The Aircraft Painters Association is dedicated to professionalizing the aircraft painting trade through hands-on, industry-recognized certification training.
APA is an industry-recognized certification organization that delivers immersive, hands-on training on real customer aircraft alongside professional crews. We give students the skills, credentials, and confidence to enter or grow in the aviation paint industry.
Our three-level certification program takes students from foundational observation through advanced techniques to independent project leadership — all on real aircraft, with real crews, on real jobs. No simulations. No shortcuts.
Our certification program is a collaboration between two organizations with deep roots in aviation painting.
Curriculum · Certification · Platform Marketing · Student Support
Facility · Live Aircraft · Instructors · Safety Oversight · Insurance
Every hour of training happens on actual customer aircraft — not in a lab, not on a simulator. You build genuine experience from day one.
With a maximum of 8 students per cohort, you get hands-on attention from instructors and meaningful crew participation.
Three levels that stack on each other — building from apprentice skills to full project leadership. A clear path forward at every stage.