Reedley College Aviation Mechanic Programs

Reedley College offers a comprehensive suite of Aviation Maintenance Technology programs designed to prepare students for FAA-certified careers in aircraft maintenance. The college provides multiple pathways including four Certificate of Achievement programs and one Associate in Science degree. All programs are structured around the foundational Aircraft General Maintenance program that covers the 12 essential subject areas required for both airframe and powerplant mechanics ratings.

Quick Facts

Individual Program Details

Aircraft General Maintenance Certificate

The Aircraft General Maintenance Certificate serves as the foundation program, requiring 13 units completed over approximately 4.5 months through two 9-week courses (AMT 10 and AMT 20). This program provides essential knowledge, skills, and risk assessment capabilities required for both airframe and powerplant mechanics ratings, preparing students to advance to more specialized programs.

Aircraft Airframe Maintenance Certificate

The Aircraft Airframe Maintenance Certificate prepares students for FAA certification as Airframe mechanics, requiring 32.5 units completed over approximately 10.5 months through five courses spanning three terms. The program builds upon the general maintenance foundation with three additional airframe-specific courses (AMT 30, 40, and 50) covering specialized airframe maintenance concepts and practices.

Aircraft Powerplant Maintenance Certificate

The Aircraft Powerplant Maintenance Certificate focuses on engine and powerplant systems, requiring 32.5 units completed over approximately 10.5 months. This program includes the general maintenance foundation plus three powerplant-specific courses (AMT 60, 70, and 80) that cover engine maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting procedures.

Aviation Maintenance Technology Certificate

The comprehensive Aviation Maintenance Technology Certificate combines both airframe and powerplant training, requiring 52 units completed over approximately 18 months through four terms. This program prepares students to take FAA certification examinations for both Airframe and Powerplant ratings, providing the most complete technical preparation available.

Associate in Science Degree

The Associate in Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology requires 80-82 units completed over approximately 24 months across seven terms.

Curriculum

This degree program includes all technical coursework from the comprehensive certificate plus general education requirements in mathematics, English, humanities, political science, physical education, oral communication, lifetime skills, and natural sciences.

Courses include:

  • AMT 10 AVIATION MAINTENANCE GENERAL A provides foundational skills and technical knowledge for aircraft maintenance in the aviation industry, covering Federal Aviation Administration-required general aviation maintenance subjects. Students learn fundamentals of electricity and electronics, weight and balance calculations, mathematics and physics applications for aviation, ground operations and servicing procedures, and human factors considerations essential for safe aircraft maintenance practices.
  • AMT 20 AVIATION MAINTENANCE GENERAL B continues building essential skills and technical knowledge for aircraft maintenance through comprehensive study of additional FAA-required general aviation maintenance subjects. The course covers regulations, maintenance forms, records, and publications; aircraft materials, hardware, and processes; aircraft technical drawings interpretation; fluid lines and fittings systems; cleaning and corrosion control methods; and inspection concepts and techniques necessary for professional aircraft maintenance work.
  • AMT 30 AVIATION MAINTENANCE AIRFRAME A focuses on airframe-specific maintenance skills and technical knowledge required by the Federal Aviation Administration for aviation maintenance technology programs. Students study metallic structures, water and waste systems, comprehensive airframe inspection procedures, environmental control systems, and aircraft fuel systems, developing expertise in maintaining the structural and support systems of aircraft.
  • AMT 40 AVIATION MAINTENANCE AIRFRAME B advances airframe maintenance knowledge through specialized study of non-metallic aircraft structures, flight control systems, airframe fire protection systems, and rotorcraft fundamentals. This course provides students with essential skills for maintaining critical aircraft safety and control systems while meeting FAA requirements for aviation maintenance technology training.
  • AMT 50 AVIATION MAINTENANCE AIRFRAME C completes the airframe maintenance curriculum with comprehensive coverage of complex aircraft systems including landing gear systems, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, aircraft instrument systems, communication and navigation equipment, aircraft electrical systems, and ice and rain control systems. Students develop advanced technical competencies for maintaining sophisticated aircraft operational systems.
  • AMT 51 SAFETY AND BASIC ELECTRICITY introduces essential safety protocols and basic electrical skills required for aircraft maintenance work through focused study of OSHA safety standards in maintenance environments, risk management principles, basic electricity fundamentals, and electrical multimeter operation. The course includes OSHA 10 General Industry Card certification and Snap-On Multimeter certification training.
  • AMT 60 AVIATION MAINTENANCE POWERPLANT A provides comprehensive training in reciprocating engine maintenance, covering engine fundamentals, inspection procedures, ignition and starting systems, and induction and cooling systems. Students develop essential skills and technical knowledge required by the Federal Aviation Administration for powerplant maintenance certification in the aviation maintenance industry.
  • AMT 70 AVIATION MAINTENANCE POWERPLANT B focuses on turbine engine technology and maintenance procedures, including turbine engine operations, comprehensive engine inspection techniques, ignition and starting systems for turbine engines, and turbine engine air systems. This course builds advanced powerplant maintenance capabilities required for modern aviation technology.
  • AMT 80 AVIATION MAINTENANCE POWERPLANT C completes the powerplant maintenance curriculum with specialized training in engine instrument systems, fire protection systems, electrical systems, lubrication systems, fuel and fuel metering systems, exhaust and reverser systems, and propeller maintenance. Students master complex powerplant technologies essential for comprehensive aircraft engine maintenance and repair.
  • AMT 360 AVIATION MAINTENANCE SKILL BUILDING AND CERTIFICATION PREPARATION offers intensive skill refinement and certification preparation for students who have completed foundational aviation maintenance courses. This non-credit course provides guided practice in aircraft safety, inspection, repair, and assembly procedures, helping students develop, improve, and refine technical skills through hands-on laboratory experience in preparation for professional certification examinations.

Curriculum details here: https://www.reedleycollege.edu/admissions-aid/catalogs/2024_2025_rc_catalog.pdf#page=100

Tuition

Based on the standard tuition rate of $46 per unit plus fees, individual program costs are estimated at:

  • Aircraft General Maintenance: $598
  • Aircraft Airframe Maintenance: $1,495
  • Aircraft Powerplant Maintenance: $1,495
  • Aviation Maintenance Technology Certificate: $2,392
  • Associate Degree: $3,680-$3,772 for tuition only

The total program cost is approximately $9,617, including fees, textbooks, and FAA testing costs.

See official tuition page for latest information.

Training Features

Students receive extensive training in well-equipped facilities at Reedley Municipal Airport, providing real-world experience with actual aircraft systems.

The college offers a unique Tool Ownership Program where each student receives a complete toolset valued at $9,000 (student cost $4,800) to use during studies and keep upon graduation.

Accreditation

Reedley College has served as a trusted training provider since 1948, operating as an FAA-certified Aircraft Maintenance Technician School for over 70 years with a long-standing reputation for excellence.

Institutional Features

The program offers significantly lower costs compared to private institutions while providing comprehensive student support services including financial aid, scholarships, and expanding facilities for hands-on training.

Students benefit from on-campus FAA testing capabilities and the college’s commitment to affordable, high-quality aviation maintenance education that prepares graduates for immediate employment in the growing aviation industry.

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