Orange Coast College Aviation Mechanic Programs

Orange Coast College (OCC) in California offers a range of FAA-approved aviation maintenance programs designed to prepare students for entry-level and advanced positions in aircraft maintenance. Students can pursue certificates or Associate of Science degrees in Airframe, Powerplant, or Airframe & Powerplant, with specialized training also available in Avionics and Helicopter Maintenance. The college has been training aviation technicians for over 30 years and offers flexible class schedules, including evening and weekend options.

Quick Facts

Associate Degrees

Airframe & Powerplant, Associate in Science Degree

This comprehensive program requires 81 units and typically takes around 21 to 24 months to complete. Students receive hands-on training in aircraft inspection, engine repair, hydraulics, pneumatics, avionics, and more.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes 63 major units such as Airframe Hydraulics, Powerplant Gas Turbine Engines, and Instrumentation Systems.

Classes include the following:

  • AMT A150 General Maintenance Records – FAA covers essential maintenance documentation and operational procedures including mechanic’s privileges and limitations, maintenance forms and records, non-destructive testing techniques, precision measurement methods, proper record keeping practices, and ground operation procedures required for FAA certification.
  • AMT A151 General Electricity – FAA provides foundational knowledge in aircraft electrical systems through study of basic electricity principles, fundamental troubleshooting techniques, and aircraft battery systems essential for aviation maintenance work.
  • AMT A152 General Airframe & Powerplant Fuel Systems – FAA combines theoretical understanding of fuel systems with hands-on experience in repair, checking, servicing, overhauling, testing, and troubleshooting fuel systems and component parts, including lines and fittings used in aircraft fuel delivery.
  • AMT A153 General Materials, Processes & Welding – FAA introduces students to materials used in aircraft construction, parts cleaning procedures, hardware and fastener identification, and aircraft welding techniques essential for maintenance and repair operations.
  • AMT A154 General Weight & Balance, Math & Physics – FAA covers theoretical concepts and practical applications of aircraft mathematics, physics principles, and weight and balance calculations, providing hands-on experience with weight and balance procedures for various aircraft types.
  • AMT A155 General Blueprint Reading & Drafting – FAA teaches fundamental aviation blueprint theory and drafting skills through practical experience in blueprint interpretation, technical drawing creation, repair sketches, alteration documentation, schematic reading, and the use of graphs and charts in aviation maintenance.
  • AMT A160 Airframe & Powerplant Electricity – FAA provides comprehensive study of aircraft electrical systems, ice and rain control systems, and fire protection systems, combined with practical experience in disassembly, repair, overhaul, inspection, and testing of electrical components and systems.
  • AMT A161 Airframe Sheet Metal & Composite Structural Repair – FAA covers fundamental aircraft structure theory with extensive hands-on training in sheet metal work, composite materials, wood structures, riveting techniques, fabric applications, inspection procedures, and painting processes.
  • AMT A162 Airframe Assembly & Rigging, Pneumatics & Environmental Control Systems – FAA teaches assembly theory and cabin control systems through practical experience in rigging procedures, assembly and disassembly operations, repair and overhaul techniques, testing methods, inspection protocols, and component operation.
  • AMT A163 Airframe Hydraulics and Landing Gear – FAA provides theoretical foundation in hydraulic, pneumatic, and landing gear systems combined with practical training in disassembly, repair, overhaul, testing, inspection, and operation of related component parts.
  • AMT A170 Powerplant Reciprocating Engines FAA covers fundamental theory of aircraft reciprocating engines with extensive practical experience in overhauling, repairing, assembling, testing, and troubleshooting various types of powerplants used in aviation.
  • AMT A171 Powerplant Fuel Metering, Exhaust & Induction Systems FAA focuses on aircraft reciprocating engine fuel metering systems, induction systems, cooling mechanisms, and exhaust systems, providing comprehensive understanding of these critical powerplant components.
  • AMT A172 Powerplant Propeller and Lubricating Systems FAA teaches fundamental theory of propeller systems and lubrication components through practical experience in overhauling, repairing, testing, and troubleshooting different types of propeller and lubrication systems.
  • AMT A173 Powerplant Gas Turbine Engines – FAA provides comprehensive study of turbine engine theory, starting systems, and system components with extensive practical experience in disassembly, repair, overhaul, inspection, and testing of turbine engines and their components.
  • AMT A174 Powerplant Ignition Systems – FAA covers fundamental ignition system theory combined with practical training in disassembly, repair, overhaul, inspection, and testing of ignition system components essential for aircraft engine operation.
  • AMT A180 Airframe and Powerplant Instrumentation FAA provides survey-level knowledge and limited practical experience with basic instrumentation systems used in private, corporate, and commercial aircraft, including aircraft nomenclature, acronyms, and computer-based training systems.
  • AMT A181 Airframe Communication and Navigation Systems – FAA surveys avionic systems used for navigation and communication, covering computer-based flight management systems, flight deck orientation, and fundamental theory of flight operations.

Cost

At $46 per unit, the estimated tuition for major courses is $2,898, not including general education or lab fees. Graduates are qualified to take the FAA Airframe and Powerplant exams.

Powerplant, Associate in Science Degree

Designed for those focusing on propulsion systems, this 60-unit degree also takes approximately 20 to 22 months. It includes 42 technical units covering Reciprocating Engines, Fuel Metering Systems, and Gas Turbine Engines.

Estimated tuition for the technical portion is $1,932, with additional costs for general education.

The program prepares students for FAA Powerplant certification and roles at repair stations and overhaul facilities.

Airframe, Associate in Science Degree

This degree trains students to become certified airframe technicians and takes about 18 to 20 months to complete. The 40.5-unit technical core includes instruction in Sheet Metal Repair, Environmental Systems, and Aircraft Communication Systems.

With tuition for technical units at $1,863, students are prepared to perform, inspect, or supervise airframe-related maintenance and are eligible for the FAA Airframe certification exam.

Certificates

Airframe & Powerplant, Certificate of Achievement

This certificate includes the same 63 technical units as the AS degree but without general education requirements.

Completion takes around 16 to 18 months and costs approximately $2,898 in tuition.

The program qualifies students for FAA certification and employment in inspection, repair, and maintenance of all U.S. certificated aircraft.

Powerplant, Certificate of Achievement

Focused solely on engine systems, this 42-unit program takes about 12 to 14 months to finish. Students learn about Gas Turbines, Propellers, and Lubrication Systems.

Estimated tuition is $1,932, and graduates are eligible for FAA Powerplant exams and employment in powerplant maintenance facilities.

Airframe, Certificate of Achievement

Also requiring 40.5 units, this certificate takes roughly 12 to 14 months to complete. Courses include Blueprint Reading, Electrical Systems, and Airframe Assembly. The cost for tuition is approximately $1,863, and the program meets FAA standards for Airframe certification.

Tuition

Program costs range from $1,900 to $3,000.

  • Airframe & Powerplant, Associate in Science Degree: 63 major units × $46 = $2,898
  • Powerplant, Associate in Science Degree: 42 major units × $46 = $1,932
  • Airframe, Associate in Science Degree: 40.5 major units × $46 = $1,863
  • Airframe & Powerplant, Certificate of Achievement: 63 units × $46 = $2,898
  • Powerplant, Certificate of Achievement: 42 units × $46 = $1,932
  • Airframe, Certificate of Achievement: 40.5 units × $46 = $1,863

Full tuition details available here: https://orangecoastcollege.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.html

Accreditation and Features

All programs are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and align with current industry standards. OCC’s Aviation Maintenance Technology department is known for its close ties with industry partners and emphasis on real-world training. Students benefit from OCC’s reputation, flexible scheduling, and financial aid eligibility. The programs also create pathways to four-year engineering degrees for those seeking further education.

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