FAA vs. AFAC: What's the Difference?
- AMT Mexico
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Understanding the Differences Between Mexico's Aviation Authority and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
For many aircraft maintenance professionals in Mexico, one of the biggest sources of confusion is understanding the difference between AFAC and the FAA.
Questions such as these are common:
Is an AFAC license the same as an FAA A&P certificate?
Can I work in the United States with an AFAC license?
Why do U.S. airlines require an FAA certificate?
Does my AFAC experience count toward FAA certification?
Which certification should I pursue?
These are excellent questions.
Understanding the differences between AFAC and the FAA is one of the most important steps for any aviation professional considering international career opportunities.
At America's Best AMT Mexico, one of our goals is helping experienced aircraft maintenance professionals understand both systems so they can make informed decisions about their careers.
This guide explains how the two organizations differ, where they are similar, and how they may work together throughout your professional journey.
What Is AFAC?
The Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil (AFAC) is Mexico's national civil aviation authority.
AFAC is responsible for regulating civil aviation within Mexico and overseeing aviation safety throughout the country.
Among its responsibilities are:
Aircraft registration
Airworthiness oversight
Aviation regulations
Aviation safety
Maintenance organization oversight
Licensing
Certification
Flight operations oversight
AFAC plays an essential role in ensuring the safety and continued growth of Mexico's aviation industry.
What Is the FAA?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the civil aviation authority of the United States.
Like AFAC, the FAA is responsible for promoting aviation safety and regulating civil aviation.
The FAA oversees:
Aircraft certification
Airworthiness
Flight operations
Mechanic certification
Pilot certification
Repair stations
Aviation safety standards
Aviation regulations
One of the FAA's best-known certifications is the Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic Certificate, which is required for many aircraft maintenance positions involving U.S.-registered aircraft.
Different Countries, Different Responsibilities
One of the most important things to understand is that:
AFAC and the FAA serve different countries.
AFAC regulates aviation in Mexico.
The FAA regulates aviation in the United States.
Neither organization replaces the other.
Instead, each authority oversees aviation operations within its own regulatory system.
Is an AFAC License the Same as an FAA A&P?
No.
Although both certifications involve aircraft maintenance, they are issued under different regulatory systems.
An AFAC license authorizes maintenance activities under Mexican aviation regulations.
An FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate authorizes maintenance privileges under United States Federal Aviation Regulations.
They are separate credentials.
Does That Mean My AFAC Experience Has No Value?
Absolutely not.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions we hear.
Your experience and your license are two different things.
Your AFAC license demonstrates professional qualifications within Mexico.
Your aircraft maintenance experience demonstrates the practical knowledge you've developed throughout your career.
When evaluating applicants through the FAA experience pathway, the FAA reviews an applicant's practical maintenance background and supporting documentation—not simply whether they hold an AFAC license.
Every applicant is evaluated individually.
Why Do U.S. Airlines Require an FAA A&P?
Aircraft registered in the United States generally require maintenance performed in accordance with FAA regulations.
For this reason, many U.S. airlines require Aircraft Maintenance Technicians to hold an FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate.
This helps ensure maintenance is performed by mechanics certificated under the FAA regulatory system.
For Mexican technicians interested in pursuing careers with U.S. operators, understanding the FAA certification process becomes an important career step.
Can Mexican Experience Help Me Earn an FAA Certificate?
In many cases, it may.
The FAA evaluates practical aircraft maintenance experience along with supporting documentation.
Examples of qualifying experience may include work involving:
Commercial airlines
Cargo aviation
Corporate aviation
Helicopter maintenance
Maintenance Repair & Overhaul facilities
Government aviation
Military aviation
The important factor is documenting your maintenance experience clearly and accurately.
Where America's Best AMT Mexico Fits
America's Best AMT Mexico does not replace AFAC.
We do not issue FAA certificates.
We do not issue AFAC licenses.
Instead, we serve as a bridge between experienced aviation professionals and the FAA certification process.
We help applicants understand:
FAA regulations
Documentation expectations
Certification pathways
Examination preparation
Career planning
Our mission is to educate professionals so they can make informed decisions about their careers.
Respecting Both Systems
At America's Best Aviation Group, we believe both AFAC and the FAA play essential roles in global aviation safety.
Mexico has developed a strong aviation industry supported by skilled professionals, quality maintenance organizations, and respected regulatory oversight.
Likewise, the FAA has established one of the world's most recognized aviation certification systems.
Rather than comparing one system against another, we believe understanding both creates greater opportunities for aviation professionals who wish to expand their careers internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an AFAC license recognized by the FAA?
An AFAC license and an FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate are separate credentials issued by different aviation authorities. Holding one does not automatically grant the other.
Can my experience in Mexico be valuable?
Absolutely.
Years of practical aircraft maintenance experience are valuable.
The FAA evaluates each applicant individually based on practical experience and documentation.
Should I keep my AFAC license?
Yes.
Many aviation professionals maintain credentials relevant to the countries and organizations where they work.
Why should I consider an FAA A&P certificate?
For technicians interested in expanding career opportunities involving U.S.-registered aircraft or employers that require FAA certification, an FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate can be an important professional credential.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between AFAC and the FAA is not about choosing one over the other.
It is about understanding how each organization serves the aviation industry within its respective country.
Mexico's aviation professionals have earned a reputation for technical ability, professionalism, and dedication to safety.
For many experienced technicians, learning how that experience may fit within the FAA certification pathway opens the door to new possibilities.
At America's Best AMT Mexico, our mission is to help experienced aviation professionals understand those possibilities while providing education, guidance, and support throughout the FAA certification journey.
Because no matter where your career begins, we believe every aviation professional deserves the opportunity to continue growing.
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