Tarrant County College’s (TCC) Northwest Campus offers a range of aviation mechanic programs designed to prepare students for careers in aircraft maintenance, repair, and avionics. All programs are housed at the Erma C. Johnson Hadley Center of Excellence and follow FAA standards for technician training.
Quick Facts
- Length: 9 Months to 24 Months
- Cost: $2,400 to $5,000
- Location: Fort Worth, TX
- Website: https://www.tccd.edu/academics/courses-and-programs/programs-a-z/credit/aviation-aviation-maintenance/#degrees
Associate Degrees
AA Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology – Airframe
- 60 credit hours (2 years full time)
- $4,440 (estimated additional costs include $600 for books and $400–$1,200 for tools)
This two-year AAS program trains students to inspect, maintain, and repair aircraft structures.
Curriculum
The curriculum covers topics such as aircraft composites, airframe auxiliary systems, hydraulics, landing gear systems, and airframe electrical systems. Hands-on courses in welding, sheet metal, and inspection procedures are also included.
Courses include:
- AERM 1101 – Introduction to Aviation Provides a comprehensive overview of aviation maintenance, covering the historical development of aviation, the essential responsibilities and functions of aviation mechanics, aircraft terminology, and critical safety protocols.
- AERM 1205 – Weight and Balance Introduces students to FAA-mandated topics concerning aircraft weighing procedures, execution of precise weight-and-balance calculations, and proper maintenance record documentation.
- AERM 1208 – Federal Aviation Regulations Focuses on the practical application and interpretation of FAA and aircraft manufacturer publications, forms, and records. Covers mechanic privileges within legal limitations and includes regulations research using digital resources.
- AERM 1303 – Shop Practices Delivers essential instruction in workshop safety, proper tool usage, equipment handling, precision measurement techniques, aircraft hardware identification, and fluid line fabrication. Emphasizes testing procedures, heat treatment methods, and aircraft structure inspection protocols.
- AERM 1310 – Ground Operations Covers aircraft fueling, servicing methods, safety procedures, aircraft movement techniques, securing protocols, external power equipment operation, cleaning processes, and corrosion control measures.
- AERM 1314 – Basic Electricity Examines aircraft electrical systems and requirements, including measuring instrument usage, circuit types, electromagnetic principles, power conversion, control devices, battery maintenance, and electrical diagram interpretation. Incorporates solid state devices, logic functions, and safety fundamentals.
- AERM 1315 – Aviation Science Applies mathematical concepts, physics principles, and technical drawing skills to aircraft operations and principles as required by FAA standards for airframe and powerplant mechanics.
- AERM 1243 – Instruments and Navigation/Communication Covers aircraft instrumentation systems, electronic flight instruments, testing procedures, troubleshooting navigation and communication systems, antenna inspection, and electronic equipment installation with computer applications.
- AERM 1254 – Aircraft Composites Addresses inspection and repair techniques for composite materials, fabric, core structures, and laminated components including doors, windows, bonded structures, and interior furnishings. Includes safety procedures for handling and storing composite materials.
- AERM 1345 – Airframe Electrical Systems Provides detailed study of aircraft electrical systems including installation, removal, disassembly, repair of components, and related wiring, with focus on electrical safety fundamentals.
- AERM 1347 – Airframe Auxiliary Systems Delivers comprehensive coverage of cabin atmospheric control systems, ice and rain control mechanisms for aircraft and engines, and fire detection/protection systems, with emphasis on safety procedures.
- AERM 1349 – Hydraulic, Pneumatic and Fuel Systems Develops skills in inspection, service, and maintenance of aircraft fluid systems including hydraulics, pneumatics, and fuel systems, applying core concepts through detailed maintenance procedures and safety protocols.
- AERM 1350 – Landing Gear Systems Covers inspection principles, servicing techniques, overhaul procedures, and repair methods for fixed and retractable landing gear systems, including position and warning systems operation with safety fundamentals.
- AERM 1141 – Wood, Fabric, and Finishes Explores proper use and maintenance of various aircraft covering materials, finishes, and wooden structures, focusing on approved methods, procedures, and safety practices.
- AERM 1153 – Aircraft Welding Develops repair skills for various aircraft metals including steel, magnesium, brass, and aluminum, covering selection and application of appropriate welding, brazing, and soldering methods with safety procedures.
- AERM 1452 – Aircraft Sheet Metal Builds proficiency in sheet metal structure inspection and repair, including forming techniques, layout methods, bending procedures, and proper selection and installation of rivets and fasteners, with safety fundamentals.
- AERM 2231 – Airframe Inspection Provides in-depth coverage of airframe conformity and airworthiness inspection methods, including One-Hundred-Hour Inspections according to FAA regulations and manufacturer service information, with safety procedures.
- AERM 2233 – Assembly and Rigging Presents comprehensive study of fixed and rotary-wing aircraft assembly and rigging, including structural alignment, control system balancing, and component assembly with safety fundamentals.
- AERM 2171 – Oral and Practical Exams, General Prepares students for the FAA Mechanic certificate’s required Oral and Practical examinations, which are individually scheduled with a Designated Mechanic Examiner to fulfill the General portion requirements for Airframe and/or Powerplant rating.
- AERM 2172 – Oral and Practical Exams, Airframe Prepares students for the FAA Mechanic certificate’s mandatory Oral and Practical examinations, individually scheduled with a Designated Mechanic Examiner to fulfill the specific Airframe portion requirements.
Graduates finish with capstone projects and FAA oral and practical exams.
More curriculum information here.
Format
Classes are offered during the day (2 years to completion) or evenings (3 years).
AA Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology – Powerplant
- 60 credit hours (2 years full time)
- $4,440 (estimated additional costs include $600 for books and $400–$1,200 for tools)
This AAS program focuses on aircraft engines and propulsion systems.
Curriculum
Students study turbine and reciprocating engines, engine overhaul procedures, fuel metering, and propeller systems. Practical labs and FAA exam prep are included.
- AERM 1101 – Introduction to Aviation
This course introduces the field of aviation maintenance, covering aviation history, the roles and responsibilities of mechanics, basic aircraft terminology, and safety practices essential for new technicians. - AERM 1205 – Weight and Balance
Students learn FAA-mandated methods for weighing aircraft, performing weight and balance calculations, and making accurate entries in maintenance records related to aircraft weight. - AERM 1208 – Federal Aviation Regulations
This course focuses on FAA and manufacturer documentation, emphasizing regulatory compliance, record-keeping, and the scope of mechanic privileges. Students use publications and digital tools to support research and maintenance activities. - AERM 1303 – Shop Practices
Covers shop safety, the proper use of tools and measurement devices, hardware identification, and the fabrication and inspection of aircraft components, including tubing and fluid lines. - AERM 1310 – Ground Operations
Explores aircraft fueling, servicing, towing, external power use, and cleaning procedures, along with corrosion control and safety practices during ground operations. - AERM 1314 – Basic Electricity
Introduces electrical theory relevant to aircraft systems, including circuit analysis, magnetism, batteries, and alternating-to-direct current conversion. Students also practice reading wiring diagrams and working with solid-state devices. - AERM 1315 – Aviation Science
Teaches the math, physics, and technical drawing fundamentals needed to understand aircraft operation and meet FAA knowledge requirements for airframe and powerplant certification. - AERM 1340 – Aircraft Propellers
Examines propeller types and their components. Students learn how to inspect, service, balance, and install fixed-pitch, constant-speed, and feathering propellers. - AERM 1344 – Aircraft Reciprocating Engines
Covers reciprocating engine theory and components, including lubrication, instrumentation, and exhaust systems, with a focus on inspection, maintenance, and safety. - AERM 1351 – Aircraft Turbine Engine Theory
Presents the basic principles, operation, and servicing of turbine engines, covering systems like lubrication, APU, instrumentation, and exhaust. Safety is emphasized throughout. - AERM 1456 – Aircraft Powerplant Electrical
Focuses on powerplant-related electrical systems, including ignition, starting, and fire detection. Students gain hands-on experience in diagnosis and maintenance procedures. - AERM 1357 – Fuel Metering and Induction Systems
Introduces systems used in turbine and piston engines, such as carburetors and cooling systems. Students develop skills in inspection, troubleshooting, and repair techniques. - AERM 2351 – Aircraft Turbine Engine Overhaul
Covers procedures for disassembling, inspecting, and reassembling turbine engines, with instruction on operational analysis, troubleshooting, and maintaining safety standards. - AERM 2547 – Aircraft Reciprocating Engine Overhaul
Provides in-depth instruction on engine teardown, inspection, service, and reassembly. Emphasis is placed on measurement accuracy and adherence to overhaul specifications and safety. - AERM 2252 – Aircraft Powerplant Inspection
Focuses on FAA inspection standards, including conformity checks and 100-hour inspections. Students practice identifying discrepancies and evaluating engine airworthiness. - AERM 2171 – Oral and Practical Exams, General
This course prepares students for the General portion of the FAA Mechanic certificate oral and practical exams, administered by a Designated Mechanic Examiner. - AERM 2173 – Oral and Practical Exams, Powerplant
Prepares students for the Powerplant portion of the FAA Mechanic certificate oral and practical exams, covering skills and knowledge required for certification.
More curriculum details found here.
Format
Like the airframe program, full-time day and part-time evening formats are available. General education courses such as English composition, math, and humanities round out the degree.
Certificates
Level 2 Certificate – Aviation Maintenance Technology: Airframe
- 45 credits (1.5 years full time)
- $3,330
The airframe certificate program mirrors the airframe portion of the AAS degree. Students complete core courses like aircraft composites, inspection, sheet metal, and system maintenance. More curriculum details are available here.
The program includes FAA-required general knowledge and oral/practical exam preparation. This program is ideal for students focused solely on structural components of aircraft.
Level 2 Certificate – Aviation Maintenance Technology: Powerplant
- 45 credits (1.5 years full time)
- $3,330
In the powerplant certificate program students receive targeted training on aircraft engines, turbines, propeller systems, and engine electrical components. The curriculum includes inspection and overhaul techniques, capped with FAA oral and practical exams.
More curriculum information here.
This program suits individuals aiming to work with aircraft propulsion systems without pursuing general education credits.
Level 1 Certificate – Avionics Line Maintenance
- 30 credits (9 months full time)
- $2,220
This 30-credit certificate prepares students for entry-level work in avionics. The program includes both airframe electrical systems and dedicated avionics courses, such as aircraft communication, navigation, and air traffic control systems.
A capstone project in electronic system installation rounds out the training. This option is well-suited for students who want to specialize in aviation electronics and systems testing.
Curriculum details here.
Facilities
The Northwest Campus is home to one of Texas’ largest aviation training facilities, equipped with over $3 million in instructional equipment. Faculty include three FAA-designated Mechanic Examiners, ensuring high-quality instruction and exam preparation. Graduates are eligible to sit for FAA certification exams upon successful program completion.
Admissions and Application Process
Admission to these programs is competitive and includes a multi-step process, beginning with a mandatory information session and program-specific application. There is typically a one-year waitlist. Students must maintain a grade of “C” or better in all technical courses. The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements must also be met before graduation.
Tarrant County College’s aviation programs offer structured, hands-on training aligned with FAA licensing standards. Whether pursuing a degree or certificate, students gain real-world experience and skills to begin a career in aviation maintenance, powerplant mechanics, or avionics.
Program Accreditation
All programs are FAA-regulated and follow strict standards for aircraft technician training.