International AeroTech Academy Aviation Mechanic Programs

International AeroTech Academy is a FAA Part 147 certified aviation maintenance technician school located at Lakeland Linder International Airport in Florida. The academy trains students to become federally licensed Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanics through a comprehensive 14-month program.

Quick Facts

Length: 18 Months to 24 Months
Cost: $35,000
Location: Lakeland, FL
Website: https://internationalaerotechacademy.com/

Program Structure

The program consists of three required courses totaling 2,000 hours of classroom and hands-on training:

General Aviation Maintenance

Coursework includes:

AMT 101 – Basic Electricity.
This course introduces electrical measurement and theory, including voltage, current, resistance, and power. Students learn to interpret circuit diagrams and service batteries using practical testing skills.

AMT 102 – Aircraft Drawings.
Students learn to interpret and create aircraft drawings, symbols, and schematics. The course includes blueprint reading, sketching, and using charts and graphs.

AMT 103 – Weight and Balance.
This course covers weighing aircraft, calculating weight and balance, and documenting the results accurately for compliance and safety.

AMT 104 – Fluid Lines and Fittings.
Students gain hands-on experience fabricating and installing rigid and flexible fluid lines and fittings used in aircraft systems.

AMT 105 – Materials and Processes.
The course covers non-destructive testing, hardware identification, welding inspection, and precision measuring tools essential for aircraft maintenance.

AMT 106 – Ground Operation and Servicing.
Students learn aircraft startup, taxi, fueling, servicing, and securing procedures while identifying proper fuels and safety practices.

AMT 107 – Cleaning and Corrosion Control.
This course teaches students to select cleaning agents and apply corrosion prevention and control techniques on aircraft structures.

AMT 108 – Mathematics.
Students review arithmetic operations and apply mathematical principles to solve common problems in aircraft maintenance.

AMT 109 – Maintenance Forms and Records.
This course focuses on documenting maintenance tasks, writing condition reports, and completing required inspection and service records.

AMT 110 – Basic Physics.
Students explore the basic physics principles behind flight, aircraft structures, and fluid, sound, and heat dynamics.

AMT 111 – Maintenance Publications.
The course teaches students to locate and apply FAA and manufacturer maintenance data, manuals, and technical publications.

AMT 112 – Mechanic Privileges and Limitations.
Students learn the scope and legal boundaries of their mechanic certification, including compliance with FAA regulations.

Airframe Aviation Maintenance

Courses include the following:

AMT 101 – Basic Electricity.
Covers fundamental electrical concepts, including voltage, current, resistance, and power. Students learn to use meters, interpret diagrams, and service batteries safely and accurately.

AMT 102 – Aircraft Drawings.
Focuses on interpreting aircraft drawings and schematics. Students practice creating repair sketches and working with blueprints, graphs, and charts.

AMT 103 – Weight and Balance.
Teaches aircraft weighing and balance procedures. Emphasizes accurate calculation, adjustment, and documentation.

AMT 104 – Fluid Lines and Fittings.
Introduces fabrication and installation of aircraft fluid lines. Students work with both rigid and flexible components.

AMT 105 – Materials and Processes.
Covers non-destructive testing, hardware identification, welding inspection, and precision measuring. Students also learn heat-treating and material selection techniques.

AMT 106 – Ground Operation and Servicing.
Prepares students to operate, move, fuel, and secure aircraft. Emphasizes safety and fuel identification.

AMT 107 – Cleaning and Corrosion Control.
Teaches selection and application of cleaning agents. Students perform corrosion inspection and treatment on aircraft surfaces.

AMT 108 – Mathematics.
Reinforces arithmetic used in aviation maintenance. Students solve practical math problems related to aircraft systems and repairs.

AMT 109 – Maintenance Forms and Records.
Focuses on writing clear maintenance documentation. Students complete aircraft logs, inspection reports, and service records.

AMT 110 – Basic Physics.
Covers key physical principles related to flight, including aerodynamics, heat, sound, and mechanical systems.

AMT 111 – Maintenance Publications.
Students learn to locate and interpret FAA and manufacturer documentation. Emphasizes use of manuals, data sheets, and regulations.

AMT 112 – Mechanic Privileges and Limitations.
Explains FAA rules governing mechanic certification. Students study the scope and limits of their responsibilities.

Powerplant Aviation Maintenance

AMT 301 – Reciprocating Engine
Covers inspection, overhaul, and repair of reciprocating engines. Students practice engine removal, installation, and troubleshooting per FAA standards.

AMT 302 – Turbine Engines
Focuses on turbine engine servicing, repair, installation, and troubleshooting. Emphasizes procedures aligned with FAA requirements.

AMT 303 – Engine Inspection
Trains students to perform engine airworthiness and conformity inspections using manufacturer guidelines.

AMT 304 – Engine Instrument Systems
Covers troubleshooting and repair of engine instruments, including flow, temperature, pressure, and RPM indicators.

AMT 305 – Engine Fire Protection Systems
Teaches inspection and maintenance of engine fire detection and extinguishing systems.

AMT 306 – Engine Electrical Systems
Students learn to install, test, and repair engine electrical wiring, controls, and system components.

AMT 307 – Lubrication Systems
Covers servicing and repair of engine lubrication systems. Students also learn lubricant selection and component maintenance.

AMT 308 – Ignition and Starting Systems
Focuses on inspection and repair of engine ignition and starting systems. Includes hands-on work with magnetos and harnesses.

AMT 309 – Fuel Metering Systems
Students service and repair fuel metering systems for both reciprocating and turbine engines. Training includes carburetor overhaul and water injection system basics.

Cost & Duration

Total tuition: $36,000 ($12,000 per course)

Schedule options:

Day classes: 35 hours/week over 18 months
Evening classes: 20 hours/week over 24 months

According to Fox 13 News, “The cost of the 15-month course runs about $35,000. Starting salaries can range between $40,000 and $50,000 a year.” The academy offers up to 100% tuition financing through partnerships with educational lenders like Meritize.

Key Features

The academy offers up to 100% tuition financing through partnerships with educational lenders like Meritize. Upon graduation, students can earn starting salaries exceeding $50,000 annually in a field experiencing severe workforce shortages.

Industry Demand and Career Prospects

The aviation industry faces a critical shortage of maintenance professionals. As reported by Fox 13 News, “Before COVID-19, the airline industry needed 11,000 new mechanics every year and schools graduated less than half that.” The pandemic worsened conditions when “Airlines had to belt-tighten, so they offered senior mechanics retirement packages and many took them.”

John Detrick, the academy’s chief instructor, emphasized the critical nature of this profession: “The pilots get all of the thunder and glory. But the airline mechanics – the aircraft can’t move without them. In fact, there are some airlines now having to reduce their schedule because of a lack of maintenance.”

Amazon Partnership

International AeroTech Academy has been selected as an education partner for Amazon’s Career Choice program. According to Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine, “The program will allow eligible Amazon employees to train and become FAA-licensed airframe and powerplant maintenance professionals at a time when airlines and the aviation industry are experiencing a severe shortage of maintenance professionals,” said Steven Markhoff, the academy’s president and CEO.

The partnership offers comprehensive benefits. As LAL Today reports, Amazon employees can “have their tuition partially or fully covered thanks to the new program bringing aircraft mechanic training to LAL.” The program launched with its inaugural class already in session, with Amazon workers taking primarily evening courses while continuing their employment.

Steven Markhoff highlighted the program’s flexibility and career potential: “When they graduate, they will never be without a career. And I didn’t say job. I said professional career. And they can go anywhere want. There are job openings for them anywhere in the country.”

Piper Aircraft Partnership

The academy also maintains a strategic partnership with Piper Aircraft. According to Fox 13 News, “Piper is offering qualified students a job when they complete their training. They would also get a $3,000 signing bonus and $2,400 a year that could be used to pay off their tuition loans.”