We, the undersigned, call on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to reform outdated certification policies that block military-trained aviation mechanics and veterans from entering the civilian workforce during veteran transition.
Veterans with proven hands-on experience are being forced to repeat training, pay unnecessary fees, and take redundant tests — despite having already done the work under the most demanding conditions. Meanwhile, the civilian aviation industry is facing a critical aircraft mechanic shortage.
We support the removal of unnecessary testing, faster FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification pathways, and formal recognition of military training, experience and records.
These reforms are common sense. They support veterans, strengthen our aviation workforce, improve veteran transition, and make smarter use of public resources.
Thousands of military-trained aviation mechanics and veterans are ready to serve again — but outdated FAA rules are holding them back during veteran transition.
Sign the petition today.
Every year, thousands of military-trained aviation mechanics complete their service — highly skilled, mission-tested, and ready to bring their talents to the civilian Aviation Industry.
But despite years of hands-on experience maintaining some of the world’s most advanced aircraft, veterans are forced to repeat training, pay thousands in unnecessary fees, and take redundant oral and practical exams — all to prove they are already capable aircraft mechanics, FAA A&P certification-ready.
We need the FAA, the Department of Transportation (DOT), and Congress to make common-sense reforms that will:
These are not new skills that need to be learned. These are veterans who have already done the job — and done it well — under the most demanding conditions. Let them work. Sign this petition, Support Veterans, and Demand Action Now.
Veterans transition from service each year
Aircraft mechanic shortage annually
Less than 10% of military-trained aviation mechanics transition into civilian aviation roles
Waive redundant oral and practical exam requirements for military-trained aviation personnel, and create a competency-based equivalency pathway for mechanics and veterans to enter the civilian aviation industry.
Update procedures to properly credit military experience (30+ months) based on Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes, while expanding evaluation criteria to recognize related and transferable skill sets (including specialties such as avionics), and create more effective pathways to FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification.
Expand recognized military positions to include all aviation maintenance specialties across branches enabling more veterans with relevant aircraft mechanic training and experience to qualify for civilian aviation careers.
Streamline the application process to eliminate months-long processing times that delay veteran employment, veteran transition, aviation certification, and access to aircraft mechanic opportunities.
The Aviation Industry is facing unprecedented workforce challenges while thousands of qualified veterans and military-trained aviation mechanics are blocked from transitioning into aircraft maintenance careers they are already trained to perform.
We have submitted a comprehensive petition to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requesting changes to regulations that create unnecessary barriers for veterans and military-trained aviation mechanics during veteran transition.
Requesting the FAA to fully acknowledge and credit the extensive training, military records, and hands-on experience military aviation mechanics receive during service to support veteran transition into the civilian aviation industry.
Proposing the removal of unnecessary oral and practical exams for veterans and military-trained aviation mechanics who have already demonstrated proficiency through years of military service.
Creating a streamlined pathway for qualified veterans to pursue FAA, Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certification, and testing without redundant requirements or delays.
Modernizing regulations to reflect current military training standards and recognize all qualifying aviation MOS codes across service branches for faster aviation certification and civilian Aircraft Mechanic career access.
