[Tim Hancock]

FWIW, to get your A&P (both ratings at the same time) you have to have an AP/IA sign a letter stating that you have completed 30 months (based on 8hr days 5 days per week) experience working "under the supervision" of an AP. I documented my time building experimental aircraft and helping my AP working on my certified aircraft over about a six year time frame. My IA then agreed to write a carefully worded letter to my local FSDO stating that I did this work under his supervision (I had documented about 32 months worth of work). I was then granted permission to take the written and practical tests which I breezed thru after some intense cramming sessions. I am an engineer by day and so going to an adult school for a couple years just to get an AP was not going to happen. This experience based route worked for me, but you do not want to lie or ask someone else to lie about your experience cause it could come back to bite you later.

After 3 years time as an AP (and two years actively using your ticket), you can opt to take the IA (Inspection Authorization) test which allows you to do annual inspections among other things. I did this 2 yrs ago so now I can "annual" my certified airplanes along with a few others as a side business. Having these ratings lowers my cost of ownership plus provides a good back-up should I ever lose or tire of my day job, but it took a long time to get to this point.