Aerospace/Aviation Technology Maintenance: AAS (CTE)

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
Please refer to the Student Resources section of the SLCC University Transfer webpage.

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.

General Education Requirements

Complete all General Education courses. Refer to Notes for program specific requirements and recommendations.

Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) General Education Requirements

Program General Education Notes

RECOMMENDED:

Composition (EN): ENGL 1010

Quantitative Studies(QS): MATH 1010

Communication (CM): COMM 1010

Human Relations (HR): Any HR course

Distribution Areas: 1 course from 1 of the Distribution Areas

Program Requirements

Required Courses (72 Credits)

Time to Completion & Graduation Map

If students follow the suggested semester schedule, time to completion is five semesters.

Students who need to take preparatory classes prior to entering the program should plan extra time to complete the program. High School Curriculum in Math, Science, and Communication is recommended.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcome alignment with Student Learning Outcomes in brackets.

Acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) written/oral and practical exams for the General AMT (A&P) requirement. Curriculum requirements are found at www.faa.gov. Required subject areas required by FAA Part 147 are on file in the Division Office with an assessment plan to address knowledge areas by regulations. [1,2,3,6,7,8]
Demonstrate effective logbook entries of coursework performed on aircraft during lab assignments. [2,3,4,8,9]
Complete an oral report of their Return to Service (RTS) activities in both Airframe and Powerplant courses. [2]
Apply reasoning and interpret information represented on data, graphs, and/or tables, as it relates to safe maintenance practices as identified with in the aviation industry. [2,3,4,7,8,9]
Operations will include problems and reasoning skills in the areas of weight and balance, and sheet metal layout and fabrication. [3,4]
Perform Quality Assurance (QA) functions, as required for the industry. The requirement for QA will encompass subjects addressed by FAA Part 147 regarding critical safety of flight maintenance tasks. These subjects will include sheet metal, composites, piston engine overhaul, and assembly and rigging of flight controls. [2,3,4,7]
Participate in a Return to Service (RTS) program that may be done in partnership with industry or on aircraft purchased for the AMT program. Students work will be in accordance with industry standards for RTS. [2,6,7]