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Program Information
The Aviation Maintenance Technology: Airframe Certificate prepares students for specialized careers in aircraft maintenance through extensive hands-on training and real-world laboratory experiences. Designed for individuals who already hold an FAA Powerplant Mechanic Rating or have completed the FAA General Subject Areas requirements, per 14 Code of Federal Regulations 147 Appendix B at an FAA approved aviation maintenance technician school. This program develops technical skills related to aircraft structures, flight control systems, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, sheet metal repair, and aircraft inspections. Students who complete this certificate will earn credit toward completion of the Aviation Maintenance Technology, A.A.S. degree. Graduates of this program are awarded a certificate.
Program Highlights:
Flexible Pathway: Designed for individuals who already hold an FAA Powerplant Mechanic Rating or have completed the FAA General Subject Areas requirements under 14 CFR Part 147.
Specialized Airframe Training: Develop advanced knowledge and hands-on skills in aircraft structures, systems, and airframe maintenance procedures.
FAA Certification Preparation: Prepare for the FAA written, oral, and practical examinations required to earn the Airframe Mechanic Rating.
Hands-On Learning: Gain practical experience inspecting, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining aircraft structures and components.
Industry-Focused Curriculum: Learn to service aircraft fuselage structures, flight control systems, landing gear systems, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and aircraft electrical systems.
*This course is offered off-campus at the IWCC Aviation Center.
Job Outlook
173 Jobs (2025)
+8.3% Change from 2024-2025
Wage and employment data are from Lightcast (Q2 2026 data set), timeframe 2024–2025.
What will you do
Graduates may:
- Inspect aircraft structures and systems to ensure airworthiness and FAA compliance.
- Troubleshoot and repair aircraft airframe systems and components.
- Maintain and repair aircraft fuselage structures, flight control surfaces, and landing gear systems.
- Service hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and environmental systems.
- Perform scheduled inspections and preventative maintenance procedures.
- Read and apply aircraft maintenance manuals, technical drawings, and FAA regulations.
- Complete maintenance documentation and prepare aircraft for return to service.
- Ensure aircraft maintenance activities meet safety and regulatory standards.
Wages
Entry: $24.01
Average: $30.36
Experienced: $36.70
Wage and employment data are from Lightcast (Q2 2026 data set), timeframe 2024–2025.
First Semester | ||||
| AVM 181 - Aviation Airframe I | 7.5 Credit(s) | |||
| AVM 182 - Aviation Airframe II | 7.5 Credit(s) | |||
Semester Total: 15.0 Credits | ||||
Summer Semester | ||||
| AVM 185 - Aviation Airframe III | 7.0 Credit(s) | |||
Semester Total: 7.0 Credits | ||||
Second Semester | ||||
| AVM 186 - Aviation Airframe IV | 7.0 Credit(s) | |||
Semester Total: 7.0 Credits | ||||
Total Semester Hours Required: 29.0 | ||||
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Program Outcomes
Upon the successful completion of the program students will:
- Reference the applicability of FAA regulations, specifications or type certificate data sheets, and the privileges and limitations of a mechanic with an Airframe Rating with respect to the servicing, maintenance, preventative maintenance, rebuilding, alteration, and inspection of an airframe.
- Recall information needed to pass the FAA’s written and oral tests for the first seven airframe subject areas.
- Perform the servicing, maintenance, preventative maintenance, rebuilding, alteration, and inspection of an airframe needed to pass the FAA’s practical test for the first seven airframe subject areas.
- Recall information needed to pass the FAA’s written and oral test for the last ten airframe subject areas.
- Perform the servicing, maintenance, preventative maintenance, rebuilding, alteration, and inspection of an airframe needed to pass the FAA’s practical test for the last ten airframe subject areas.
Program Disclaimers
- A.A and A.S. Degree Programs: provide students a general education core in... (HLC)