An aviation maintenance technology (AMT) associate's degree prepares graduates to inspect and troubleshoot air crafts. Read about key skills, topics you will study, possible careers, and the career outlook is with this degree.
What Does an Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) Associate's Degree Program Involve?
In this associate's degree program, you will learn the skills necessary to secure an entry-level maintenance position at an airline, air transport/cargo company, government agency, manufacturer, corporate office or military base. This degree will help you learn how to perform inspections and identify problems with air frames, controls, engines and other power generating systems and devices. You will also learn how to work with and repair landing gear and electrical systems on airplanes.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Skills Learned</b></td><td>Perform inspections, diagnose problems, repair landing gear</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Airplane welding, aviation physics, ground operations</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Possible Careers</b></td><td>Aircraft mechanic, maintenance supervisor, FAA repairer</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)*</b></td><td>$66,680 (<i>for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)*</b></td><td>5% growth (<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---WhatWillIStudy">What Will I Study?</h3><p>Once you are enrolled in an aviation maintenance technology (AMT) associate's degree program, you will take courses that will instruct you on how to handle upkeep and repairs on aircraft. The AMT program helps combine hands-on-training with basic coursework that encompasses general education courses and aviation-specific ones. Potential courses that you may take include:
</p><ul><li>General aviation maintenance
</li><li>Airplane welding
</li><li>Ground operations
</li><li>Federal aviation regulations
</li><li>Aviation physics
</li><li>Aviation mathematics
</li><li>Aircraft composites
</li></ul><p>The AMT program will also teach skills to help maintain aircraft safety by performing preventive and regular maintenance services including inspection, diagnosis, servicing, and testing. You will also take courses on materials, hydraulics, electricity and landing gear systems. This program will also teach you how to work on commercial, private and government aircraft and ensure that your skills meet the regulations and standards of the FAA. Because of the hands-on requirements, there are no online options in this field
</p><h3 id="section---WhereCanIWork">Where Can I Work?</h3><p>After you have completed an AMT associate's degree program, you will be qualified to obtain an entry-level position in aviation. Your degree when paired with on-the-job experience can help you to quickly move up within the industry. Possible careers that you may find include:
</p><ul><li>Aircraft mechanic
</li><li>FAA repairer
</li><li>Line mechanic
</li><li>Maintenance scheduler
</li><li>Maintenance supervisor
</li><li>Field service technician
</li></ul><p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that jobs for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations in 2019-2029 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). The BLS also reports that air traffic is expected to increase gradually over the coming decade, and will require additional aircraft maintenance, including that performed on new aircraft and job opportunities are expected to be good because there will be a need to replace those workers leaving the occupation.</p>
