Sacramento City College Aviation Mechanic Programs

Sacramento City College (SCC) offers a comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Technician Program (AMTP) designed to prepare students for careers in aviation maintenance. The program is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and provides both degree and certificate options in Airframe, Powerplant, or combined Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) specializations.

Associate of Science (A.S.) Degrees

Each A.S. degree requires the completion of 60 units, combining core technical courses with general education requirements.

Aircraft Maintenance Technician (A&P)

  • Cost: $3,082 – $3,220
  • Length: ~24 months (full 4-semester program)

The comprehensive A&P Associate degree trains students in both airframe and powerplant systems. Spanning approximately two years, this program covers large aircraft systems, aircraft structures, and FAA regulations. Graduates can test for both Airframe and Powerplant certifications, opening doors to broad aircraft maintenance careers.

Curriculum

Required courses include the following:

  • AMTP 200 Certificated Aircraft Mechanic Preparation – This supplemental course provides additional instruction to prepare students for FAA written, oral, and practical exams throughout the four-semester program. Credit is earned incrementally based on completion hours, with one unit awarded for every 36 hours of combined lecture and lab work.
  • AMTP 300 Basic Electricity Fundamentals – Students learn fundamental electrical theory for aircraft systems, covering circuits, schematics, batteries, and DC system components. The course establishes essential electrical knowledge required for both airframe and powerplant technicians.
  • AMTP 301 Basic Electricity Applications – This hands-on course reinforces theoretical concepts from AMTP 300 through practical projects focused on mathematics, DC circuits, and battery systems. Students develop essential electrical skills required for aircraft maintenance certification.
  • AMTP 302 Basic Electrical Systems Fundamentals – An advanced electrical theory course covering complex aircraft systems including ignition, electrical generation, instruments, and both AC and DC components. Students gain comprehensive understanding of aircraft electrical operations.
  • AMTP 303 Basic Electrical Systems Applications – Students apply advanced electrical concepts through hands-on projects involving repair and maintenance of ignition systems, generators, instruments, and AC circuits. This course develops practical troubleshooting and repair skills for complex electrical systems.
  • AMTP 304 Aircraft Sheetmetal Fabrication Fundamentals – Students learn aircraft sheet metal theory, structural concepts, drawing interpretation, repair documentation, and basic flight principles. This foundational course introduces essential manufacturing and repair concepts.
  • AMTP 305 Aircraft Sheetmetal Fabrication Applications – A project-based course where students fabricate actual aircraft sheet metal repairs using approved drawings and specifications. Students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard fabrication techniques and procedures.
  • AMTP 306 Nondestructive Testing and Materials Fundamentals – Students study various inspection methods including magnetic particle, dye penetrant, eddy current, radiographic, and ultrasonic testing. The course also covers aircraft hardware standards and fastener identification.
  • AMTP 307 Nondestructive Testing and Materials Processes Applications – Students operate actual NDT equipment and perform inspections using magnetic particle, dye penetrant, eddy current, radiographic, and ultrasonic methods. Practical application of hardware installation and safety wiring techniques is emphasized.
  • AMTP 310 Powerplant Theory and Maintenance Fundamentals – Reciprocating Engines – Students learn reciprocating engine theory, overhaul procedures, inspection techniques, testing methods, and operational principles. This course provides comprehensive foundation knowledge for piston engine maintenance.
  • AMTP 311 Powerplant Overhaul Applications – Reciprocating Engines – Students gain hands-on experience with reciprocating engine overhaul equipment and test cell operations. Practical skills development focuses on real-world powerplant maintenance and testing procedures.
  • AMTP 312 Powerplant Theory – Turbine Engine Fundamentals – Students study turbine engine theory, overhaul processes, inspection protocols, testing procedures, and operational characteristics. This course establishes foundational knowledge for jet engine maintenance.
  • AMTP 313 Powerplant Overhaul- Turbine Engines Applications – Students operate turbine engine overhaul equipment and perform test cell procedures. Hands-on training emphasizes practical skills needed for turbine powerplant maintenance and testing.
  • AMTP 314 Reciprocating Powerplant Systems and Components Fundamentals – Students learn theory of fuel metering systems, turbochargers, and superchargers for reciprocating engines. This course focuses on auxiliary systems that enhance engine performance and efficiency.
  • AMTP 315 Reciprocating Powerplant Systems and Components Applications – Students develop practical skills with test equipment used for overhauling reciprocating engine components. Hands-on experience includes engine test cell operations and component maintenance procedures.
  • AMTP 316 Aircraft Propellers and Propeller Systems Fundamentals – Students study propeller theory, governor systems, and propeller operations. This course covers the mechanical and hydraulic systems that control propeller pitch and performance.
  • AMTP 317 Aircraft Propellers and Propeller Systems Applications – Students perform propeller maintenance, inspection, repair, and installation procedures. Practical training emphasizes real-world propeller system troubleshooting and service techniques.
  • AMTP 320 Large Aircraft Systems Power Source Fundamentals – Students learn about complex power systems found in large aircraft, including AC/DC electrical, pneumatic, bleed air, and auxiliary power units. This course covers advanced aircraft power generation and distribution.
  • AMTP 321 Large Aircraft Systems Power Applications – Students work with electrical systems, fire protection and detection, bleed air systems, and auxiliary power units through hands-on projects. Practical experience focuses on large aircraft power system maintenance.
  • AMTP 322 Large Aircraft System Component Fundamentals – Students study hydraulic systems, ice and rain protection, pneumatics, pressurization, air conditioning, oxygen systems, combustion heaters, and warning systems. This course covers essential comfort and safety systems.
  • AMTP 323 Large Aircraft System Component Applications – Students apply theoretical knowledge through hands-on projects involving hydraulics, environmental systems, and safety equipment. Practical training emphasizes troubleshooting and maintenance of aircraft comfort and safety systems.
  • AMTP 324 Landing Gear, Assembly and Rigging Fundamentals – Students learn aircraft assembly procedures, rigging techniques, and landing gear system theory. This course covers structural assembly and control system alignment principles.
  • AMTP 325 Assembly and Rigging Applications – Students perform actual aircraft assembly and rigging procedures along with landing gear system maintenance. Hands-on training emphasizes precision measurement and alignment techniques required for flight safety.
  • AMTP 326 Airframe Structures Fundamentals – Students study various aircraft construction materials and methods including wood, advanced sheet metal, welding, composite structures, and finishing techniques. This course covers diverse airframe construction and repair methods.
  • AMTP 327 Airframe Structures Applications – Students perform hands-on work with wood structures, advanced sheet metal techniques, welding procedures, composite repairs, and aircraft finishing. Practical training covers diverse structural repair and construction methods.
  • AMTP 330 Aircraft Inspection Fundamentals – Students learn systematic inspection procedures for both airframe and powerplant systems. This course establishes theoretical foundation for comprehensive aircraft inspection protocols.
  • AMTP 331 Aircraft Inspection Applications – Students perform actual aircraft inspections using systematic procedures for airframes and powerplants. Practical training emphasizes thorough inspection techniques and documentation requirements.
  • AMTP 332 Ground Operations and Aircraft Structures Fundamentals – Students study assembly and rigging processes, ground handling procedures, cleaning and corrosion control methods, and exhaust system theory. This course covers essential ground support operations.
  • AMTP 333 Ground Operations and Aircraft Structures Applications – Students perform assembly and rigging procedures, ground operations, corrosion control treatments, and exhaust system maintenance. Practical training emphasizes safe and efficient ground handling techniques.
  • AMTP 334 Aircraft Communication and Navigation Fundamentals – Students learn communication and navigation systems including VHF, UHF, GPS, emergency locators, glass cockpit displays, analog instruments, and autopilot systems. This course covers modern avionics technology.
  • AMTP 335 Aircraft Communication and Navigation Applications – Students operate glass cockpit and analog flight instruments with integrated autopilot systems. Hands-on training includes pitot-static system installation and VHF navigation/communication system wiring.
  • AMTP 336 Federal Aviation Administration Regulations and Form Fundamentals – Students study FAA regulations, required forms, and record-keeping responsibilities for aircraft mechanics. This course covers legal requirements under various CFR parts and related transportation safety regulations.
  • AMTP 337 Federal Aviation Administration Regulations and Form Applications – Students apply regulatory knowledge through practical exercises involving FAA forms, NTSB requirements, and ATA standards. This course emphasizes proper documentation and compliance procedures required in aircraft maintenance.

More curriculum details available here: https://scc.losrios.edu/academics/programs-majors/aircraft-maintenance-technician

Aircraft Maintenance Airframe

  • Cost: $2,346 – $2,484
  • Length: 12-15 months (airframe portion of 4-semester program)

This two-year program prepares students to become FAA-certified Airframe Technicians. The curriculum includes coursework in aircraft structures, systems, inspections, and sheet metal fabrication, combining lecture and lab experiences. Graduates are ready to test for the Airframe Mechanic Certificate and enter aviation maintenance roles.

Aircraft Maintenance Powerplant

  • Cost: $1,978 – $2,116
  • Length: ~10-14 months (powerplant portion of 4-semester program)

This two-year degree program provides training in powerplant theory and maintenance for reciprocating and turbine engines. Students also learn about aircraft propellers, inspection procedures, and FAA regulations. Completion qualifies graduates to take the Powerplant Mechanic certification exams.

Certificates

The certificate programs focus solely on the technical coursework, with unit requirements ranging from 43 to 70 units depending on the specialization.

Aircraft Maintenance Airframe Certificate

  • Cost: $2,346 – $2,484
  • Length: ~12-15 months

This certificate program focuses solely on airframe systems and structures. Students complete coursework in basic electricity, sheet metal fabrication, inspections, and large aircraft system components. The program readies students to take the FAA Airframe Mechanic certification exams and enter the workforce as Airframe Technicians.

Aircraft Maintenance Powerplant Certificate

  • Cost: $1,978 – $2,116
  • Length: ~10-14 months

Designed for those focused on aircraft engine systems, this certificate program includes courses on reciprocating and turbine engines, propeller systems, and inspections. Graduates are prepared to take the FAA Powerplant Mechanic exams, enabling them to work on aircraft engines and related systems.

Aircraft Maintenance Technician Certificate

  • Cost: $3,082 – $3,220
  • Length: ~24 months

This comprehensive certificate covers all areas of airframe and powerplant maintenance, similar to the A.S. degree but without general education requirements. The program equips students with hands-on experience and knowledge for the FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification exams, preparing them for roles in aviation maintenance and repair.

Quick Facts

Tuition

As of Fall 2022, the total tuition cost for California residents is approximately $3,220. This estimate is based on students taking 17 units per semester over four semesters. Non-residents pay $466 per unit.

More tuition information here: https://scc.losrios.edu/admissions/financial-aid-and-fees/tuition-and-fees/cost-of-attendance

Accreditation and Outcomes

SCC’s AMTP is one of the oldest FAA-approved programs in the world, established in 1932. The program boasts a proud heritage, including training for the famous Rosie the Riveters during WWII. Graduates typically achieve a 100% pass rate on the FAA’s written, oral, and practical exams. Upon successful completion, students are certified to work on aircraft and supervise maintenance activities.

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