Category: Aviation Maintenance Technician School

  • Gavilan College

    Gavilan College

    Gavilan College, located in Gilroy, California, offers an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technology program at its dedicated facility at the San Martin Airport. The program is distinguished by its focused learning environment and its comprehensive coverage of both airframe and powerplant mechanics. Gavilan’s curriculum is designed to move students through the required FAA training hours efficiently while ensuring a deep mastery of aircraft structures, electrical systems, and propulsion.

    The program at Gavilan emphasizes the craft of the mechanic, focusing on safety, precision, and regulatory compliance. Students gain hands-on experience in a real-world airport setting, which helps bridge the gap between classroom theory and professional practice. Graduates of Gavilan’s AMT program are well-positioned for careers in California’s vibrant general aviation and corporate flight sectors, as well as roles with major commercial carriers. The school’s reputation for producing reliable, technically sound technicians makes it a cornerstone of the regional aerospace training infrastructure.

  • Johnson College

    Johnson College

    Johnson College’s Aviation Technology program is designed for students who want a direct path into the aircraft maintenance workforce while building toward FAA mechanic certification. Training is delivered with a strong learn by doing emphasis and is aligned to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Mechanics Airman Certification Standard (ACS), the knowledge framework used for the general, airframe, and powerplant exams. Students develop core maintenance competencies across aircraft structures, systems, engines, materials, and shop procedures while also learning the documentation and safety habits that are expected in professional maintenance environments.

    A key differentiator of Johnson’s program is the setting for hands-on work. The college notes that classes and labs take place inside a hangar at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, creating an environment where students can practice maintenance tasks in a real aviation facility rather than only in a classroom. The curriculum sequence shown in Johnson’s program sheet includes electrical and electronics fundamentals, regulations and inspection techniques, metallic and non-metallic structures, airframe systems, and both reciprocating and turbine engines. Students also cover supporting topics such as weight and balance, computer-aided design, and professional communication. This combination helps students build both the technical skill set for maintenance tasks and the communication and problem-solving skills needed to work effectively on a team.

    Johnson positions the program as preparation for the FAA licensure exams for general, airframe, and powerplant knowledge. That makes the program a fit for students aiming at the common Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) credential pathway and for those who want a structured progression through the required subject areas. The program sheet indicates a fall-start term layout and notes that spring starters may need an additional term to complete requirements, which is helpful when planning a start date.

    Career outcomes are described in practical terms: graduates commonly pursue roles such as aircraft maintenance technician, aircraft mechanic, airframe and powerplant mechanic, helicopter mechanic, and related positions in general aviation, airlines, manufacturers, repair stations, and restoration organizations. For prospective students, the program page provides direct faculty contact information and encourages arranging a campus visit and information session so applicants can understand admission requirements, expectations, and the day-to-day training environment before enrolling.

  • Marshall University Aviation Maintenance Technology Program

    Marshall University Aviation Maintenance Technology Program

    Marshall University offers an Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) that is designed for students who want a college degree and a clear pathway toward FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification. The program is described as a joint offering between Marshall University and Mountwest Community and Technical College, combining academic coursework with applied, hands-on aviation maintenance training. The stated goal is straightforward: help students build the knowledge and practical skill needed to become eligible for FAA testing for A&P licensure and to enter the workforce as aviation maintenance professionals.

    On Marshall’s aviation program page, the AMT degree is presented as a 24-month, hands-on training program, with training housed at Huntington Tri-State Airport. That airport-based setting matters because it aligns students with the environment they will work in after graduation around aircraft, tools, and maintenance workflows rather than learning only in traditional classrooms. The program highlights a comprehensive curriculum that covers airframe, powerplant, and avionics topics, alongside instruction delivered by faculty with industry experience. For students, that combination often translates into training that is both structured and practical: learn the systems, then apply the procedures in a lab or shop setting similar to real maintenance operations.

    Marshall emphasizes that graduates are eligible to take FAA exams for A&P licensure, and it positions that credential as a gateway to careers across general aviation, commercial airlines, manufacturers, repair stations, and structural repair facilities. The program also highlights employer engagement and job placement support. It notes relationships with employers such as Delta Air Lines, Embraer, Thoroughbred Aviation, and others, with industry representatives visiting in person or virtually to help students understand career options and connect with recruiters while still enrolled.

    The program’s messaging also reflects the broader demand for aviation maintenance talent and the portability of A&P credentials. For prospective students, the most important takeaway is that Marshall’s AMT A.A.S. is set up as a degree-plus-licensure pathway: complete the associate degree coursework, receive intensive hands-on maintenance training in an airport setting, and graduate prepared to pursue FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification and start building a career in aviation maintenance.

    Another important feature is the partnership structure itself. Because Mountwest Community and Technical College is involved, students are guided through an admissions process that includes both institutions, and financial aid administration is described as running through MCTC. For many students, that arrangement can combine the resources of a university with the career-technical focus of a community college. If your goal is to work on aircraft as quickly as possible while still earning a college credential, this dual-institution model is designed to keep the timeline tight while still providing broad academic and career support.

  • Utah State University

    Utah State University

    Utah State University (USU) provides an FAA-certified Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree. The program is distinguished by its 2,030 lab hours, ensuring students receive extensive hands-on experience in aircraft structures, propulsion systems, and advanced aerodynamics. Operating across multiple campuses, including Logan and Price, USU prepares students for the full range of FAA Airframe and Powerplant licensure exams. The curriculum also integrates computer literacy and management courses, providing a well-rounded foundation for career advancement into supervisory roles.

    Students at USU gain practical expertise in sheet metal fabrication, composite repair, and the troubleshooting of complex electrical and hydraulic systems. The program’s proximity to regional aviation centers allows for frequent interaction with industry professionals, helping students transition smoothly into the workforce. Graduates find success in diverse sectors, working as maintenance technicians for major airlines, corporate flight departments, and even government agencies like the FAA. By combining a traditional university experience with world-class technical training, Utah State remains a top destination for those seeking a professional career in aviation maintenance.

  • Antelope Valley College

    Antelope Valley College

    Antelope Valley College (AVC) in Lancaster, California, hosts one of the few community college programs in the nation offering advanced instruction in composites fabrication and repair. As an FAA Part 147 certified facility located in the heart of “Aerospace Valley,” AVC is strategically positioned to train students for roles with legendary aerospace firms such as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and NASA. The program leads to Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification, with a curriculum that reflects the cutting-edge needs of the advanced manufacturing and defense sectors.

    Beyond the traditional A&P training, AVC offers a unique bachelor’s degree in Airframe Manufacturing Technology, providing a higher-level educational track for technicians seeking to work in aircraft design and production. The college’s facilities feature specialized labs for sheet metal, composites, and electronics, allowing students to work with the same materials and processes used on modern stealth and commercial aircraft. AVC’s strong ties to the neighboring Edwards Air Force Base and Plant 42 ensure that graduates are at the forefront of the aerospace workforce, prepared for high-stakes roles in the global aviation industry.

  • Chandler Gilbert Community College

    Chandler Gilbert Community College

    Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) hosts the sole FAA-certified Aviation Maintenance Technology program in the East Valley of Phoenix, based at the specialized Williams Campus. Located at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, the program offers students a unique, immersive learning experience with direct access to major aerospace partners like Boeing and Gulfstream. CGCC provides both Associate in Applied Science degrees and certificates that can be completed in approximately 30 months, covering everything from aviation physics and regulations to advanced jet engine troubleshooting.

    The curriculum at CGCC emphasizes practical laboratory training with industry-standard equipment, focusing on the precision and safety required for successful FAA licensure. Students master aircraft weight and balance, composite structures, and modern avionics navigation systems in small class environments that facilitate personalized instruction. The program also hosts the annual Greater Southwest Aviation Maintenance Technician Symposium, providing students with exceptional networking and continuing education opportunities. CGCC’s strong reputation and its location in a major aerospace cluster ensure that its graduates are well-positioned for immediate entry into high-paying maintenance and management roles.

  • George Stone Technical College

    George Stone Technical College

    George Stone Technical College (in Pensacola, Florida) offers FAA-aligned aviation maintenance training through separate Aviation Airframe Mechanics and Aviation Powerplant Mechanics programs. The Airframe program is clearly structured as a full-time, day schedule and is designed to prepare students for the FAA General and Airframe written, oral, and practical examinations. The school also publishes concrete program details-hours, schedule, and contact information-making it easier for prospective students to plan around work and family commitments.

    For an aviation maintenance student, the key takeaway is that George Stone is built around the Part 147 framework. The Airframe program is listed as 1,350 hours, and the description explicitly ties the curriculum to FAR Part 147 requirements and the FAA testing pathway. That’s exactly what you want to see when evaluating training quality: a curriculum that follows FAA minimums, a documented lab component, and clear expectations around attendance and hands-on work.

    The published Airframe schedule (8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday) is a practical differentiator. Many prospective students underestimate how demanding maintenance training is; a consistent daytime schedule helps you build the habits needed for professional maintenance work-showing up on time, working safely, documenting properly, and maintaining steady progress through a structured sequence. The program also emphasizes that shop and laboratory activities are integral to training, including instruction in the use of tools, equipment, and processes found in aviation maintenance environments.

    In terms of what you’ll study, the Airframe pathway focuses on aircraft structures and systems. Students typically spend time on inspection standards, sheet metal and composite concepts, landing gear and brake systems, flight control systems, hydraulics and pneumatics, electrical fundamentals, and the documentation practices that keep aviation safe. Just as importantly, the program description reinforces a reality that catches many newcomers off guard: schools do not “grant” permission to take FAA tests-you earn eligibility by graduating from an FAA-approved program or by qualifying through documented experience. That’s why a Part 147 program with a clear curriculum and completion requirements matters.

    George Stone is a strong fit for students who want a traditional, full-time daytime structure and a program that is explicit about hours, schedule, costs, and FAA exam alignment. If you’re aiming for a full A&P, ask the school how the Airframe and Powerplant programs sequence together, how long it typically takes to complete both ratings, and whether you can transition directly from one program to the other after finishing the General/Airframe portion. With those details confirmed, you can build a clear timeline from first day of class to FAA testing and entry-level employment.

  • Kansas State University Salina

    Kansas State University Salina

    Kansas State University Salina (the Aerospace and Technology Campus in Salina, Kansas) offers aviation maintenance education through Professional Education and Outreach, including an Aviation Maintenance Certification Program. This campus is known for aerospace-focused technical training and applied learning, and its maintenance programming is designed to serve students who want a structured pathway into aircraft maintenance work with a focus on FAA-aligned knowledge and practical skills.

    The aviation maintenance certification program covers core subject matter commonly associated with airframe and powerplant training. Program materials emphasize the breadth of maintenance topics students should expect, including airframe structures, airframe systems, and associated inspection and troubleshooting concepts. Because maintenance training is inherently hands-on, students should anticipate lab-based learning in addition to classroom instruction. K‑State Salina’s setting as an aerospace and technology campus supports that applied approach-many students choose Salina specifically because the campus culture, facilities, and peer group are oriented toward aviation and technical careers.

    For prospective students, the most important first step is verifying the exact credential outcome and how the certification program aligns with FAA requirements and testing eligibility. Some university aviation maintenance programs are organized as certification programs, professional training offerings, or degree concentrations rather than a traditional community-college AAS structure. K‑State Salina provides a program overview and a contact point through Professional Education and Outreach, which makes it easier to confirm current curriculum structure, enrollment windows, and any prerequisites.

    Another key consideration is how the program fits into your long-term plan. Students who want a quick entry into the workforce may prioritize direct certification and FAA exam readiness. Students who want additional academic options may look for ways the training connects to other aerospace degrees or advanced technical study. K‑State Salina’s campus structure can support both approaches, but the “best fit” depends on your goals: immediate technician employment, long-term progression into leadership roles, or using maintenance expertise as a foundation for related aviation careers.

    Location and support services also matter. The Salina campus has clear published contact information and standard weekday office hours, which is helpful for students planning a move, evaluating housing, or coordinating with family and work obligations. Before committing, students should ask about typical weekly schedule expectations (daytime hours vs. any evening options), tool or materials requirements, and local industry connections for internships or employment.

    In short, Kansas State University Salina is a solid option for students who want maintenance training within a specialized aerospace campus environment, prefer a university-affiliated program structure, and want direct access to program staff who can clarify the certification pathway and next steps.