Aviation Maintenance Program Overview
The training at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) emphasizes hands-on learning through projects designed to prepare you for a career in the aviation industry.
PIA’s flagship program, the Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program, has led the industry in providing certificated aircraft mechanics for over 90 years. This program provides students with the opportunity to test for the FAA’s Airframe and Powerplant Certification, which opens doors to a valuable career in aviation maintenance.
Graduates of the aviation maintenance program have found careers in many sectors of the aviation industry including Commercial Aviation, Aircraft Manufacturing, Medical Transport, Space, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, and more.
PROGRAM SUMMARY
The PIA Experience
Program Options/Locations
AST Degree
Details:
Associate in Specialized Technology Degree
Length: 21 Months (7 – Three Month Terms)
Total Hours: 2,478
Course Outline:
Advantages:
While entry level employment as an aircraft mechanic hinges on being an A&P certified aviation technician, today’s standard for being in a supervisory/managerial role usually requires the candidate to have a minimum of a 2 year degree from an accredited institution. PIA’s 21-month AST degree program in Pittsburgh allows individuals to satisfy this requirement in a single curriculum.
PIA Campus Location(s):
Diploma / Certificate*
Details:
Diploma or Certificate
Length: 16 Months (4 – Four Month Terms)
Total Hours: 1,900
Course Outline:
Advantages:
PIA’s AMT Diploma/Certificate program is designed to produce high quality aviation technicians in a short amount of time. With 3 convenient locations and options for continuing education, this is the perfect program for many.
PIA Campus Location(s):
*The 16 month program is approved to award a diploma in MD & OH, and a certificate in SC.
The Value of a FAA Airframe
& Powerplant Certification
All mechanical work done on aircraft must be inspected or supervised by an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certified Technician. Their work ensures the safety of millions of flight passengers every year.
The FAA requirements for eligibility for an airman’s mechanic certificate include the following:
- Be 18 or older
- Be able to read, speak, and understand English
- Meet the experience or educational requirement
Once these criteria are met, a series of exams are completed to confirm the level of your knowledge. These tests are divided into 3 sections; General, Powerplant, and Airframe. In each of these sections, there is an oral, practical, and written examination.
At PIA, we take tremendous pride in ensuring you are prepared for these examinations. Prior to the completion of your final term, you will qualify to complete your General and either Powerplant or Airframe exams (depending on the order of your program). Upon the completion of your program, you will have one section of exams remaining.
The A&P is a very powerful weapon for a career in aviation.
-Rob Monahan, Air Methods
THE VALUE OF BOTH PROGRAMS
Aviation Maintenance Technician
Aviation Electronics Technician
For the past several decades, aviation employers have hired licensed avionics technicians to ensure the advanced electronics of the aircraft are deemed airworthy. They would additionally employ A&P certified technicians to maintain all other aspects of an aircraft. In an effort to increase efficiency, a majority of employers now actively seek out skilled technicians that are capable of doing both of these activities.
This is where PIA’s dual ticket option comes in!
PIA’s curriculum is designed to allow a graduate of one Associate of Specialized Technology (AST) Degree program to complete the other AST Degree program in an additional 12 months. You could graduate with aviation maintenance technician training and avionics technician training in less than 3 years. Graduates that have completed both programs are often the first considered for employment by most employers.
Contact PIA’s Admissions Department for details.
Recent PIA Employers
LEARN MORE ABOUT
OUR PROGRAMS
An admissions representative will contact you with more information about becoming an aviation technician.