Many well-known schools in the U.S. offer programs for aviation mechanics. These programs train students in the area of aircraft maintenance and prepare them for certification in airframe maintenance technology or powerplant maintenance technology by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Read on for more information.
Well-Known Schools for Aviation Mechanics
Individuals interested in becoming aviation mechanics can acquire an education in aviation technology through undergraduate degree and training programs. Aviation mechanics typically work in the transportation industry and have the skills and knowledge required to develop and maintain aerospace vehicles. Three of the largest schools offering aviation mechanics programs include the City College of San Francisco in California, Portland Community College in Oregon and Purdue Global's College of Technology in West Lafayette, Indiana.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutAviationMechanicsDegrees">Important Facts About Aviation Mechanics Degrees</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Degree Levels </td><td> Associate's degree, bachelor's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td> Degree Fields of Study </td><td> Aviation maintenance technology, aeronautical engineering technology</td></tr>
<tr><td> Prerequisites </td><td> High school diploma or equivalent, possible placement test</td></tr>
<tr><td> Possible Careers </td><td> Airframe design engineer, aviation maintenance technician, logistics engineer, manufacturer technical representative, quality assurance</td></tr>
<tr><td> Continuing Education </td><td> Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mechanic certification</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $65,550 (<i>for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (20212031)</td><td> 6% (<i>for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---CityCollegeOfSanFrancisco">City College of San Francisco</h3><p>The City College of San Francisco offers 2-year training programs in aircraft maintenance technology preparing students for careers in maintenance, quality insurance or as manufacturer representatives. Students choose to concentrate in either airframe or powerplant maintenance. The programs lead to either a certificate or an Associate of Science in Aircraft Maintenance Technology. Students are prepared to transfer to 4-year universities or to sit for the FAA certification exams. Coursework includes:
</p><ul><li>Aircraft maintenance
</li><li>Electrical systems
</li><li>Propulsion systems
</li><li>Propeller maintenance
</li><li>Metal structures
</li><li>Hydraulics
</li></ul><h3 id="section---PortlandCommunityCollege">Portland Community College</h3><p>Portland Community College offers certificate or Associate of Applied Science degree programs in aviation maintenance technology. A 1-year certificate offers specializations in either airframe or powerplant technology, while the 2-year certificate and associate's degree programs cover both areas.
</p><p>Students who complete the program are prepared for FAA certification in these two areas. The airframe track covers layout and fabrication materials, hydraulics and other components. The powerplant track includes engine maintenance, electrical systems and fuel systems. Other topics include:
</p><ul><li>Aircraft applied science
</li><li>Composite structures
</li><li>Hydraulics, landing gear and pneumatics
</li><li>Sheet metal
</li><li>Turbine engines
</li><li>Shop practices
</li></ul><h3 id="section---PurdueUniversitySCollegeOfTechnology">Purdue Global's College of Technology</h3><p>The Department of Aviation Technology at Purdue's College of Technology in West Lafayette, Indiana, offers a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering technology. The degree program focuses on maintenance and manufacturing in the aviation and aerospace industry. It includes FAA-approved coursework preparing students for maintenance certification. In addition to courses in aircraft science, materials and construction, students study math, computers and communication. The curriculum includes:
</p><ul><li>Aviation technology
</li><li>Electrical theory
</li><li>Aircraft materials
</li><li>Powerplant systems
</li><li>Maintenance practices
</li><li>Industry infrastructure</li></ul>
