Aviation Maintenance Technology Programs
PIA’s flagship program, the Aviation Maintenance Technology program, has led the industry in providing quality aircraft mechanics for over 85 years. This program provides students with the opportunity to test for the prestigious FAA’s Airframe and Powerplant Certification, the “golden ticket” to a career in aviation maintenance.
In accordance with our mission to provide exceptionally qualified aircraft technicians, PIA’s aviation maintenance programs are designed to not only meet, but exceed the minimum requirements outlined by 14 CFR Part 147 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
What Do Aviation Maintenance Technicians Do?
Aviation maintenance technicians will 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. During inspections, aviation maintenance technicians are required to use diagnostic procedures approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They complete inspections, perform scheduled maintenance and make any necessary repairs according to FAA regulations. Many technicians specialize in preventive maintenance. A day in the life of an aviation technician could include working on the items below.
- Turbine Engines
- Reciprocating Engines
- Metallic Structures
- Ignitions Systems
- Hydraulics & Pneumatics
- Composite Materials
- Welding
- And more
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What Qualities Do you Need?
Detail-oriented. Aviation mechanics and technicians need to adjust airplane parts to exact specifications. For example, they often use precision tools to tighten wheel bolts to an exact tension.
Dexterity. Aviation mechanics and technicians must possess dexterity to coordinate the movement of their fingers and hands in order to grasp, manipulate or assemble parts.
Observational skills. Aviation mechanics and technicians must recognize engine noises, read gauges and collect other information to determine whether an aircraft’s systems are working properly.
Troubleshooting skills. Aviation mechanics and technicians diagnose complex problems, and they need to evaluate options to correct those problems.
AMT Program Options/Locations
AST Degree
Details:
Associate in Specialized Technology Degree
Length: 21 Months (7 – Three Month Terms)
Total Hours: 2,478
Course Outline:
| Course Code and Title | Credit Hours |
| EN101 English Composition | 3.0 |
| GS111 Blueprint Reading | 1.0 |
| GS113 Safety & the Environment | 1.0 |
| HI104 World History – Aviation | 3.0 |
| MA102 Foundations of Mathematics | 4.0 |
| PH117 Basic Physics | 4.0 |
| PH119 Introduction to Electricity | 1.0 |
| Course Code and Title | Credit Hours |
| EL125 Practical Electricity | 3.0 |
| EL126 Electrical Systems | 3.0 |
| GS127 Using Reference Materials | 2.0 |
| MA106 Mathematics for Technology | 3.0 |
| Course Code and Title | Credit Hours |
| EL135 Introduction to Electronics | 3.0 |
| EN105 Technical Writing | 3.0 |
| GS136 Introduction to Instruments & Controls | 2.0 |
| GS137 Advanced Instruments & Controls | 3.0 |
| Course Code and Title | Credit Hours |
| PP241 Introduction to Turbine Engines | 2.0 |
| PP242 Turbine Engine Technology | 3.0 |
| PP245 Introduction to Reciprocating Engines | 3.0 |
| PP246 Reciprocating Engine Technology | 2.0 |
| Course Code and Title | Credit Hours |
| AF253 Non-Metallic Structures | 1.0 |
| AF255 Introduction to Metallic Structures | 2.0 |
| AF256 Working with Metallic Structures | 3.0 |
| AG251 Basic Systems Maintenance | 4.0 |
| Course Code and Title | Credit Hours |
| AG266 Fuels & Fuel Systems | 2.0 |
| EN208 Professional Communication | 1.0 |
| PP265 Advanced Engine Overhaul | 2.0 |
| PP267 Ignition Systems | 2.0 |
| PP268 Propeller Systems | 2.0 |
| PP269 Advanced Engine Maintenance | 1.0 |
| Course Code and Title | Credit Hours |
| AF371 Working With Composite Materials | 2.0 |
| AF373 Fluid-Powered Systems | 4.0 |
| AF375 Welding Technology | 1.0 |
| AG377 Advanced Aircraft Maintenance | 3.0 |
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.
Campus Location(s):
Diploma / Certificate
Details:
Diploma or Certificate
Length: 16 Months (4 – Four Month Terms)
Total Hours: 1,900
Course Outline:
| Course Code and Title | Clock Hrs |
| MA2101 Aerospace Math | 35 |
| PH2103 Aerospace Physics | 35 |
| EL2105 Basic Electricity | 35 |
| AG2107 Maintenance Practices | 45 |
| MA2109 Aircraft Weight & Balance | 25 |
| PH2111 Theory of Flight | 25 |
| MA2113 Shop Related Math | 11 |
| EL2115 Aircraft Electricity | 70 |
| EL2117 Aircraft Electrical Systems | 60 |
| EL2119 Electrical Power Systems I | 30 |
| EL2120 Electrical Power Systems II | 18 |
| EL2123 Advanced Electrical Theory | 34 |
| EL2125 Diodes and Transistors | 36 |
| EL2127 Special Application Circuits I | 15 |
| Course Code and Title | Clock Hrs |
| EL2228 Special Application Circuits II | 10 |
| EL2229 Amplifiers | 32 |
| EL2231 Operational Amps & Power Supplies | 32 |
| EL2233 Oscillators and Pulse Circuits | 30 |
| EL2235 Navigation & Communication Systems | 44 |
| EL2237 Electrical Synthesis | 12 |
| PP2241 Introduction to Turbine Engines | 42 |
| PP2243 Turbine Engine Systems | 53 |
| PP2245 Turbine Engine Maintenance | 49 |
| PP2247 Introduction to Reciprocating Engines | 68 |
| PP2249 Engine Principles | 47 |
| PP2251 Fuel Metering Systems I | 55 |
| Course Code and Title | Clock Hrs |
| PP2352 Fuel Metering Systems II | 10 |
| PP2355 Engine Overhaul | 73 |
| MA2357 Boolean Algebra | 26 |
| PP2359 Ignition Systems | 74 |
| PP2361 Engine Troubleshooting | 39 |
| PP2363 Aircraft Propellers | 67 |
| MA2365 Powerplant Math | 16 |
| PP2367 Powerplant Synthesis | 16 |
| AF2371 Environmental Controls | 33 |
| AF2373 Introduction to Metallurgy | 67 |
| AF2375 Fluid Mechanics | 33 |
| MA2377 Advanced Weight & Balance | 20 |
| Course Code and Title | Clock Hrs |
| AF2481 Nonmetallic Structures | 99 |
| AF2483 Fuel Systems/Electrical Installations | 40 |
| AF2485 Working with Sheet Metal | 92 |
| AF2487 Welding Technology | 57 |
| AF2489 Aircraft Inspections | 82 |
| AF2491 Landing Gear Systems | 32 |
| AF2493 Rigging and Assembly | 55 |
| AF2495 Airframe Synthesis | 21 |
Advantages:
PIA’s AMT Diploma/Certificate program is designed to produce high quality aviation technicians in the shortest amount of time allowed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). With 3 convenient locations and options for continuing education, this is the perfect program for many.
Campus Location(s):
The 16 month program is approved to award a diploma in MD & OH, and a certificate in SC.
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 (depends on the order of your program). Upon the completion of your program, you will only have one section of exams remaining.
The A&P is a very powerful weapon for a career in aviation.
-Rob Monahan, Air Methods
Dual Ticket Option
For the past several decades, aviation employers have hired A&P certified technicians to maintain all aspects of an aircraft except for component level evaluation of avionics equipment. In turn, they would also employ licensed avionics technicians to ensure the advanced electronics of the aircraft are deemed airworthy. 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 AST Degree program to be able to complete the second AST Degree program in an additional 12 months. Graduates that have completed both programs are often the first considered for employment by most employers.
Contact PIA’s Admissions Department for details.