California Aviation Mechanic Schools

AIM Aviation Mechanic Programs

Fremont | $55,000 | 21 Months

AIM Fremont leverages the Bay Area’s forward‑thinking energy to train aviation maintenance professionals in a hands‑on environment. Located near three international airports, the campus connects students with top employers like United Airlines, NASA, and Lockheed Martin. Its 48,000‑square‑foot hangar and dedicated composites lab let learners work on single‑ and multi‑engine aircraft, jets, and turbine engines under the guidance of industry‑seasoned instructors. Strong local and global partnerships ensure graduates step into the workforce with real‑world skills and community support.

Antelope Valley College Aviation Mechanic Programs

Lancaster | $1,400 to $3,000 | 12 Months to 24 Months

Antelope Valley College offers FAA-approved aviation maintenance programs, including associate degrees and certificates in airframe, powerplant, and general aircraft maintenance. Students gain hands-on experience in a 10,000-square-foot hangar facility, working with real aircraft systems and components. The college also offers a bachelor's degree in Airframe Manufacturing Technology, with strong industry partnerships leading to high job placement rates...read more.

CAU Aviation Mechanic Programs

Bakersfield | $32,000 | 17 Months to 22 Months

California Aeronautical University’s aviation mechanic programs offer a fast-track path to becoming an FAA-certified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) technician through a 17-month diploma or a 22-month associate degree option. The programs emphasize hands-on training with modern aircraft systems in a 32,000-square-foot on-campus hangar and include a personalized 263-piece Sonic Tools toolkit for each graduate. Students benefit from a career-focused curriculum, on-campus housing, employer networking events, and strong job placement connections with companies like Northrop Grumman and SkyWest Airlines...read more.

Chaffey College Aviation Mechanic Programs

Rancho Cucamonga | $1,700 to $3,700 | 12 Months to 30 Months

Chaffey College offers FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technology programs through its Part 147 training facility, preparing students for careers as certified Airframe and Powerplant technicians. The college provides multiple pathways, including associate degrees and certificates in airframe, powerplant, and avionics systems. Students train in an 11,000-square-foot lab using industry-standard equipment and benefit from strong job placement support. Graduates are actively recruited by major employers like Northrop Grumman and Threshold Aviation Group...read more.

Cuesta College Aviation Mechanic Programs

San Luis Obispo | $1,400 to $2,500 | 12 Months to 19 Months

Cuesta College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology programs offer 12‑ to 19‑month, cohort‑style certificates in Airframe, Powerplant, or a combined A&P pathway. Classes take place at the San Luis Obispo Airport, where students gain FAA‑aligned theory and hands‑on experience on real aircraft, including jets and King Air turboprops. Both day and evening cohorts provide scheduling flexibility. Graduates emerge ready to pursue A&P certification and meet the region’s demand for licensed aircraft technicians...read more.

Mt San Antonio College Aviation Mechanic Programs

Walnut | $2,000 to $3,000 | 12 Months to 24 Months

Mt. San Antonio College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program prepares students for FAA airframe and powerplant certification through hands‑on training in real aircraft maintenance labs. The two‑year associate degree combines core technical courses with general education to build both practical skills and foundational knowledge. Experienced faculty from general aviation, rotorcraft, commercial, and corporate backgrounds guide students through state‑of‑the‑art equipment and industry‑standard procedures. Graduates consistently achieve above‑average certification scores and enter the workforce ready to meet maintenance demands...read more.

Orange Coast College Aviation Mechanic Programs

Costa Mesa | $322 - $2,898 | 12 Months to 24 Months

Orange Coast College offers FAA-approved aviation maintenance programs that prepare students for careers as certified aircraft technicians, with options for Associate of Science degrees or certificates in Airframe, Powerplant, or combined Airframe & Powerplant specializations. The programs provide comprehensive hands-on training in aircraft inspection, engine repair, hydraulics, avionics, and other essential maintenance skills, typically taking 12-24 months to complete depending on the chosen track. All programs align with current industry standards and qualify graduates to take FAA certification exams for employment in aircraft maintenance, repair stations, and overhaul facilities.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses...read more.

Reedley College Aviation Mechanic Programs

Reedley | $600 to $4,000 | 4 Months to 24 Months

Reedley College offers comprehensive Aviation Maintenance Technology programs including four certificates and one Associate degree that prepare students for FAA-certified careers in 4 to 24 months. Students progress through foundational general maintenance coursework to specialized airframe and powerplant training, receiving hands-on experience at Reedley Municipal Airport with real aircraft systems. As an FAA-certified school since 1948, the college provides a unique Tool Ownership Program, on-campus FAA testing, and affordable training that prepares graduates for immediate employment in aviation maintenance...read more.

Sacramento City College Aviation Mechanic Programs

Sacramento | $2,000 to $4,000 | 10 Months to 24 Months

Sacramento City College offers a comprehensive FAA-approved Aircraft Maintenance Technician Program with both Associate of Science degrees and certificates in Airframe, Powerplant, or combined A&P specializations, operating as a structured 4-semester program that meets Monday through Friday evenings. The program provides extensive hands-on training in aircraft systems, engine maintenance, avionics, structural repair, and regulatory compliance through a combination of theoretical coursework and practical laboratory experiences lasting 10-24 months depending on the chosen specialization. Graduates are prepared to take FAA certification exams and enter careers with airlines, repair stations, manufacturers, and other aviation organizations, with the program boasting a 100% pass rate on FAA exams and a distinguished history dating back to 1932...read more.

San Diego Miramar College Aviation Maintenance Programs

San Diego | $2,000 to $5,000 | 12 Months to 28 Months

San Diego Miramar College offers FAA-approved aviation maintenance programs that prepare students for certification and employment in the aviation industry. Options include associate degrees and certificates in Airframe, Powerplant, and combined Airframe & Powerplant, each combining hands-on training with classroom instruction. Graduates are eligible to take FAA exams and pursue careers in a variety of aviation maintenance roles...read more.

How to Choose the Best School for You

California’s aerospace industry demands skilled aviation maintenance technicians, and the state offers diverse educational pathways to meet this need. From community colleges to specialized institutes, students can choose between certificates, associate degrees, and advanced specializations. This guide breaks down your options to help you select the program that aligns with your career goals and financial situation.

Associate Degree Programs

Associate of Science degrees in Aviation Maintenance Technology combine technical training with general education coursework, typically requiring 60-108 units over 20-30 months. These programs prepare students for both FAA certification and potential advancement into supervisory roles.

Schools Offering Associate Degrees:

  • Mt. San Antonio College (Walnut) – Airframe & Aircraft Powerplant Associate Degree: 24 months, $2,760
  • Antelope Valley College (Lancaster) – Aircraft Airframe, Aircraft Powerplant, and General Aircraft Maintenance Associate Degrees: 24-30 months, $2,760-$3,450
  • Chaffey College (Rancho Cucamonga) – Airframe and Powerplant Associate Degree: 30 months, $3,611
  • Sacramento City College (Sacramento) – Aircraft Maintenance Technician A&P, Airframe, and Powerplant Associate Degrees: 10-24 months, $2,000-$3,220
  • Orange Coast College (Costa Mesa) – Airframe & Powerplant, Powerplant, and Airframe Associate Degrees: 18-24 months, $1,863-$2,898
  • Reedley College (Reedley) – Associate Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology: 24 months, $3,680-$3,772
  • San Diego Miramar College (San Diego) – Airframe and Powerplant, Airframe, and Powerplant Associate Degrees: 20-28 months, $3,450-$4,968
  • Victor Valley College (Victorville) – Aviation Maintenance Technology Associate Degree: 24 months, $4,784
  • California Aeronautical University (Bakersfield) – Associate of Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology: 22 months, $32,000

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs focus exclusively on technical coursework without general education requirements, offering faster entry into the workforce. Most range from 12-27 months and prepare students for specific FAA certifications.

Schools Offering Certificates:

Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificates:

Individual Airframe Certificates:

Individual Powerplant Certificates:

Specialized Certifications and Advanced Programs

Several schools offer unique specializations beyond standard A&P training:

Avionics and Electronics:

Manufacturing and Fabrication:

Foundational Programs:

Private Institution Programs:

Most Affordable Options

Community colleges offer the most cost-effective training:

  • Cheapest Individual Certificates: Reedley College ($598 for General Maintenance, $1,495 for Airframe/Powerplant)
  • Best Value A&P Training: Antelope Valley College and Cuesta College ($1,380 each for individual certificates)
  • Lowest Associate Degree Costs: Mt. San Antonio College ($2,760)

Average Costs by Program Type

  • Community College Certificates: $1,380-$2,500
  • Community College Associate Degrees: $2,760-$4,968
  • Private Institution Programs: $32,000-$61,360

Cost Factors to Consider

Additional Expenses:

  • FAA testing fees: $2,400-$3,125 (written and practical exams)
  • Tools and equipment: $500-$9,000 (some schools provide tools)
  • Books and supplies: $500-$1,000

Financial Aid Options:

  • Federal financial aid eligibility at accredited institutions
  • GI Bill benefits for veterans
  • Scholarship opportunities (varies by school)
  • Institution-specific tuition reductions (California Aeronautical University offers up to $10,000)

Fastest Entry Options

  • Shortest Program: Reedley College General Maintenance (4.5 months)
  • Quick Specialization: Victor Valley College General Maintenance (6 months)
  • Rapid Individual Certificates: Multiple schools offer 12-month Airframe or Powerplant certificates

Average Completion Times

  • Individual Certificates: 10-18 months
  • Combined A&P Certificates: 18-27 months
  • Associate Degrees: 20-30 months
  • Advanced Programs: 15-27 months (private institutions)

Flexible Scheduling

Many programs offer day and evening options:

  • Mt. San Antonio College – Day and evening tracks
  • Cuesta College – Day and evening cohorts
  • Orange Coast College – Evening and weekend options

Major Employer Connections

Aerospace Giants:

  • Northrop Grumman – Active recruitment at Antelope Valley College and Chaffey College
  • Boeing, Lockheed Martin, SpaceX – Regular hiring from multiple programs
  • Airlines: United, Delta, American, SkyWest – Direct partnerships with several schools

Outstanding Employment Statistics

  • Antelope Valley College: 94% job placement rate for Airframe Manufacturing graduates
  • Mt. San Antonio College: 100% of responding graduates employed in the field
  • Victor Valley College: 84% of graduates working in aircraft industry since 2011
  • Sacramento City College: 100% pass rate on FAA exams

Unique Industry Features

Real-World Training Environments:

  • Antelope Valley College – 10,000-square-foot hangar at Fox Field
  • Victor Valley College – Training at Southern California Logistics Airport
  • Cuesta College – Classes at San Luis Obispo Airport
  • California Aeronautical University – 32,000-square-foot on-campus hangar

Direct Hiring Pipelines:

  • SkyWest Airlines partnership with San Joaquin Valley College (apprenticeship program)
  • Threshold Aviation Group direct hiring from Chaffey College
  • Guaranteed job interviews at Northrop Grumman for Antelope Valley College students

Innovative Programs

Antelope Valley College stands out with California’s only community college offering a bachelor’s degree in Airframe Manufacturing Technology, specifically designed for aerospace manufacturing careers.

Chaffey College earned the #1 FAA ranking for aviation maintenance technology and maintains the strictest admission standards with competitive selection processes.

Unique Training Resources

Equipment and Tools:

  • Reedley College – $9,000 tool ownership program (student cost $4,800)
  • California Aeronautical University – $6,000 Sonic Tools toolkit included
  • Aviation Institute of Maintenance – Industry-standard equipment in FAA-approved hangars

Historic and Specialized Aircraft:

  • Antelope Valley College – Douglas D-558-II Skyrocket (restored aerospace heritage aircraft)
  • Cuesta College – Real aircraft including showcase jets and King Air planes
  • Multiple schools – Access to both piston and turbine aircraft for hands-on training

High School Pathways

Cuesta College offers dual enrollment programs with Paso Robles High School and Arroyo Grande High School, allowing students to earn college credit and FAA general certification while in high school.

Articulation Agreements

Mt. San Antonio College maintains transfer agreements with major universities including Southern Illinois University, Cal State LA, California Baptist University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and San Jose State University.

Choose Community Colleges If You Want:

  • Lowest cost option
  • Local training
  • Transfer opportunities to 4-year universities
  • Established industry connections
  • Flexible scheduling options

Choose Private Institutions If You Want:

  • Accelerated completion
  • Comprehensive support services
  • Guaranteed tool packages
  • Intensive hands-on training
  • Direct industry partnerships

Consider Program Location Based On:

  • Northern California: Sacramento City College, Reedley College
  • Central Coast: Cuesta College
  • Los Angeles Area: Mt. San Antonio College, Antelope Valley College, Chaffey College
  • Orange County: Orange Coast College
  • San Diego: San Diego Miramar College
  • Central Valley: Victor Valley College, San Joaquin Valley College, California Aeronautical University

Good luck finding the right program for you! Keep em flying!