Aeronautics Maintenance Technology (AERO)
View Aeronautics Maintenance Technology in the College Catalog [PDF]
Program Description
The Aeronautics Maintenance Department is an approved aviation maintenance technician training facility operating under Federal Aviation Administration Air Agency Certificate No. DI9T087R with Airframe, Powerplant, and combined Airframe and Powerplant ratings. It is the only such school in the Pacific Basin. Students enrolling in the Aeronautics program have three choices as outlined below.
- Certificate of Achievement - Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Program: This program consists of the General Maintenance curriculum of 500 hours, the Airframe Maintenance curriculum of 750 hours, and the Powerplant Maintenance curriculum of 750 hours which meets the FAR Part 147 minimum required total of 1900 hours of theory and laboratory instruction in four (4) semesters and an additional semester of General Education courses. A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to students completing the Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification program, upon application.
- Associate in Science Degree in Aeronautics Maintenance Technology is awarded to students who complete the additional General Education requirements as well as the General, Airframe, and Powerplant Maintenance curricula as outlined under the Certificate program.
- Transfer Option to prepare for the completion of the Aviation Systems Management degree in a 4-year program. Contact Brian Isaacson for details.
Students will not be allowed to enter the Airframe or Powerplant courses without first completing the requirements of the General Maintenance course. Either or both the Airframe and/or Powerplant courses should be completed in order.
Classes may be offered as both a day program and a night program. Students enrolling in either program will be committed to that program and will not be allowed to switch to the other without prior approval from the Aeronautics Maintenance Technology Department. Check the current Schedule of Classes and addenda for day or night program availability.
Successful completion of each FAR Part 147 approved course requires at least a “C” grade in each unit, with all absences made up or the course must be repeated. Completion of the college requirements for the Certificate of Achievement, Associate in Applied Science Aeronautics Maintenance Technology Degree, or the transfer requirements of the Aviation Systems Management Degree does not necessarily qualify a student to be eligible to take the FAA examinations for certification. No more than three days may be missed in each FAR Part 147 approved course or the course must be repeated.
As part of the preparation for working in the industry, during the last airframe class, students will be expected to taxi an aircraft and communicate with ground control under the direction of a commercial flight school flight instructor at a flight school of their choice for an approximate cost of $50.00.
Health and physical requirements vary with employers in the aviation maintenance industry. Students with special needs are encouraged to discuss their specific career goals with faculty during advising. Prospective students with military aviation maintenance experience should refer to Federal Aviation Regulation 65.77 and the Flight Standards District Office for possible certification alternatives.
Upon successful completion of the General and either the Airframe or the Powerplant curricula, students are eligible to take the FAA written examination for the appropriate Airframe or Powerplant rating without waiting to complete the program. Upon passing the written exam(s), the student is eligible to take the oral and practical examinations for Federal certification as an Aviation Maintenance Technician (Mechanic: Airframe, Powerplant, or A&P as appropriate).
Program Mission
The Aeronautics Maintenance Technology program's mission is to:
- Provide students with the opportunity to gain the documented knowledge and experience to qualify for certification as aircraft mechanics as required by Part 65 and in the manner prescribed by Part 147 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, as approved by the Honolulu Flight Standards District Office.
- Enable students to attain their personal educational goals by becoming highly qualified aviation maintenance technicians, meeting the needs of the aviation industry and thereby promoting safety in aviation.
- Provide specialized training as necessary for prospective aircraft technicians and industry.