Pilot and A&P: The Dual-Certificated Edge

Expanded knowledge and career paths open up when you combine maintenance expertise with time in the cockpit.

Meg Godlewski

Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Corey Sampson firmly believes that A&Ps who hold a PPL have a better all-around understanding of aircraft. [Credit: Corey Sampson]

Key Takeaways:

Holding both an Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate and a pilot's license significantly enhances employability, provides a deeper understanding of aircraft systems, and improves communication between pilots and mechanics.
This dual expertise opens diverse career paths in aviation, including technical services, test piloting, teaching, and sales, by integrating operational and maintenance perspectives.
While pilots are legally permitted to perform specific preventative maintenance on their own aircraft, the article strongly advises caution and seeking guidance from experienced A&P mechanics due to the critical safety aspects of aviation.
Owners who build experimental aircraft and meet the FAA's "Major Portion rule" can obtain a repairman certificate for that specific aircraft, enabling them to perform their own maintenance.

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One of the adages of aviation is the more certificates you hold, the more employable you become. This is particularly true if you hold one for Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) in addition to being a pilot. At the FBO level, the A&P who holds a pilot certificate and maintains currency is always in demand.

Sometimes, that person didn’t intend to become a pilot but after taking flight in a small airplane decided it is something they’d like to do. It was that way for Corey Sampson, who holds an A&P/IA (inspection authority) and works for Delta Air Lines as a senior specialist for technical services.