Southern Illinois University’s Aviation Technologies program offers comprehensive training for students seeking careers in aviation maintenance and management. Located at the Transportation Education Center at Southern Illinois Airport, the program features state-of-the-art facilities including a 60,000 square-foot hangar, specialized laboratories, and over $14 million in equipment. The program is continuously developed with input from industry representatives and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure graduates meet current industry demands.
Quick Facts
- Length: 18 Months to 48 Months
- Cost: $13,171 to $38,550
- Location: Murphysboro, IL
- Website: https://aviation.siu.edu/
Programs
| Program | Duration | Credit Hours | Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technologies | 48 months (4 years) | 120 | $38,550 |
| Aviation Maintenance Management (Online) | 24-36 months | 120 | $38,550 |
| Combined Airframe & Powerplant Certificate | 24 months (4 semesters) | 64 | $20,560 |
| Airframe Certificate Only | ~18 months | 42 | $13,493 |
| Powerplant Certificate Only | ~18 months | 41 | $13,171 |
- Tuition calculated at $321.25 per credit hour. Additional costs include $500-$1,000 for tool kits and lab fees.
Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technologies
The Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technologies is a comprehensive 120 credit hour program that typically takes 48 months (4 years) to complete. At the standard undergraduate tuition rate of $321.25 per credit hour, the total tuition cost is approximately $38,550.
The program includes 39 credit hours of University Core Curriculum, 30-46 credit hours of specialization requirements, and 15-39 credit hours of technical or career electives.
Students can choose from four distinct specializations to tailor their education to specific career goals.
Advanced Aircraft Maintenance Specialization
This specialization focuses on flight management systems, advanced composites, advanced propulsion systems, and supply chain logistics.
The program requires 40 credit hours of specialization coursework beyond the core curriculum, including core requirements (7 credit hours), specialization requirements (15 credit hours), and specialization electives (18 credit hours).
Students must also complete 41 credit hours of technical or career electives, typically satisfied by an Associate in Applied Science degree in Aviation Maintenance.
Aviation Maintenance Management Specialization (Online)
This online degree completion program is designed for working professionals and typically takes 24-36 months to complete, depending on prior experience and credit transfers.
The specialization requires 30 credit hours of specific coursework including avionics communication systems, supply chain logistics, and project management. Students must also complete 12 credit hours of internship/cooperative experience and 39 credit hours of technical electives. This program is ideal for individuals with existing FAA certifications or relevant work experience.
Helicopter Maintenance Specialization
The helicopter maintenance specialization requires 43 credit hours of specialized coursework, including 7 credit hours of core requirements and 18 credit hours each of specialization requirements and electives.
Students gain hands-on experience with Bell Helicopters in the dedicated Helicopter Laboratory. The program includes courses in helicopter theory, maintenance, overhaul, and inspection procedures.
Aviation Electronics (Avionics) Specialization
While specific credit hour details weren’t provided for this specialization, the avionics program focuses on aircraft electronic systems, communication equipment, and navigation systems. Students work with cutting-edge technology in specialized laboratories designed for electronic systems training.
FAA Certification Programs
Combined Airframe and Powerplant Certificate
The FAA-approved Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate program requires 64 credit hours and takes approximately 24 months (4 semesters) to complete. At $321.25 per credit hour, the total tuition cost is approximately $20,560.
The program follows a structured sequence: first semester (18 credit hours), second semester (20 credit hours), third semester (14 credit hours), and fourth semester (12 credit hours). All coursework requires a minimum grade of C, with FAA-specific courses requiring a minimum of 70%.
Individual Certificates
Students can pursue individual certifications with the Airframe Certificate requiring 42 credit hours (approximately $13,493 tuition) and the Powerplant Certificate requiring 41 credit hours (approximately $13,171 tuition).
Both programs can be completed in approximately 18 months of focused study.
Curriculum
Courses for the programs are as follows:
AVT101 – Applied Science This foundational course covers essential physical laws including weight and balance, pressure, force, motion, mechanical advantage, heat and sound. Students learn to interpret blueprints and schematic diagrams while developing basic mechanical drawing skills using orthographic projections, sections, and dimensioning. The course also includes study of hydraulic tubes, hoses, and fittings with a $60 course fee.
AVT110 – Aircraft Structures Students master aircraft construction materials identification and selection while demonstrating repair competence for honeycomb, fiberglass, welded, wood, and fabric aircraft components. Using appropriate Federal Aviation Regulations, students learn to inspect aircraft members for defects and evaluate completed repairs for airworthiness.
AVT111 – Materials Processing This comprehensive 5-credit course develops skills in aircraft hardware and materials identification, selection, and inspection. Students become proficient with precision measurement equipment, inspection tools, cleaning materials application, and corrosion control implementation. The course requires a $60 fee for hands-on laboratory components.
AVT112 – Aircraft Electricity Students gain fundamental knowledge of electricity generation, AC and DC circuits, and electrical controls. The 4-credit course covers electrical measurement problem-solving, circuit interpretation and inspection, aircraft electrical load analysis, malfunction diagnosis, component servicing, and basic electronics.
AVT113 – Federal Aviation Regulations This 3-credit course teaches students to select and utilize FAA technical and legal publications essential for aircraft technician duties. Students develop comprehensive understanding of regulatory compliance and documentation requirements with a $65 course fee.
AVT116 – Aircraft Instruments Students learn aircraft instrument operation, installation, marking, and interpretation while developing skills to install, adjust, and calibrate instruments according to FAA and manufacturer recommendations. The course also covers aircraft communications, light signals, and runway lighting systems.
AVT204 – Aircraft Hydraulics This 3-credit course provides comprehensive knowledge of fluid theory and applied physics related to aircraft hydraulics. Students learn hydraulic component and system operation theory, maintenance requirements, and adjustments while developing skills to test, inspect, troubleshoot, and service hydraulic systems per technical specifications.
AVT206 – Metals Processing Students develop expertise in appropriate sheet metal repair procedures using correct tools and materials. The 3-credit course emphasizes proper use and interpretation of structural repair diagrams and charts from AC 43, 13-1B pertaining to materials and methods.
AVT211 – Reciprocating Powerplant This 4-credit course covers aircraft reciprocating powerplant construction, operation, and timing mechanisms. Students learn to disassemble, clean, measure, inspect, and reassemble powerplants to airworthy condition following FAA and manufacturer regulations.
AVT212 – Fuel Metering Systems Students develop competence in identifying fuels, oils, and related system components including carburetors while understanding operating principles. The 3-credit course teaches inspection, adjustment, troubleshooting, and overhaul procedures according to manufacturer and federal regulations.
AVT213 – Engine Electrical, Ignition, and Starting Systems This 4-credit course provides comprehensive knowledge of engine electrical systems including AC and DC power generation, voltage regulation, and current regulation. Students learn ignition and starting systems for both turbine and reciprocating engines.
AVT214 – Propellers Students gain knowledge of physical laws and design characteristics governing propeller operation. The 3-credit course covers component identification, troubleshooting, and adjustment of fixed and variable pitch propellers, plus maintenance of governor systems according to FAA and manufacturer standards. The course includes powerplant instrument systems knowledge with a $50 course fee.
AVT301 – Helicopter Theory and General Maintenance Practice This advanced 3-credit course provides in-depth knowledge of rotary wing aerodynamics, main and tail rotor systems, rotor blades, primary and secondary controls, and general maintenance practices including inspection and nondestructive testing. Prerequisites include FAA certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings and departmental approval.
AVT302 – Helicopter General Maintenance Laboratory Students perform hands-on general maintenance on rotary wing systems including main rotor, tail rotor, flight and powerplant controls. The 6-credit laboratory course covers malfunction analysis, tracking, static and dynamic balancing, rigging, and repair procedures.
AVT303 – Technical Evolution of Aviation This 3-credit course introduces students to aviation’s heritage through extensive reading and research assignments. Students explore events, personalities, and technological developments that shaped modern aviation, with emphasis on cause-and-effect relationships of significant aviation-related events and innovations.
AVT304 – Helicopter Power Train and Inspection Students develop in-depth knowledge of rotary wing aircraft rotational components including transmission, gear boxes, drive trains, and drive shafts operation, function, and inspection. This 3-credit course is co-requisite with AVT 306 for comprehensive helicopter maintenance training.
AVT305 – Cabin Environment and Jet Transport Systems This 4-credit course covers jet transport aircraft systems including flight controls, landing gear, fuel, anti-icing, fire detection, water and waste systems, and environmental systems. Students learn aircraft ground handling procedures, APU operation, and system servicing.
AVT306 – Helicopter Power Train Laboratory Students perform complete overhaul functions on rotary wing transmissions, gear boxes, and drive trains. The 6-credit laboratory course develops skills in disassembly, inspection, discrepancy analysis, reassembly, and non-destructive testing.
AVT310 – Aircraft Electrical Systems Students gain comprehensive knowledge of small and large aircraft electrical system operation, repair, inspection, and service. The 3-credit course includes maintenance manual usage, inspection manual interpretation, schematic diagram reading, and electrical component understanding. Prerequisites include AVT 112 and approved math course, with advisor approval and $65 course fee.
AVT316 – Jet Propulsion Powerplant This 4-credit course applies physics laws to jet engines while teaching component identification and operation understanding. Students learn to inspect, check, repair, troubleshoot, and adjust jet engines and accessories while analyzing engine performance and interpreting operational charts and graphs.
AVT317 – Introduction to Aviation Electronics Students explore electron devices used in analog and digital electronics equipment through theoretical analysis and circuit applications for power supplies, amplifiers, control devices, and communication data bussing.
AVT318 – Aviation Electronics Control Systems This 3-credit course focuses on analog and digital control systems theory and application including transducers, control input devices, instrument panel displays, and feedback sensor circuits. Data recording and monitoring systems are also covered through two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory.
AVT321 – Radio Theory and Practice Students develop knowledge of Advanced Radio Theory and Practice including Federal Communications Commission requirements for aircraft station licenses, aeronautical ground stations, and radio telephone operator privileges and limitations. This 3-credit course requires AVT 317 as a prerequisite.
AVT327 – Aircraft Communication This lecture/laboratory course introduces traditional aircraft communication and navigation equipment theory including VHF transceivers, VOR receivers, ILS receivers, ADF receivers, transponders, and DMEs. RADAR, ADS-B, WiFi networking, routing, and basic Linux operating system principles are covered.
AVT329 – Introduction to Avionics Systems This distance learning course covers aircraft avionics systems from historical development to current and future technologies. Students review communications, navigation, GPS, satellite communications, weather, ADS-B, Next generation airways systems, flight management systems, pitot/static systems, autopilot theory, and space flight systems.
AVT380 – Aerospace Supply Chain Logistics Students study efficient scheduling, production, transportation, storage, and supply of aerospace components and hardware. The course focuses on improving supply chain logistics efficiencies through management information system technology advancements to deliver goods and services to correct locations at proper times.
AVT390 – Management Information Systems for Aerospace Applications This course provides understanding of Management Information Systems used in Aerospace Support, focusing on planning, implementation, and evaluation. Students learn MIS applications for aerospace product support, evaluate system designs, develop problem-solving skills for logistics applications, and acquire database management, design, and security knowledge.
AVT405 – Flight Management Systems Using industry-type computer instruction and flight simulation trainers, students develop knowledge of autopilots, auto throttles, inertial reference systems, electronic instrument systems, and flight management computers on advanced technology aircraft. This course is not available for graduate credit.
AVT410 – Advanced Composites Students explore theory and application of advanced composite materials in modern aircraft structures and engine components. The course covers structure evaluation and various repair and maintenance methods using both cold and heated application techniques. Not available for graduate credit.
AVT416 – Advanced Propulsion Systems This course studies advanced turbine powerplants and control systems with emphasis on integrated composite engines and digital control system analysis. Topics include powerplant controls and monitoring systems interfacing, aircraft electronic data bussing, and indicating displays.
AVT470 – Reliability, Maintainability, and Fault Prediction and Analysis Students develop understanding of reliability, maintainability, and failure modes concepts to facilitate fault prediction and logistical systems analysis. The course covers logic symbols, fault tree analysis, statistical analysis, fault criticality, and engineering for reliability and maintainability related to aerospace hardware maintenance and logistical management.
AVT475 – Aerospace Lean Manufacturing and Maintenance Practices This course introduces aerospace professionals to lean manufacturing and maintenance principles and management strategies. Emphasis includes practical application in real-world facilities, Toyota Production System study, production waste elimination, continuous improvement strategies, just-in-time production control, 5S workplace organization, and Six Sigma quality control introduction.
AVT478 – Aircraft Business and Industry Financial Practices Students learn aviation business and finance including business and economic theory applications across aviation businesses. Course topics include aviation industry survey, economic principles application to industry forecasts, business finance, and aviation in global marketplace contexts.
AVT485 – Aerospace Maintenance Shop Operations This course provides in-depth exploration of professional practices in aerospace maintenance facilities for day-to-day operations. Students examine perspectives from general aviation, corporate aviation, aircraft manufacturer, and airline maintenance shops including OSHA safety standards, aircraft ground handling, lifting, storing, fueling, personnel training, manufacturing processes, and record keeping.
AVT488 – Advanced Aerospace Safety Procedures Students learn safety management systems becoming prevalent and required in aviation industry. Course topics include SMS history, FAA guidelines, SMS development and implementation, and required documentation and record keeping procedures for comprehensive safety management.
View details here: https://catalog.siu.edu/programs/avt/courses.php
Additional Program Features
Facilities and Equipment
The program boasts exceptional facilities including airline-type cockpit procedure trainers, an advanced composite structures laboratory, computer laboratories, and the Aviation Test Cell for powerplant training. Students have access to a diverse fleet of aircraft ranging from piston singles to jet aircraft, plus multiple helicopters for specialized training.
Industry Partnerships and Opportunities
SIU Aviation maintains strong relationships with major industry players including American Airlines, Boeing, Duncan Aviation, and GE Engines.
Recent research initiatives include collaboration with Swift Fuels to evaluate unleaded aviation fuel alternatives. The program offers numerous internship opportunities and maintains active partnerships with community colleges for seamless transfer programs.
Financial Considerations
Beyond tuition costs, students should budget $500-$1,000 for required tool kits and additional lab fees for specialized courses. The program offers various aviation-specific scholarships and general university financial aid opportunities to help offset costs.
Accreditation and Recognition
The Aviation Technologies program is FAA-approved and maintains accreditation standards required for professional certification.
The program ranks among the best in the country and has established articulation agreements with multiple community colleges including Southwestern Illinois College, Rock Valley College, Indian Hills Community College, and Community College of the Air Force. The program also offers Restricted Air Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certification pathways, providing additional career advancement opportunities for graduates.