Vincennes University’s Aviation Technology Center (ATC), located at Indianapolis International Airport, offers comprehensive FAA-certified Aviation Maintenance Technology programs. The state-of-the-art 92,000-square-foot facility features two hangars, 15 aircraft including a fully functional Boeing 737-200, advanced testing equipment, and immediate airfield access. Class sizes are strictly limited to 25 students maximum to ensure personalized attention and hands-on instruction throughout the 1,900 hours of required training covering 45 different subject areas.
Quick Facts
- Length: 24 Months
- Cost: $14,000
- Location: Vincennes, IN
- Website: https://www.vinu.edu/major/aviation-maintenance-technology-as-career-tech.html
Aviation Maintenance Technology Programs Summary
| Program | Duration | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Aviation Maintenance Technology – Airframe Concentration (A.S.) | 24 Months | $13,758 |
| Aviation Maintenance Technology – Powerplant Concentration (A.S.) | 24 Months | $13,758 |
| Military Airframe Concentration | 24 Months | $13,758 |
| Military Powerplant Concentration | 24 Months | $13,758 |
Aviation Maintenance Technology – Airframe Concentration (A.S.)
In the Airframe Concentration students focus on composite structures, electricity, welding, painting, sheet metal, instruments, assembly, and rigging while preparing for FAA Airframe certification.
Curriculum
The program follows a structured sequence over five semesters including summer coursework.
Classes include:
- AMNT 110 – Regulations and Aviation Fundamentals
Covers FAA Maintenance General Section knowledge areas including regulations, maintenance forms and records, mathematics, physics, and human factors. - AMNT 110L – Regulations and Aviation Fundamentals Laboratory
Reinforces skill elements in maintenance regulations, aviation math, physics, human factors, and documentation. - AMNT 112 – Ground Ops, Corrosion, and Weight and Balance
Focuses on FAA General Section topics including ground operations, corrosion control, and aircraft weight and balance. - AMNT 112L – Ground Ops, Corrosion, and Weight and Balance Laboratory
Covers hands-on skills in ground handling, corrosion inspection and treatment, and weight and balance calculations. - AMNT 114 – Basic Electricity and Drawings
Introduces aviation electrical systems and technical drawings. Covers FAA knowledge areas in electricity and electronics fundamentals and blueprint reading. - AMNT 114L – Basic Electricity and Drawings Laboratory
Applies skills in interpreting aircraft drawings and working with electrical circuits. - AMNT 116 – Materials, Processes, and Fluid Lines
Covers aircraft materials and hardware, inspection techniques, and fluid line systems. Emphasizes FAA maintenance standards. - AMNT 116L – Materials, Processes, and Fluid Lines Laboratory
Reinforces practical skills in fluid line fabrication, hardware selection, and inspection processes. - AMNT 197 – FAA General Section Examination
Administers FAA written, oral, and practical exams for the General Section of the Aviation Mechanic Certificate. Includes 1 hour of exam preparation. - AMNT 210 – Airframe Systems
Covers aircraft systems such as fuel, fire protection, environmental controls, and rotorcraft fundamentals. - AMNT 210L – Airframe Systems Laboratory
Reinforces practical knowledge of airframe systems including hands-on inspection and servicing. - AMNT 212 – Airframe Electrical, Instruments, and Communications
Covers airframe electrical systems, instruments, and communication components. Emphasizes FAA knowledge areas and includes writing-intensive elements. - AMNT 212L – Airframe Electrical, Instruments, and Communications Laboratory
Applies lab skills in troubleshooting and repairing aircraft electrical and communication systems. - AMNT 214 – Metallic Structures
Focuses on metallic structure repair and fabrication under FAA airframe standards. Speaking-intensive course. - AMNT 214L – Metallic Structures Laboratory
Provides hands-on experience in sheet metal repair and fabrication techniques. - AMNT 216 – Non-Metallic Structures
Covers composite and non-metallic structure repair and inspection. - AMNT 216L – Non-Metallic Structures Laboratory
Provides lab instruction in handling and repairing non-metallic aircraft structures. - AMNT 218 – Hydraulics, Landing Gear, Flight Controls, and Inspection
Teaches hydraulic and pneumatic systems, landing gear, flight control systems, and airframe inspection. Includes 3 hours of lecture. - AMNT 218L – Hydraulics, Landing Gear, Flight Controls, and Inspection Laboratory
Applies lab-based skills in aircraft hydraulic, landing gear, and inspection systems. Includes 3 lab hours. - AMNT 283 – Initial Certification Test Preparation
Prepares students for FAA written, oral, and practical tests in General, Airframe, or Powerplant Ratings. Includes 1 hour of review and lab work. - AMNT 294 – FAA Airframe Section Examination
Administers FAA Airframe Rating exams through written, oral, and practical tests. Includes 1 hour of testing. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in FAA-required coursework and regulatory eligibility.
Cost & Duration
It is a 63-credit hour program requiring approximately 24 months to complete. Based on Indiana resident tuition rates of $218.38 per credit hour, the total program cost is approximately $13,758.
Aviation Maintenance Technology – Powerplant Concentration (A.S.)
The Powerplant Concentration (A.S.) This program emphasizes reciprocating and turbine engines, propellers, lubrication, ignition, and fuel metering systems, preparing students for FAA Powerplant certification.
Curriculum
The curriculum includes extensive laboratory work with both reciprocating and turbine powerplant systems to meet all FAA requirements for certification.
- AMNT 191 – Military Aviation Maintenance Differences – General
Covers FAA Airframe Section elements not addressed in military training. Designed for military students pursuing FAA Airframe and/or Powerplant certification. Includes 4 lecture/laboratory hours. - AMNT 250 – Powerplant Electrical, Instruments, and Propellers
Covers powerplant electrical systems, engine instruments, and propeller operations under FAA standards. - AMNT 250L – Powerplant Electrical, Instruments, and Propellers Laboratory
Applies skills in inspecting and servicing engine instruments, electrical systems, and propellers. - AMNT 252 – Reciprocating Powerplants
Covers reciprocating engine operations, exhaust systems, inspection, and fuel metering. Speaking-intensive course. Includes 3 hours of lecture. - AMNT 252L – Reciprocating Powerplants Laboratory
Provides lab training in reciprocating engine inspection, exhaust, and fuel systems. - AMNT 254 – Reciprocating Engine Systems
Focuses on fire protection, lubrication, ignition, and cooling systems in reciprocating engines. - AMNT 254L – Reciprocating Engine Systems Laboratory
Teaches lab skills in maintaining reciprocating engine systems and subsystems. - AMNT 258 – Turbine Powerplant Systems
Explores turbine engine fire protection, lubrication, ignition, and fuel systems. Writing and reading intensive. - AMNT 258L – Turbine Powerplant Systems Laboratory
Reinforces turbine engine system maintenance and diagnostics. Includes 3 lab hours. - AMNT 291 – Military Aviation Maintenance Differences – Powerplant
Covers FAA Powerplant Section elements not taught in military settings. Intended for military students seeking FAA Powerplant certification. Includes 4 lecture/laboratory hours. - AMNT 298 – FAA Powerplant Section Examination
Administers FAA Powerplant Rating exams including written, oral, and practical components. Includes 1 hour of testing. Prerequisites: C grade or better in required FAA coursework and eligibility per FAA rules.
Cost & Duration
The program requires 63 credit hours over 24 months at the same cost of $13,758.
Military-Focused Programs
For military personnel, Vincennes offers specialized tracks including the Aviation Maintenance Technology – Military Airframe Concentration and Aviation Maintenance Technology – Military Powerplant Concentration.
These programs include specialized courses addressing differences between military and civilian aviation maintenance practices while meeting all FAA certification requirements.
Both are 63-credit hour programs lasting 24 months at $13,758 each, designed to help military personnel transition their existing aviation experience to civilian FAA certification.
Accreditation
Vincennes University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and maintains specialized FAA approvals for all aviation programs, ensuring graduates meet strict federal certification standards.
Facilities & Industry Connections
The Aviation Technology Center houses advanced equipment including two full-motion flight simulators, two stationary simulators, and a diverse fleet of training aircraft donated by government, military, and private sources.
With strong industry connections and job placement rates of three opportunities per graduate within Indiana, VU graduates command starting salaries of approximately $30 per hour at premier employers like GE Aviation, making this program highly attractive for students seeking stable, well-paying careers in aviation maintenance.