Aviation Technology (AAS)

Program Objective

The Aviation Technology program prepares students as entry-level technicians with the latest information on diagnosis, repair procedures, preventive maintenance, and necessary safety applications in aviation technology. The Aviation Technology program provides students the knowledge and skills outlined in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Mechanics Airman Certification Standard (ACS). The program prepares students to take the FAA licensure exam for general, airframe, and powerplant knowledge. Students will diagnose, adjust, repair, and overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, landing gear systems, and electrical systems.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program typically find jobs as aircraft maintenance technicians, aircraft mechanics, aircraft restorers, airframe and powerplant mechanics (A&P Mechanics), or helicopter mechanics. Graduates can work in general aviation or manufacturing of aircraft components, for a commercial airline, aircraft manufacturer, private company, museum or historical restoration company, or as an entrepreneur.

Program Learning Goals

Goal 1: Graduates will possess the appropriate skills and safety awareness necessary for entry-level employment in the aviation maintenance field.

Student Learning Outcomes – Students will:

• Practice safety in all aspects of classroom, lab, and field experiences
• Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components
• Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance
• Modify aircraft structures, space vehicles, systems, or components, following drawings, schematics, charts, engineering orders, and technical publications
• Maintain, repair, and rebuild aircraft structures, functional components, and parts, such as wings and fuselage, rigging, hydraulic units, oxygen systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, gaskets, or seals
• Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems
• Use critical thinking skills to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical problems associated with various aircraft

Goal 2: Graduates will gain an understanding of the requirements and responsibilities of being a certificated Federal Aviation Administration’s Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic.

Student Learning Outcomes – Students will:

• Communicate with managers, supervisors, or company owners in a professional and technical manner
• Demonstrate timely arrival and readiness for work
• Demonstrate legal and ethical personal and professional behavior

Goal 3: Graduates will gain the knowledge and skills outlined in the Federal Aviation Administration Airman Certification Standards required to become a FAA-Certificated Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic.

Student Learning Outcomes – Students will:

• Successfully complete required coursework to challenge the Federal Aviation Administration licensure written, oral, and practical skills exams
• Challenge all attempted Federal Aviation Administration licensure exams within 60 days of graduation
• Pass all attempted Federal Aviation Administration licensure exams within 12 months of graduation

2025-2026 Program Scope

2025-2026 Program Sequence