Aviation Maintenance Technology

Highly trained mechanics and technicians secure the safety of flight. Professionals in this industry provide insight into a multitude of organizations and people who rely on aviation services. Aviation maintenance encompasses the repair, inspection, modification, or complete overhaul of an aircraft or aircraft component by an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT).

Those who graduate from the Midland College Aviation Maintenance Technology Program are qualified to work on aircraft components and systems including airframe, piston engines, turbine engines, hydraulic systems, propellers, rigging, warning systems, and environmental systems. Specific areas of training include aircraft structure inspection and testing; federal aviation regulations; aircraft and electronic flight instrument systems; aircraft auxiliary systems; aircraft welding; aircraft electrical systems; hydraulic, pneumatic, and fuel systems; and occupational safety and health codes.

Midland College’s FAA Part 147 approved Aviation Maintenance and Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) program not only prepares you for a career as an aircraft mechanic, it provides you with a versatile skill set desired in other industries, such as automotive and diesel, heavy equipment, power and light, and industrial technology.

Previous experience is not required; our aviation maintenance degree and certificate programs will provide training in everything from changing a tire to rebuilding a turbine engine. You will also learn about all types of aircraft, from a small engine plane to a large transport plane like those used by major airlines. Students in our aviation maintenance program may study a variety of subjects, such as Hydraulics and Pneumatics, Ignition and Electrical Systems, Fuel Systems, Pressurization, Aircraft Welding and Turbine-prop and Jet Engines.

An Airframe and Powerplant License, also known as the A&P License, is required by those who inspect, maintain, and repair aircraft. At Midland College, we provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to obtain your FAA A&P License. Midland College’s pass rate for graduates of the aviation maintenance program is currently at 100%.

Marketable Skills

According to careeronestop.org, pursuing an Aviation Maintenance degree at MC will provide marketable skills in these areas:

• Quality control analysis – testing how well a product or service works
• Troubleshooting – Understanding what causes equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs not to work
• Equipment maintenance – Planning and performing basic maintenance on equipment
• Installation – Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs
• Repairing – Repairing machines or systems using the right tools
• Operation Monitoring – Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to ensure the machine is working correctly
• Active listening – Listening to others and asking the right questions

Career Opportunities

Aviation Maintenance Technicians may work in areas of aircraft repair, overhaul and line maintenance. The largest employers are:

• Aerospace product and parts manufacturing
• Support activities for air transportation
• Federal government
• Scheduled air transportation
• Professional, scientific and technical services

Demand

The demand for AMT technicians is climbing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians is expected to rise 5% through the year 2026 based on the need to replace workers retiring or leaving the occupation.

A 2018 Boeing Aircraft study anticipates the area of maintenance, engineering, parts, and upgrades will grow by 4% annually as Maintenance-Repair-Organization (MRO) providers adapt and invest in handling new advanced materials. This segment is forecasted to comprise 26% of airline spending. Areas of employment most likely to benefit include shop maintenance, maintenance support, hanger maintenance, and line maintenance.

The Boeing study also states, “To fly and maintain the growing fleet, the 2019 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook forecasts that the civil aviation industry will need to supply nearly 2.5 million new aviation personnel between now and 2038. This significant demand is creating an additional strain on the personnel supply globally and impacting other sectors of aviation.”

• 18 month program (full-time students)
• Flexible Schedules
• Hands-on aircraft training
• Attend Class at Hanger E
  Hanger "E" is approximately 17 miles from the main campus. Students are responsible for transportation to the training facility.

More about Hangar E

Commemorative Air Force Scholarship

Two students awarded in the Spring each year

Apply for General Scholarships through the Financial Aid Portal

How to Apply

1. Login to My MC Portal
2. Click the Students tab
3. Click the "Financial Aid Portal" link
4. Under Log In, provide your Social Security Number and password. If you do not have a password, click the "First Time User" link at the bottom-right and follow prompts.

For additional general scholarship details and deadlines, visit the General Scholarships page.

General Scholarships

Missing the "Financial Aid Portal" link?

To have access to the Financial Aid portal and apply for scholarships, the student's FAFSA application must be on file with MC Financial Aid.

If the students FAFSA application is not on file with MC Financial Aid, the student must fill out the FAFSA application first and once processed, will be able to complete the general scholarship application.

FAFSA Information