Associate of Applied Science | 87 credits minimum
Program Website
Academic Advising
Program Description
The Aviation and Transportation Related Technology Department’s Aviation Maintenance Program is designed to prepare students for a career in the maintenance and repair of various aircraft and powerplants. This program is designed to give students knowledge and skills for the level required to pass the Federal Aviation Administration written, oral and practical examinations for an airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanics certificate. Students will learn both fixed and rotor-wing aircraft as well as reciprocating and turbine engines. Aircraft technicians are required to perform detailed inspections on airframes and powerplants, preventive maintenance, and troubleshoot, repair, install or replace parts relative to airframes and engines.
Depending upon the type of work they do, aircraft mechanics and repairman work in hangars, on the flight line, repair stations, and fixed base of operations and outstations. They use hand and power tools as well as sophisticated test equipment. A & P’s perform detailed inspections on airframes and powerplants to ensure flight safety. Noise levels are high, and flight line mechanics often work outdoors in inclement weather. Sometimes the work requires physical demands that can be arduous. Aircraft maintenance technicians often work under pressure to maintain flight schedules or minimize inconvenience to customers, but a technician must not sacrifice high standards of workmanship in the process.
Career Opportunities
Aircraft technicians troubleshoot, inspect, repair, replace and install parts on many different types of aircraft, including jets, propeller-driven airplanes, and helicopters. Some A & P Technicians specialize in engines or airframes, but most technicians will be required to work on all aspects of aircraft repair. Career opportunities include, but are not limited to, A&P Technician, Repair Station Technician, Lead Technician, Inspector, Aircraft Manufacturing, and Aerospace Engineer. The long-term employment outlook is excellent. There is a current shortage of aviation maintenance technicians, primarily due to the considerable attrition of retiring personnel and growth in the industry. Many industries, such as amusement parks and power and gas companies, are known to hire aircraft maintenance technicians due to the broad range of training required to be an Airframe and Powerplant technician. Employment projections emphasize that well-trained, licensed individuals with a strong background in technical subjects will have little trouble finding work in the aviation industry.
Transfer/Articulation Information
Students who earn an AAS degree in Aerospace/Aviation Technology-Maintenance have the option to transfer to the Technology Management bachelor’s degree at Utah Valley University. UVU will accept up to 45 technical credits towards this degree.
Estimated Cost for Students
Tuition and student fees: http://www.slcc.edu/student/financial/tuition-fees.aspx
Tools $1,500
Toolbox $1,000
Books $350
FAA Test $1,500
Note: Fees vary based upon specific registration and are subject to change.
Program Entry Requirements
Students may start this program during the Fall or Spring semesters. There are day and evening classes available. For information on getting started, please visit www.slcc.edu/sltech/index.aspx.
Specialized Accreditation
The Aviation Maintenance Technician program at Salt Lake Community College is one of 150 FAA approved Part 147 schools in the US, providing students with the extensive knowledge they need to succeed in aviation maintenance.
Licensure Information
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certification requirements that are independent of the graduation requirements from the Aerospace/Aviation Technology Maintenance program. More information is available at the FAA website.
