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.

In accordance with our mission to provide exceptionally qualified aircraft technicians, PIA’s aviation maintenance technology programs are designed to not only meet, but exceed the minimum requirements outlined by 14 CFR Part 147 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Aircraft maintenance technicians check and troubleshoot aircraft equipment on a regular basis, looking for parts that may need repaired or replaced. Some of the components you would work on include brakes, wheels, electrical systems, and wings.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

General knowledge training for aviation maintenance technicians includes basic electricity, aircraft drawings, ground operation and servicing, and other general knowledge subjects.

PIA’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for the FAA’s Airframe and Powerplant Certification.

The airframe curriculum for aviation maintenance technicians includes aircraft structure (wood, sheet metal and non-metallic structures), assembly, aircraft fuel systems, airframe inspection and other airframe system components.

PIA’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for the FAA’s Airframe and Powerplant Certification.

The powerplant curriculum for aviation maintenance technicians includes reciprocating and turbine engines, engine inspection, propellers, and other powerplant systems and components.

PIA’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for the FAA’s Airframe and Powerplant Certification.

The PIA Experience

PIA’s training programs allow students to complete hands-on projects that mirror the work of aviation technicians in the industry.

Skilled faculty members strive to present thorough and thoughtful instruction as they blend their practical experiences with new information and techniques.

PIA’s Career Services Department takes a hands-on approach to helping you launch your career. You will meet one-on-one with your career services coordinator on a regular basis. This focused attention allows you to receive the best tools for your success, such as:

  • Job Opportunities
  • Career Fairs
  • On-Campus Recruiting
  • Career Decision Assistance
  • Resume Writing
  • Interview Skills

Learn more about career services here.

Program Options/Locations

AST Degree

Details:

Associate in Specialized Technology Degree
Length: 20 Months (5 – Four Month Terms)

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 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)

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.

GRADUATE STORIES

  • Finding My Path

  • Hands-On Every Day

  • Learning from the Ground Up

  • My Passion Fulfilled

  • The Antidote for a Desk Job

  • Where I Belong

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 (Pittsburgh Campus Only) to complete the other AST Degree program in an additional 8 – 12 months (duration depends on start date). 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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT
OUR PROGRAMS

An admissions representative will contact you with more information about becoming an aviation technician.

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PIA’s AVIATION TECHNICIAN CAREER READINESS QUIZ

Discover your social style and skills, as well as the training and roles that fit you best.
You’ll receive a customized report after taking the online quiz.