![Corey Sampson firmly believes that A&Ps who hold a PPL have a better all-around understanding of aircraft. [Credit: Corey Sampson]](https://tbh.express/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Pilot-and-AP-The-Dual-Certificated-Edge.jpeg "Pilot and A&P: The Dual-Certificated Edge")
One of the adages of aviation is the more certificates you hold, the more employable you become. This is particularly true if you hold one for Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) in addition to being a pilot. At the FBO level, the A&P who holds a pilot certificate and maintains currency is always in demand.
Sometimes, that person didn’t intend to become a pilot but after taking flight in a small airplane decided it is something they’d like to do. It was that way for Corey Sampson, who holds an A&P/IA (inspection authority) and works for Delta Air Lines as a senior specialist for technical services.
