Category: Aviation Maintenance Technician School

  • Federal Aerospace Institute

    Federal Aerospace Institute

    The Federal Aerospace Institute (FAI), located at the Toledo Express Airport in Ohio, provides an elite FAA Part 147 certified Aviation Maintenance Technician program. FAI is dedicated to cultivating professional excellence through a rigorous curriculum that balances theoretical classroom instruction with intensive hands-on training. With a faculty of FAA-certified instructors who bring over a century of collective industry experience, students receive high-level mentorship in the inspection, repair, and overhaul of both airframe and powerplant systems.

    The program offers flexible scheduling options, including a 12-month day track and a 20-month evening track, catering to both full-time students and working professionals. FAI’s facilities are equipped with modern diagnostic tools and authentic aircraft, ensuring that students master both traditional techniques and the latest aerospace technologies. Graduates of FAI boast a nearly 100% employment rate, securing roles with major commercial airlines, cargo operators, and corporate flight departments, where they are recognized for their technical proficiency and commitment to aviation safety.

  • Warren Tech South

    Warren Tech South

    Warren Tech South, part of Jeffco Public Schools in Colorado, offers an Aircraft Maintenance Technology program within its career and technical education (CTE) portfolio. The program is presented as a hands-on pathway for students who want to learn aircraft maintenance and repair in a practical setting, including working in a real aircraft hangar environment. Warren Tech’s program description emphasizes mechanical systems maintenance and repair and highlights the use of tools and real-world project work that mirrors the kind of environment students will encounter in aviation or aerospace maintenance roles. citeturn1search0turn1search16

    The Aircraft Maintenance Technology program page lists a wide range of skill areas students may encounter, including turbine and reciprocating engines, aircraft finishes, sheet metal, welding, landing gear, hydraulics, and propellers. That breadth is important because modern maintenance roles require technicians to move between airframe structures, powerplant-related systems, and aircraft subsystems while maintaining a strong safety mindset and documentation discipline. Even in a CTE setting, exposure to these domains can be valuable preparation for entry-level employment, apprenticeships, or continued training in postsecondary FAA Part 147 programs. citeturn1search0

    Warren Tech South’s location information is published on the school’s site, including the Littleton, Colorado address and phone number for the South campus. This is particularly useful for families who need to plan transportation and understand where students will be attending their pathway training. Because Warren Tech operates multiple campuses and programs, students should verify the specific campus assignment for Aircraft Maintenance Technology, as well as the daily schedule, prerequisites, and fees associated with participation (CTE programs often have program-specific fees for supplies, safety equipment, or tools). citeturn1search16turn1search4

    Prospective students should also treat the Warren Tech program as a pathway: it may be designed to build foundational skills, safety culture, and exposure rather than to function identically to an adult FAA Part 147 certificate program. For students who want to become FAA-certified A&P mechanics, a key next step after a CTE pathway is typically to enroll in an FAA-approved aviation maintenance school or to pursue other FAA-recognized routes to eligibility, depending on individual circumstances. Warren Tech can still be a strong starting point because it introduces the vocabulary, tool use, and hands-on habits that differentiate successful maintenance students-attention to detail, teamwork, and methodical troubleshooting-while helping students confirm that aviation maintenance is a good personal fit before investing in longer postsecondary training. citeturn1search0

  • Arkansas State University Mid-South

    Arkansas State University Mid-South

    Arkansas State University Mid-South’s Aviation Maintenance program is designed for students who want a direct path to FAA certification and an entry-level career as an aircraft mechanic (A&P). The school positions the program around one core promise: get you ready to sit for the FAA Airframe & Powerplant exams and start working in the aviation industry in as little as 24 months. That two-year timeline matters if you’re eager to move quickly from training into a paid role, but it’s paired with a curriculum that intentionally builds from fundamentals into complex systems so you’re not rushed through the why, only to struggle when you hit real-world troubleshooting.

    The program begins with aircraft familiarization and the basics that every mechanic needs: math, physics, and foundational aircraft electricity. From there, coursework expands into airframe and powerplant competencies, including hydraulics, landing gear, flight controls, and the teardown, inspection, build-up, and testing of both reciprocating and turbine engines. In other words, students don’t just memorize component names they learn how aircraft systems behave, how failures present, and how to interpret what they see through the lens of FAA regulations and maintenance standards.

    A key strength of ASU Mid-South is its laddered credential structure. Students can work toward a Certificate of Proficiency in General Aviation Maintenance Technology (the general knowledge base), then advance into technical certificates focused on Airframe or Powerplant, and ultimately complete the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Aviation Maintenance Technology. That stackable approach helps students choose the pace and scope that fits their life: some may want to begin working sooner with a certificate, while others prefer an AAS that supports advancement into leadership, inspection, training, or safety-related roles later on.

    Cost transparency is also a practical consideration. ASU Mid-South publishes tuition rates per credit hour (with different rates for local, in-state, metro-area, and out-of-state residents), which helps prospective students estimate expenses based on the number of credits they plan to take. Like most aviation maintenance programs, students should also expect lab fees, tools, and books to be part of the overall investment, especially as training becomes more hands-on in airframe and engine labs.

    For students who want a focused, FAA-certified pathway with a clear two-year finish line and who value a credential ladder that supports both quick entry and long-term growth ASU Mid-South offers a straightforward, career-first aviation maintenance option in West Memphis.

  • Charlotte Technical College

    Charlotte Technical College

    Charlotte Technical College (CTC) in Charlotte County, Florida offers aviation maintenance training that builds toward FAA mechanic eligibility by covering the core areas required for Airframe and Powerplant careers. The aviation maintenance program operates through CTC’s aviation maintenance technical school location at the Punta Gorda Airport area, which gives students proximity to a real aviation operating environment and reinforces the practical nature of the profession. CTC’s aviation maintenance pathway is structured in components that align with the way mechanics are trained: General fundamentals first, followed by deeper specialization in Airframe and Powerplant. Students typically complete the General curriculum and then progress into airframe-focused training (structures, electrical basics, rigging, and aircraft systems) and powerplant-focused training (reciprocating and turbine engine concepts, fuel and ignition systems, inspection and troubleshooting). The total training hours are designed to meet FAA requirements for testing eligibility when the full pathway is completed. A meaningful differentiator is that CTC provides adult training options and, in some cases, evening availability. For working students, evening options can be the difference between enrolling now versus postponing for years. The best step is to request the current cohort calendar and confirm which blocks are offered in day versus evening formats, since technical programs often rotate schedules by term. Career outcomes are a major reason students choose programs like CTC. Florida’s aviation economy includes airports, MRO activity, business aviation, and proximity to larger airline and aerospace hubs across the state. Completing an FAA-aligned training path and earning the A&P credential can open doors to a wide range of roles: GA maintenance shops, repair stations, regional airline support, and specialized maintenance niches. The most successful students also develop “soft skills” during training-reliable attendance, strong documentation habits, safe work practices, and disciplined troubleshooting-which are exactly what employers look for in new hires. If you are comparing CTC to other programs, ask for a written breakdown of total hours, expected completion timeline for full A&P eligibility, tuition/fees, and what tools or uniforms are required. Also ask how the school supports students preparing for FAA written, oral, and practical exams, and whether there are local testing resources and employer connections for placement after graduation. If you are comparing A&P options, a practical way to evaluate fit is to confirm the FAA Part 147 approval status, ask how the curriculum is sequenced (General, Airframe, Powerplant), and request a calendar showing start dates and daily class times. You can also ask whether the school helps schedule FAA written, oral, and practical testing after each phase, what tools or uniforms are required, and what employers typically recruit from recent graduating cohorts. Finally, confirm total estimated costs (tuition, fees, books, tools) and whether financial aid, scholarships, veteran benefits, or payment plans are available for your situation. These details make it much easier to compare programs apples-to-apples and choose the path that matches your timeline, budget, and long-term career goals.

  • Lenoir Community College

    Lenoir Community College

  • George T. Baker Aviation Technical College

    George T. Baker Aviation Technical College

    George T. Baker Aviation Technical College in Miami, Florida is an established aviation-focused technical school that offers FAA-approved training pathways toward Airframe and Powerplant certification. The school publishes a clear overview of how its maintenance curriculum is structured: a General curriculum (required as a prerequisite), plus dedicated Airframe and Powerplant programs. The program description also lays out the FAA-approved hour breakdown-450 hours for General, 900 for Airframe, and 900 for Powerplant-which is helpful because it aligns with the FAA Part 147 model for mechanic certificate eligibility. citeturn19search2

    One of the biggest planning advantages at Baker is flexibility. The school notes that students may enroll part-time or full-time, which can be a major factor for working adults who need a maintenance program that can fit around a job. External schedule listings also indicate both daytime and evening class blocks, reinforcing that there are options beyond a single daytime cohort. When you’re comparing schools, that matters because it affects your completion timeline and your ability to stay employed while you train. citeturn19search2turn19search7

    In terms of time-to-completion, Baker’s published catalog guidance is useful for setting expectations. For students pursuing both Airframe and Powerplant, the catalog describes roughly a 2.5-year completion timeline when attending as a full-time student (with longer timelines for part-time attendance). Converting that to a planning number, a typical full-time path to both ratings is about 30 months. This is consistent with the reality that mastering both airframe and powerplant systems is a large body of knowledge and hands-on skill development. citeturn19search6

    The curriculum itself is designed to prepare you for real maintenance work. General training typically builds the baseline: electricity, drawings, weight and balance, materials and processes, maintenance forms and records, regulations, and shop safety. Airframe training then expands into structures and aircraft systems-sheet metal, composites, landing gear, hydraulics, pneumatics, cabin systems, and inspection. Powerplant training adds the engine side-reciprocating and turbine theory, engine inspection and troubleshooting, fuel metering, ignition, propellers, and the systems that support reliable engine operation. The end goal is to prepare students to sit for FAA written/oral/practical tests and to enter the workforce with the competence to work safely under supervision in shops, repair stations, and aviation employers.

    George T. Baker is a strong choice for students who want a defined FAA-aligned curriculum with published hour breakdowns and the possibility of day and evening scheduling. If your goal is the full A&P, the best next step is to confirm how the school sequences General, Airframe, and Powerplant in your preferred schedule (full-time vs. part-time) and to ask what support they provide for test preparation and placement into entry-level maintenance roles after completion.

  • Kirkwood Community College

    Kirkwood Community College

    Kirkwood Community College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is built for students who want an FAA-focused pathway into aircraft maintenance with a strong mix of classroom learning and hangar-based training. Kirkwood describes aviation mechanics as professionals who inspect and maintain major aircraft systems including engines, landing gear, instruments, electrical systems, pressurized sections, and more. The program is structured as a two-year option that includes hands-on instruction in an airplane hangar at the Eastern Iowa Airport along with coursework at Kirkwood, giving students repeated exposure to real equipment and maintenance workflows.

    Kirkwood offers multiple credential paths inside the same aviation maintenance track. Students can pursue the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or choose a shorter credential depending on their goals. On the program page, Kirkwood also lists specific airframe and powerplant pathway options (including an airframe diploma and a powerplant certificate), which can be useful for students who want to complete one rating first or who need a modular approach due to work or family constraints. No matter which path a student chooses, the program is framed around preparation for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification exam, which is the central credential requirement for many aircraft mechanic positions.

    The Kirkwood program page includes a detailed cost table for the 2025-26 school year, including estimates for tuition, program fees, testing fees, tools, and uniforms. This is helpful for comparing the total cost of attendance items that often surprise students, such as required tool sets and exam fees. The page also highlights that admissions into the program requires completing a program conference (video or Zoom), which acts as an onboarding step so applicants understand expectations, prerequisites, and how admission priority is determined.

    From a career standpoint, Kirkwood positions graduates for work with national or regional airlines, government contractors, overhaul facilities, and local maintenance shops. The college also encourages student participation in SkillsUSA, a workforce development organization that supports technical skill building, leadership development, and competition opportunities. This co-curricular option can be valuable for students who want to build a resume and professional network while training.

    For prospective students evaluating locations and logistics, Kirkwood provides clear campus contact information and lists its main campus address and phone number for admissions and general inquiries. Students who want to compare credential options, estimate costs, and understand the pathway to FAA testing will find the Kirkwood program page a strong starting point for research and next steps.

  • Great Oaks Joint Vocational School

    Great Oaks Joint Vocational School

    The Laurel Oaks Career Campus of Great Oaks provides a premier Aviation Maintenance Technician program in Wilmington, Ohio, that serves as a vital training hub for the regional aerospace industry. This FAA-approved program is designed to equip students with the comprehensive skills needed to maintain, repair, and overhaul complex aircraft systems, ranging from traditional piston-powered planes to modern jumbo jets. Through a unique partnership with Southern State Community College, students can also pursue an Associate degree while gaining credit for their technical training.

    The curriculum at Laurel Oaks covers a wide range of critical topics, including airframe structures, advanced hydraulics, avionics systems, and basic aerospace welding. Students gain significant experience in a professional hangar environment, working with materials like wood, metal, aluminum, and advanced carbon fiber composites. The program emphasizes both technical execution and aircraft ground handling safety, ensuring that graduates are prepared for the high-accountability world of aircraft maintenance. Many graduates from Laurel Oaks successfully transition into roles at certified repair stations, major air freight companies, or pursue specialized military aviation careers.

  • Helena College University of Montana

    Helena College University of Montana

    Helena College University of Montana features the only FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technology program in the state, located at a dedicated hangar at the Helena Regional Airport. The program is specifically directed at training entry-level technicians for the light utility helicopter industry and general aviation sectors. Helena College offers both a comprehensive certificate track and an Associate of Applied Science degree, focusing on the high-level mechanical skills required to maintain airworthiness in the unique operating environments of the Northwest.

    The training at Helena College is characterized by its immersive, five-term curriculum that provides 1,900 hours of intensive coursework. Students gain hands-on experience in aircraft restoration, aerial firefighting support, and commuter airline systems, preparing them for the diverse challenges of the regional aerospace industry. The program’s faculty emphasizes the ethical and professional responsibilities of the aircraft mechanic, focusing on precision, accountability, and the mastery of safety-critical systems. By producing technically sound and safety-focused technicians, Helena College remains a cornerstone of the Montana aviation community, supporting the critical needs of both civilian and government flight operations.

  • Augusta Technical College

    Augusta Technical College

    Augusta Technical College provides FAA 14 CFR Part 147 aviation maintenance training through its Aviation Technology Training Center, which the college notes is located on its Thomson Campus. The program description highlights a purpose-built facility with classrooms and multiple labs, including equipment and aircraft used to satisfy FAA training requirements. For prospective students, this “facility-first” emphasis is important: aviation maintenance is a hands-on trade, and the quality and availability of lab space and training aircraft directly affect your day-to-day learning experience.

    Augusta Tech is also transparent about how its offerings are structured. The aviation page outlines multiple program options: technical certificates of credit for specific paths (including Airframe-only and Powerplant-only options) and a degree/diploma pathway under Aviation Maintenance Technology. For students who want the full mechanic certificate with both ratings, the page states that the complete Airframe and Powerplant course requires six semesters. Converted to a standard timeline, six semesters is typically about 24 months for full-time study. That gives students a concrete planning number for budgeting, scheduling work, and setting expectations around how quickly they can reach FAA testing.

    Program content is described as a blend of theory and practical application, with graduates prepared to inspect, troubleshoot, service, maintain, and repair certificated aircraft and aircraft engines and their associated systems. In practical terms, students in a Part 147 environment should expect to learn maintenance documentation and regulations, inspection standards, tool and hardware practices, corrosion control, structural repair concepts, aircraft electrical fundamentals, and system troubleshooting. On the airframe side, that typically means structures and aircraft systems (controls, landing gear, hydraulics, pneumatics, and related components). On the powerplant side, training shifts toward reciprocating and turbine engine theory, engine systems, troubleshooting, and the procedures used to determine airworthiness and return-to-service.

    A notable operational detail is that Augusta Tech mentions access to a testing center located at the main terminal of the airport for written testing requirements. That kind of proximity can reduce friction when students are ready to take FAA exams and begin the certification process.

    Augusta Tech is a strong candidate for students in Georgia who want a Part 147 program with multiple credential options and a clear, semester-based timeline for the full A&P. When you compare it to other schools, focus on (1) which credential you want to earn (certificate vs. associate), (2) your preferred pacing (full-time vs. part-time, if available), and (3) the specific resources available in labs-training aircraft, tooling expectations, and how instructors structure hands-on competencies. With those details confirmed, Augusta Tech’s aviation center can be a practical pathway into aviation maintenance careers in the region.