How to Keep Your A&P Certificate Current While Living Abroad
Unlike pilot certificates, an A&P certificate does not expire, but it does have activity-based currency requirements under 14 CFR §65.83. The FAA rule is clear: You must have been actively engaged for at least 6 months out of the last 24 months in maintaining aircraft.
So, you’ve got your FAA A&P certificate in hand, but your boots are on foreign soil. Maybe you're maintaining aircraft in Southeast Asia or managing hangar operations in Europe. The work is good, the travel is better, but there's a problem simmering under the surface:
How do you keep your FAA A&P certificate current while living outside the United States?
Spoiler: The FAA doesn’t send reminders. And if you're not intentional about staying compliant, you could wake up one day with an expired certificate, and a whole mess to clean up.
Here’s exactly how to avoid that.
Understand FAA Requirements First
Unlike pilot certificates, an A&P certificate does not expire, but it does have activity-based currency requirements under 14 CFR §65.83. The FAA rule is clear:
You must have been actively engaged for at least 6 months out of the last 24 months in maintaining aircraft.
If you fail to meet that threshold, your certificate is still valid, but your exercise of the privileges is not. Legally, you will need to work under another active A&P until you meet the currency requirements again.
How Do You Prove You’ve Been Active?
The FAA doesn’t issue logbooks for mechanics, so it’s up to you to document your own activity.
What counts:
- Performing maintenance tasks under 14 CFR
- Supervising maintenance (in a formal capacity)
- Military aviation maintenance work
- Working for an MRO or air carrier
- Logging tasks performed with dates, aircraft IDs, and references
Tip: Keep a digital log, signed work orders, or time card documentation. If the FAA asks for proof, you'll need clear records, not vague job descriptions.
Working Abroad? Here’s Where It Gets Tricky
If you’re employed overseas by a non-U.S. operator or foreign repair station, you’ll need to verify that your tasks align with FAA standards. Just working on aircraft isn’t enough; the tasks must meet FAA-recognized criteria.
You may be:
- Working under an EASA or ICAO standard
- Employed by a non-certificated repair facility
- Performing work on N-registered aircraft (this is a major advantage)
If you're not working on U.S.-registered aircraft, document your work thoroughly and be ready to show technical overlap with FAA standards. This keeps your record strong in case of future audits or reinstatement needs.
What If You’ve Been Inactive for Over 2 Years?
You’ll need to work under the supervision of a valid A&P mechanic or FAA repair station for at least 6 months to regain activity status.
This is where many expats run into a wall—finding that supervision isn’t always easy overseas.
Pro Tip: Maintain U.S. Connections
Stay in touch with U.S. shops, attend trainings, and keep your U.S. address for FAA mail (or better—appoint a professional agent). Having a trusted state-side link is invaluable when it’s time to renew documents, provide proof of work, or update credentials.
Why Jet Verge Matters Here
We’re not just a mailing service. Jet Verge acts as your U.S. anchor—handling all your FAA correspondence, helping you stay compliant, and backing you up when it’s time to verify your status.
Bottom Line: Don’t Let Inactivity Cost You Your Certification
You’ve worked hard for that license. Don’t risk it over missing paperwork or unclear records.
Keep track of your maintenance work
Understand the FAA’s expectations
Stay connected to a professional U.S. agent
Need help verifying your compliance?
Reach out with your specific situation. We’ve got your six.
