ATEC Academy: FAA Mechanic General Coursework Powered by Choose Aerospace

The Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC), through the ATEC Academy, is expanding access to FAA-aligned mechanic education by offering a new online, independent-learning option for FAA A&P General coursework. Delivered using the Choose Aerospace FAA ACS–aligned curriculum, this program provides a flexible and high-quality pathway for individuals seeking structured exposure to FAA General subject matter outside of a traditional classroom setting.

Through this initiative, ATEC is increasing flexibility and access in aviation maintenance education while supporting workforce development, instructor preparation, and industry engagement. This independent study option is designed to complement — not replace — FAA-certificated A&P programs, serving as an additional educational resource for the aviation community.

This offering supports professional development, instructor enrichment, and industry advancement, particularly for individuals seeking formal grounding in the FAA General curriculum on an independent timeline. The program is primarily intended for adult learners, including aviation educators, industry professionals, and instructors at A&P schools who are not yet certificated but desire deeper academic preparation in FAA General subjects. Homeschool students, highly motivated secondary and postsecondary learners, and private individuals are also welcome to participate.

Program Structure, Time Commitment, and Learner Support

Participants complete the coursework through the Choose Aerospace FAA ACS–aligned curriculum delivered in a learning management system (LMS). The program is fully self-paced, allowing learners to progress according to their individual schedules. Coursework includes structured video instruction, reinforcing learning activities, and multiple assessments designed to measure comprehension and ensure mastery of key knowledge areas.

The estimated time to complete the online General coursework is approximately 150 hours of computer-based instruction. Actual completion time may vary depending on prior experience, familiarity with the subject matter, and individual learning pace.

Although offered as an independent study, learners are supported by a certificated A&P instructor serving in a coaching role. There are no required class meeting times. Instead, participants receive assistance through scheduled office hours and asynchronous support to help clarify concepts, navigate course materials, and maintain steady progress.

In addition to the knowledge-based curriculum, optional supplemental opportunities may be available to support hands-on labs or project-based learning via video conference, provided the learner has access to appropriate tools and equipment. These experiences are designed to reinforce conceptual understanding but are not required components of the program.

More information about the FAA-aligned curriculum can be found at:
https://www.chooseaerospace.org/curriculum.html

Important Notes on FAA Eligibility and Credentialing

Completion of the FAA A&P General coursework through this online independent study does not, by itself, qualify an individual to take the FAA General knowledge test.

However, participants who successfully complete the curriculum and pass the comprehensive ATEC written examination earn the ATEC General Aviation Maintenance Credential. This credential may be eligible for credit-bearing consideration at participating FAA-certificated A&P schools, subject to each institution’s eligibility requirements. As such, the program serves as a preparatory or supplemental pathway for individuals planning to enter or continue formal A&P training.

For individuals pursuing employment opportunities in aviation maintenance or related fields, completion of this coursework demonstrates mastery of FAA General aviation maintenance knowledge standards. Participants gain documented evidence of their technical knowledge and initiative, helping them stand out in job applications and interviews compared to applicants with no prior aviation training.