Well-educated and experienced aviation mechanics are integral for safe flying. These professionals keep airplanes in operating condition by diagnosing mechanical or electrical problems. In addition, they repair and perform maintenance on a variety of aircraft.
Aviation mechanics work in hangars, repair stations, and airfields near major airports. To protect pilots and passengers, they must be certified by the FAA for aircraft maintenance. These technicians gain the appropriate knowledge and abilities from aviation schools across the country.
Aviation mechanics and aviation maintenance programs provide training in aircraft controls, systems, and flight systems. They prepare students to earn their certification through hands-on training opportunities in aviation maintenance. Students can often choose to further specialize according to their professional interests.
The best aviation mechanics schools will provide highly transferable skills used across the industry. The practical classroom and laboratory courses prepare students to work across the nation. Aviation mechanic students can also complete internships at airlines, manufacturers, repair stations, and aviation schools.
Across the United States, there are over 160,000 aviation mechanics!
Here are 10 of the best aviation mechanics schools awarding a Bachelor’s degree in aviation mechanics.
Vaughn College (Flushing, NY)
At Vaughn College, the aviation maintenance program offers a comprehensive curriculum, combining theoretical study and hands-on work. The broad base of mathematics and physics prepares students to adapt to the changing demands of the industry. The program emphasizes computer applications, manufacturing processes, maintenance overhaul, and modification techniques.
During their time at Vaughn, 70% of aviation maintenance students participate in paid internships. Students gain valuable industry experience and develop necessary skills. NASA, American Dynamics, United Airlines, and General Electric are just some of the companies that hire Vaughn students in internships or professional positions.
As a result of the educational opportunities at Vaughn, 99% of aviation maintenance graduates are employed or continuing education within one year. They pursue a variety of employment opportunities in airline and flight operation developments. Other graduates go on to work in manufacturing and repair facilities.
LeTourneau University (Longview, TX)
In addition to theory, LETU aviation maintenance students have plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning. Throughout their courses, students practice on high-tech aviation equipment. Undergraduates gain valuable skills, including welding, metalwork, machining, and reciprocating engines.
The Abbott Aviation Center is a 55,000 square foot state-of-the-art aviation facility. Housing classrooms and labs, students are able to utilize their classroom knowledge on real equipment. Aviation maintenance students benefit from the close proximity to an active airport operation site.
To prepare for their future careers, aviation maintenance students can choose from a variety of concentrations. Computer science, electrical technology, maintenance management, and mechanical technology are the available specializations.
There are a variety of exciting electives such as powerplant electrical systems, airframe electrical, aircraft composites, and advanced aircraft gas turbine engines.
Everglades University (Boca Raton, FL)
Everglades University was founded in 1990 under the name American Flyers College. In order to best serve its student body, the university moved to the Pompano Air Park. Today, the school is respected for producing knowledgeable aviation mechanic professionals.
At Everglades University, students learn from leading professionals in the aviation field. They are well-versed in aviation mechanics and dedicated to student success. Throughout the program, students will develop the analytical, communication, and hands-on abilities required in the field.
The aviation maintenance program totals 123 credits, including foundational general education courses and specialized upper-level classes.
Hallmark University (San Antonio, TX)
The BS degree in aviation maintenance management helps professionals be a leader in the aviation industry. The unique 20-month program is entirely online and can be accessed from anywhere at any time. According to BestColleges.com, Hallmark University is among the top universities for online aeronautic programs.
Hallmark University students excel in aircraft mechanics using the aviation campus’ vast resources.
Unlike typical maintenance schools, undergraduates work on operational turbine engines, previously airborne airframes, and other equipment used throughout the industry. Thanks to hands-on opportunities, Hallmark University is among the top 10 universities in the USA for producing graduates ready for FAA exams.
After graduation, aviation maintenance management graduates go on to excel in management positions such as aircraft maintenance analyst, maintenance supervisor, aviation general manager, or aviation support specialist. These leadership positions are expected to grow 50% faster than all occupations combined, providing a wealth of opportunities.
South Dakota State University (Brookings, SD)
Aviation maintenance management at SDSU is for students who enjoy the challenge of repairing and maintaining aircraft. The university is partnered with approved FAA A&P programs for this four-year leadership degree program. The program offers unique hands-on abilities through internships and student organizations.
Due to the scope of the program, SDSU offers specialized internships for aviation maintenance students. Students have gained hands-on experience with corporate flight departments, ground instructing, and curriculum development. The program will work with students to develop personalized learning outcomes and a timeline.
There are also student organizations for aviation maintenance students. The SDSU Flying Jacks bring together students from throughout the aviation department for professional networking and aviation-related events. Students interact with other community members and visit local airports alongside members from the Women in Aviation club.
Lewis University (Romeoville, IL)
Lewis University works hard to provide industry opportunities and foster relationships with airlines. Aviation maintenance students can take advantage of a partnership through the Delta TechOps program. Students receive training aides, mentoring opportunities, and a direct pathway to a maintenance career at Delta Air Lines.
Due to the growing demand for maintenance technicians, 100% of Lewis aviation maintenance students received job offers upon graduation in 2015. This impressive figure is also a result of the critical knowledge and skills provided by Lewis.
Aviation maintenance alumni work at various companies such as American Airlines, Boeing, Honeywell Aerospace, Johnson & Johnson, and the U.S. Air Force.
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale (Carbondale, IL)
The aviation technologies program at SIUC provides enhanced technical training for students.
Within the degree, students can choose to further specialize in advanced aircraft maintenance, aviation electronics, or helicopter maintenance. The school also offers a minor in aircraft product support.
Aviation technologies students gain exposure to real-world aircraft. They can practice on a military jet, commercial Boeing 737 jet aircraft, and single- and twin-engine piston airplanes. The program gained a corporate jet featuring modern systems that are essential for aircraft and avionics maintenance training.
Students at SIUC take advantage of the school’s many industry connections. Aviation technologies students complete internships with the Chicago Department of Aviation, Envoy Air, Alaska Airlines, and UPS FlightPath.
Utah State University (Logan, UT)
Upon completion of the Utah State University aircraft maintenance technician degree, students will meet the FAA requirements for the A&P licensure exams. 2030 hours of required coursework and laboratories are built into the curriculum. Many courses utilize hands-on learning in the school’s maintenance management laboratory.
Students in the aircraft maintenance program take a variety of technical courses throughout the department. They take courses on aircraft structures, turbine powerplants, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, FAA regulations, material processing systems, and electronic fundamentals.
Aircraft maintenance technicians from USU are highly sought-after following graduation.
Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus (Salina, KS)
The aviation maintenance management program provides students with hands-on learning experiences from the first day. Students work with more than 10 actual aircraft including a Bell 206 helicopter and turbine-powered King Air 90.
In addition to impressive resources, Kansas State faculty members are dedicated to their student’s educational and professional success. The aviation maintenance program has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio that allows for individual attention.
Aviation maintenance courses take place in a state-of-the-art hangar and Aviation Center. The hangar has direct ramp access to the Salina airfield, allowing students to perform engine runs, ground operations, and aircraft taxi. These resources provide students with the knowledge, skills, and leadership required in the aerospace industry.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach, FL)
ERAU is recognized as a leader in aviation and aerospace education, preparing students to meet the future needs of the industry. The aviation maintenance program offers management and safety specializations to target student interests. Both concentrations complement practical experiences in the general aviation maintenance classes.
Each year, an average of 90% of students are employed or continuing education one year after graduation.
Embry-Riddle is widely recognized among the best engineering colleges in the country, routinely ranking in the top 100 colleges for engineers.
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