Aviation Maintenance Technology

Aviation Maintenance Technology

Certificate of Completion: 96 credits. Advising Guide

Career Description

The Aviation Maintenance Technology two-year certificate prepares students to test for the Federal Aviation Administration A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) mechanic license. Students with an FAA A&P license may find employment as mechanics in the aviation industry with commercial airlines or at small regional airports. According to Boeing's Pilot & Technician Outlook report for the period of 2019-2038, 769,000 new maintenance technicians will be needed globally over the next 20 years and 193,000 within the U.S. alone. Currently, the number of mechanics retiring will outpace those entering the profession. The Bureau of Labor Statistics and Oregon Employment Department estimate current Oregon Aviation Maintenance jobs to be approximately 1,440 with a projected increase of 13% over the next eight years.

Licensure Disclosures

In compliance with the U.S. Department of Education and the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) for participation in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA), Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) provides information pertaining to professional licensure in correlation with appropriate CGCC programs. For information specific to the Aviation Maintenance Technology certificate, please review the Professional Licensure Disclosure information web page.

Course of Study

The Aviation Maintenance Technology program consists of "stackable" certificates that can lead to the attainment of an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. The Aviation Maintenance Technology certificate prepares students in the same FAA required skills as the Aviation Maintenance Technology AAS degree without the additional 12 credits of general education requirements. Coursework taken in the Aviation Airframe and Aviation Powerplant certificates is fully contained in the Aviation Maintenance Technology certificate, and coursework for all three certificates is wholly contained within the Aviation Maintenance Technology AAS degree. As such, all coursework in these certificates may be applied to the completion of the AAS degree. Stackable certificates allow students to apply to take the FAA's General, Airframe and Powerplant licensure exams upon completion of coursework for each area.

Program Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this degree will be able to:

1. Service, maintain, troubleshoot and repair airplanes and rotorcraft.
2. Perform proficient, entry-level aviation maintenance skills.
3. Apply knowledge of FAA regulations and industry standards.
4. Think critically, problem solve, and communicate effectively.
5. Apply math and physics principles in solving problems associated with aviation maintenance.
6. Work effectively in a team and/or group setting.
7. Sit for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification exams (written, oral and practical) for the airframe and powerplant (A&P) airman certificate.

Prerequisites 

• MTH 65 Beginning Algebra (4 credits) or equivalent placement
• WR 115 Introduction to Expository Writing (4 credits) or IRW 115 Critical Reading and Writing (5 credits) or equivalent placement.