What Is the FAA?

FAA is the Federal Aviation Authority and is a government body, which oversees the aviation industry both by regulating and promoting it. As part of the department for transportation it is responsible for the safety of civil aviation. Amongst the roles which FAA is involved in are the promotion of safety, encouraging the progress of aeronautics technology, air traffic control for both civil and military aircraft, researching and developing aeronautics, study and develop ways of reducing aircraft noise and environmental disturbance, and regulating air space above United States territory to avoid mid air collisions.

Another role for which the FAA is responsible is FAA certification. FAA certification is available for a number of different roles such as repairman, aircraft mechanic (air frame and/or powerplant also called A & P mechanic,). While there are FAA approved schools where you can get your FAA certification training, you can also work as an apprentice and build up your skills and knowledge by working in a repair hangar. Whichever route you follow, you will still have to pass a three part test to receive FAA certification and be allowed to work unsupervised. The three parts of the test comprise written, verbal, and practical skills. You do have to be at least eighteen years of age and be able to speak, read, and write English fluently. There are alternative arrangements for people who do not have the necessary fluency.