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Program Information
The Aviation Maintenance Technology: Powerplant 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 Airframe 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 reciprocating and turbine engines, fuel and ignition systems, propellers, engine instrumentation, and aircraft engine 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:
Specialized Powerplant Training: Develop advanced knowledge and hands-on skills in aircraft engine systems, propellers, and powerplant maintenance procedures.
FAA Certification Preparation: Prepare for the FAA written, oral, and practical examinations required to earn the Powerplant Mechanic Rating.
Hands-On Learning: Gain practical experience servicing, troubleshooting, repairing, and inspecting aircraft reciprocating and turbine engines.
Comprehensive Powerplant Curriculum: Learn to maintain engine systems, fuel systems, ignition systems, lubrication systems, propellers, and engine instrumentation while applying FAA regulations and manufacturer specifications.
Flexible Pathway: Designed for individuals who already hold an FAA Airframe Mechanic Rating or have completed the FAA General Subject Areas requirements under 14 CFR Part 147.
*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, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair aircraft reciprocating and turbine engines.
- Service and overhaul aircraft engine and propeller systems.
- Diagnose mechanical and electrical engine system malfunctions.
- Perform scheduled maintenance and preventative inspections on aircraft powerplants.
- Inspect fuel, ignition, lubrication, and engine control systems.
- Read and apply aircraft maintenance manuals, technical drawings, and FAA regulations.
- Complete maintenance documentation and prepare aircraft for return to service.
- Ensure aircraft engines and powerplant systems meet safety and airworthiness 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 191 - Aviation Powerplant I | 7.0 Credit(s) | |||
Semester Total: 7.0 Credits | ||||
Second Semester | ||||
| AVM 192 - Aviation Powerplant II | 7.5 Credit(s) | |||
| AVM 193 - Aviation Powerplant III | 8.5 Credit(s) | |||
Semester Total: 16.0 Credits | ||||
Third Semester | ||||
| AVM 194 - Aviation Powerplant IV | 7.5 Credit(s) | |||
Semester Total: 7.5 Credits | ||||
Total Semester Hours Required: 30.5 | ||||
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Program Outcomes
Upon the successful completion of the program students will:
- Reference the applicability of the FAA regulations, specifications or type certificate data sheets, and the privileges and limitations of a mechanic with a Powerplant Rating with respect to the servicing, maintenance, preventative maintenance, rebuilding, alteration, and inspection of a powerplant or propeller.
- Recall information needed to pass the FAA’s written and oral tests for the first three powerplant subject areas.
- Perform the servicing, maintenance, preventative maintenance, rebuilding, alteration, and inspection of a powerplant or propeller needed to pass the FAA’s practical test for the first three powerplant subject areas.
- Recall information needed to pass the FAA’s written and oral test for the last 12 powerplant subject areas.
- Perform the servicing, maintenance, preventative maintenance, rebuilding, alteration, and inspection of a powerplant or propeller needed to pass the FAA’s practical test for the last 12 powerplant subject areas.
Program Disclaimers
- Salary information from EMSI Analyst Database
- A.A and A.S. Degree Programs: provide students a general education core in... (HLC)