of training, while the full program gives students the practical experience needed to prepare for aviation maintenance careers. This blended path is especially useful for students who want flexibility at the beginning of training but still need real aircraft maintenance experience. Students can begin selected coursework online, shorten the remaining timeline, and then continue into hands-on training with aircraft systems, tools, maintenance procedures, and FAA exam preparation.

Online Coursework That Shortens the Timeline

Completing GEN101 and GAF102 online allows eligible students to start in 103. This can reduce the 8-month full-time A&P path to 6 months or the 16-month semi-full-time path to 12 months. For students balancing work, family, school, or career-change planning, that flexibility can make the training path easier to manage.

Hands-On Aircraft Mechanic Training

The online coursework is only the starting point. Students still continue into hands-on training where they work with aircraft maintenance concepts, tools, systems, inspections, and practical procedures. This helps students build the real-world skills needed for aircraft mechanic work and FAA certification preparation.

Tools and Training Materials Included

US Aviation Academy’s aircraft mechanic training path is designed to reduce some of the extra costs students may see at other schools. Current program benefits include tools provided for use, digital books on a Chromebook, and first attempts at FAA written, oral, and practical exams included as part of the training path.

Flexible Training Options

Students can compare the full-time and semi-full-time A&P training options based on their schedule and goals. The online coursework option adds another layer of flexibility by helping eligible students complete the first 2 classes before beginning the remaining hands-on sequence.

Connected to the Full A&P Mechanic Program

This page focuses on the online coursework option, but the full training path continues through US Aviation Academy’s A&P mechanic program. Students can use this online option as a head start, then continue into the hands-on training required to prepare for aircraft mechanic certification and aviation maintenance career opportunities. To review the complete training path, visit the A&P Mechanic Program. You can also compare aircraft mechanic school cost, aircraft mechanic training duration, and aircraft mechanic salary before choosing your next step.

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Aircraft Mechanic Online Training FAQs

Can You Get an A&P License Online?

You can complete selected A&P coursework online, but the full A&P license path cannot be completed entirely online. US Aviation Academy’s online option covers GEN101 and GAF102, which are 2 of the 8 required classes. Students still need hands-on aircraft maintenance training and FAA written, oral, and practical exam preparation.

What Classes Are Included in the Online Aircraft Mechanic Training Option?

The online option includes GEN101 and GAF102. These two classes are completed online before students continue into the hands-on portion of the A&P mechanic training program. After completing GEN101 and GAF102, eligible students can start in 103.

How Much Faster Can I Complete Aircraft Mechanic Training With Online Coursework?

Eligible students who complete GEN101 and GAF102 online may shorten the 8-month full-time A&P training path to 6 months, or the 16-month semi-full-time path to 12 months. The online coursework gives students a head start before they continue into hands-on aircraft mechanic training.

Is Aircraft Mechanic Online Training Good for Working Adults?

Yes. The online coursework option can be a good fit for working adults, career changers, parents, and students with busy schedules. It allows eligible students to complete the first 2 classes online before transitioning into hands-on A&P mechanic training.

What Is Aircraft Mechanic Online Vocational Dual Credit?

Vocational dual credit allows eligible high school seniors to begin selected A&P coursework while still in school. By completing GEN101 and GAF102 online, students may be able to move faster into hands-on aircraft mechanic training after graduation.

Do I Still Need Hands-On Aircraft Mechanic Training?

Yes. Hands-on training is still required. The online portion helps students complete selected coursework, but aircraft mechanic training also includes practical work with tools, aircraft systems, inspections, maintenance procedures, and FAA certification preparation.

How Much Does It Cost to Start Aircraft Mechanic Online Training?

Students can start the online portion with $1,000 to begin training, then work on securing funding for the remaining $35,000 tuition before continuing through the full aircraft mechanic training path. Students can also review aviation maintenance financing options.

Where Can I Continue Hands-On A&P Training?

Students can continue into hands-on A&P mechanic training through US Aviation Academy’s aircraft maintenance program. Current A&P training locations include Denton, Texas, San Marcos, Texas, Atlanta, Georgia, and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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