Illinois Aviation Mechanic Schools

Illinois offers six FAA-approved aviation mechanic schools that span from quick-start certificates to full bachelor’s programs. These institutions combine classroom learning with hands-on labs and real-world aircraft access. Together, they prepare students for FAA airframe and powerplant certification and connect graduates to strong industry networks.


AIM Aviation Mechanic Programs

Chicago | $55,000 | 21 Months

The AIM Chicago campus offers FAA-certified training in aircraft maintenance through its Aviation Maintenance Technician program, which spans 21 months. Located in one of the country’s largest aviation hubs, the 137,992-square-foot campus features a 32,000-square-foot hangar, advanced labs, and real aircraft for hands-on learning. Students gain practical skills under experienced instructors and benefit from industry partnerships with companies like United Airlines and American Airlines.

City Colleges of Chicago Aviation Mechanic Programs

Chicago | $6,400 to $21,500 | 12 Months to 24 Months

City Colleges of Chicago offers FAA-aligned aviation maintenance programs at Olive-Harvey College, including both a 12-month basic certificate and a 24-month associate degree. The programs blend classroom instruction with hands-on training in airframe, powerplant, and general systems, preparing students for FAA certification. Students benefit from modern facilities, industry partnerships, and opportunities for real-world experience with aviation employers in the Chicago area...read more.

Lewis University Aviation Maintenance Programs

Romeoville | $21,000 to $190,000 | 21 Months to 48 Months

Lewis University offers a range of aviation maintenance programs, including a 48-month Bachelor of Science, a 20-month associate degree, a 15–21-month certificate program, and a minor option. The bachelor’s program combines general education with advanced coursework in aircraft systems, engines, inspections, and avionics, and prepares students for FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification. The associate and certificate programs focus on technical training and foundational aviation maintenance skills, with flexible evening and hybrid formats for working adults. All programs are FAA Part 147-approved, feature hands-on instruction with real aircraft and simulators, and report a 100% job placement and FAA exam pass rate...read more.

Lincoln Land College Aviation Maintenance Programs

Springfield | $12,000 to $24,000 | 10 Months to 24 Months

Lincoln Land Community College’s Aviation Maintenance Programs in Springfield, Illinois, offer hands-on training at the Levi, Ray & Shoup Aviation Center at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. Students can pursue the Airframe and Powerplant Aviation Mechanics Associate degree, the Airframe Technician Certificate, or the Powerplant Technician Certificate, each covering essential maintenance and inspection practices for aircraft systems. Accredited by the FAA under FAR Part 147, these programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the aviation maintenance field...read more.

SIU Aviation Mechanic Programs

Murphysboro | $13,171 to $38,550 | 18 Months to 48 Months

Southern Illinois University’s Aviation Technologies program delivers hands-on training for careers in aircraft maintenance, avionics, helicopter systems, and aviation management. Located at the Transportation Education Center at Southern Illinois Airport, students learn in advanced labs and a 60,000-square-foot hangar using over $14 million in equipment. The program offers FAA-approved certificates and bachelor’s degrees with specializations such as advanced aircraft maintenance, avionics, helicopter maintenance, and aviation maintenance management, available in both in-person and online formats...read more.

SWIC Aviation Mechanic Programs

Granite City | $4,400 to $7,400 | 8 Months to 24 Months

Southwestern Illinois College offers FAA-certified aviation maintenance training through multiple program options, including an 8-month certificate and a 24-month associate degree. Students can earn an Associate in Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology, an Airframe & Powerplant Certificate, or individual Airframe or Powerplant certificates. Each program includes hands-on training in aircraft systems, structures, propulsion, and electrical components, with instruction aligned to FAA Airman Certification Standards. Training occurs at the Sam Wolf Granite City Campus using industry-relevant tools, and graduates have achieved a 100% FAA exam pass rate in recent years...read more.

How to Choose the Best Program for You

With proximity to major aviation hubs like O’Hare and Midway airports, the Illinois offers diverse pathways from accelerated certificates to comprehensive bachelor’s degrees. Understanding the differences between program types, costs, and unique features will help you choose the best aviation mechanic program for your career goals.

Associate Degree Programs

Associate degree programs provide comprehensive education combining general education with extensive technical training. These programs typically require 75-93 credit hours and take 20-24 months to complete.

Schools Offering Associate Degrees:

Associate degree graduates gain the broadest educational foundation and often have superior advancement opportunities in management and supervisory roles.

Bachelor’s Degree Programs

For students seeking the highest level of aviation maintenance education, bachelor’s degree programs offer comprehensive training with advanced specializations and management preparation.

Schools Offering Bachelor’s Degrees:

Lewis University offers specializations in Advanced Aircraft Maintenance, Aviation Maintenance Management, Helicopter Maintenance, and Aviation Electronics. SIU provides concentrations in Advanced Aircraft Maintenance, Aviation Maintenance Management (online), Helicopter Maintenance, and Aviation Electronics.

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs offer the most direct pathway to employment, focusing exclusively on technical skills required for FAA certification.

Complete A&P Certificates

Schools Offering Full A&P Certification:

Specialized Certificates

Airframe-Only Certificates:

Powerplant-Only Certificates:

Advanced and Specialized Training

Aviation Institute of Maintenance leads the industry with the most comprehensive advanced programs:

  • Aviation Maintenance Technical Engineer – 100.5 credit hours, $61,360 tuition (27 months)
  • Aviation Maintenance Technician: Avionics – 78 credit hours, $47,410 tuition (21 months)
  • Avionics Technician – 22.5 credit hours, $13,950 tuition (7 months)
  • Aviation Maintenance Technician – Internship – 83 credit hours, $50,510 tuition (23 months)

City Colleges of Chicago offers:

Financial Considerations

Most Affordable Options

Southwestern Illinois College offers the best value with complete A&P certification available for under $8,000. The Airframe or Powerplant certificates cost only $4,752 each, making them the most affordable specialized training in Illinois.

Average Costs by Program Type

  • Bachelor’s Degrees: $38,550 – $194,000 (Average: $116,275)
  • Associate Degrees: $9,900 – $96,250 (Average: $43,583)
  • Complete A&P Certificates: $7,920 – $68,747 (Average: $28,679)
  • Specialized Certificates: $4,752 – $61,360 (depending on focus area)

Cost Analysis: Public vs. Private Institutions

Community colleges like Southwestern Illinois College offer dramatically lower costs ($4,800-$9,900 for complete programs) compared to private institutions. Aviation Institute of Maintenance ($47,000-$61,000) and Lewis University ($68,000-$194,000) command premium pricing but provide extensive industry connections and accelerated pathways that may justify the investment.

Financial Aid and Funding

Lewis University received a $496,016 FAA Aviation Workforce Development Grant to support underrepresented students. Aviation Institute of Maintenance accepts various forms of financial aid and works with students to develop payment plans.

Program Duration

Fastest Programs

Average Completion Times

  • Certificates: 7-24 months
  • Associate Degrees: 20-24 months
  • Bachelor’s Degrees: 48 months

Southwestern Illinois College offers the fastest complete A&P certification at just 12 months for students attending eight hours daily, making it ideal for career changers seeking rapid workforce entry.

Industry Partnerships and Special Features

Aviation Institute of Maintenance: Industry Leader

Aviation Institute of Maintenance maintains the most extensive industry network in Illinois aviation education. Their partnerships include:

Major Airlines: United, Delta, American, JetBlue OEMs: Boeing, Embraer, Textron Engine Manufacturers: GE Aviation, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce MRO Providers: AAR Corp, Delta Tech Ops, Lufthansa Technik

AIM’s industry advisory board shapes curriculum, provides guest lectures, and mentors capstone projects addressing real operational challenges. Students benefit from exclusive internships, career fairs, employer “fly-ins,” and direct hiring pipelines with major employers.

Lewis University Excellence

Lewis University boasts a 100% job placement rate and 100% FAA exam pass rate. Located strategically near O’Hare and Midway airports, Lewis provides direct access to major aviation employers including Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Republic Airways, and UPS.

Southern Illinois University Innovation

SIU Aviation features a 60,000 square-foot hangar with over $14 million in equipment. The program maintains partnerships with American Airlines, Boeing, Duncan Aviation, and GE Engines. Recent initiatives include collaboration with Swift Fuels on unleaded aviation fuel research.

City Colleges of Chicago Community Focus

City Colleges of Chicago partners with AAR Corp and the Chicago Department of Aviation, providing students with hands-on training opportunities and direct employment pathways. Their 12,000 square foot Aviation Futures Workforce Center accommodates 80 students with 2-3 aircraft for practical training.

Unique Program Features

Accelerated and Flexible Learning

Aviation Institute of Maintenance offers unique online start options for initial modules, reducing overall training time. Lewis University provides evening classes for working adults, with online lectures and evening labs 4-5 nights per week.

Specialized Equipment and Facilities

  • Aviation Institute of Maintenance: FAA-standard hangars with real aircraft, jet engines, and turboprops
  • Lewis University: Harold E. White Aviation Center with Cessna 172s, Piper Seminoles, and Frasca Flight Simulators
  • Southern Illinois University: Airline-type cockpit trainers, advanced composite structures laboratory, helicopter laboratory with Bell Helicopters
  • Southwestern Illinois College: Modern facilities at Sam Wolf Granite City Campus with current aviation maintenance equipment

Advanced Specializations

Aviation Institute of Maintenance leads in specialized training with comprehensive avionics programs, technical engineer tracks, and internship opportunities. Lewis University offers helicopter maintenance specialization, while SIU provides both helicopter and avionics concentrations.

Transfer Opportunities and Pathways

Lewis University partners with Parkland College for dual-degree pathways. SIU maintains articulation agreements with multiple community colleges. Southwestern Illinois College offers transfer pathways to SIU Carbondale for bachelor’s degree completion.

Choosing the Best Program for You

When selecting the best aviation mechanic program in Illinois, consider these factors:

Choose a Bachelor’s Degree if you want:

  • Maximum career advancement opportunities
  • Management and supervisory preparation
  • Comprehensive technical and business education
  • Advanced specializations (helicopter, avionics, management)

Choose an Associate Degree if you want:

  • Balanced technical and general education
  • Better advancement potential than certificates
  • Reasonable time investment (20-24 months)

Choose Certificates if you want:

  • Fastest path to employment
  • Focus exclusively on technical skills
  • Lowest overall investment
  • Specialized training areas

Budget priorities: Southwestern Illinois College offers unbeatable value for budget-conscious students, while community colleges generally provide excellent education at fraction of private school costs.

Speed priorities: Southwestern Illinois College offers the fastest complete A&P training at 12 months, ideal for rapid career transition.

Industry connections: Aviation Institute of Maintenance provides the most comprehensive industry network and career support, justifying higher costs for students prioritizing employment opportunities and industry connections.

Advanced specialization: Aviation Institute of Maintenance offers the most diverse specialized programs including technical engineer and advanced avionics tracks unavailable elsewhere in Illinois.

Location and logistics: Consider proximity to major aviation centers like O’Hare (Lewis University) or access to research opportunities (SIU).

The best program ultimately depends on your career goals, financial situation, timeline, and learning preferences. Illinois offers exceptional options from affordable community college programs to premium private institutions with extensive industry connections. All programs maintain FAA Part 147 certification and provide pathways to successful aviation maintenance careers, but the level of specialization, industry access, and career support varies significantly across institutions.

For students seeking the most comprehensive industry connections and advanced training options, Aviation Institute of Maintenance represents the gold standard in aviation maintenance education, while those prioritizing affordability will find excellent value at Illinois community colleges.

Steps to Become an Aviation Mechanic in Illinois

Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Read, write, speak, and understand English
  • Obtain high school diploma or equivalent
  • Pass entrance assessments (reading, math, mechanical aptitude)

Step 2: Find a School Near You

Chicago Area:

Chicago:

  • AIM
  • City Colleges of Chicago

Aurora:

  • Lewis University (Romeoville, ~20 mi)
  • AIM (Chicago, ~35 mi)

Naperville:

  • Lewis University (Romeoville, ~20 mi)
  • City Colleges of Chicago (Chicago, ~30 mi)

Joliet:

  • Lewis University (Romeoville, ~7 mi)
  • AIM (Chicago, ~40 mi)

Elgin:

  • AIM (Chicago, ~35 mi)
  • Lewis University (Romeoville, ~45 mi)

Waukegan:

  • AIM (Chicago, ~35 mi)
  • City Colleges of Chicago (Chicago, ~35 mi)

Northern Illinois:

Rockford:

  • AIM Aviation Mechanic Programs (Chicago, ~90 mi)
  • City Colleges of Chicago Aviation Mechanic Programs (Chicago, ~90 mi)

Central Illinois:

Springfield:

  • Lincoln Land College Aviation Maintenance Programs
  • Lewis University Aviation Maintenance Programs (Romeoville, ~165 mi)

Peoria

  • Lincoln Land College Aviation Maintenance Programs (Springfield, ~75 mi)
  • Lewis University Aviation Maintenance Programs (Romeoville, ~155 mi)

Champaign:

  • Lincoln Land College Aviation Maintenance Programs (Springfield, ~75 mi)
  • SIU Aviation Mechanic Programs (Murphysboro, ~100 mi)

Southern Illinois:

Granite City: Southwestern Illinois College Aviation Maintenance Programs

Murphysboro: SIU Aviation Mechanic Programs

Step 3: Choose Your Program Type

Select based on your goals and timeline:

  • Certificate Programs: 7-24 months, $4,752-$68,747
  • Associate Degree: 20-24 months, $9,900-$96,250
  • Bachelor’s Degree: 48 months, $38,550-$194,000

Step 4: Complete Your Training Program

  • Attend all required classes and laboratory sessions
  • Maintain minimum grades (typically “C” or 70% in FAA courses)
  • Complete all hands-on training requirements
  • Meet FAA-mandated attendance requirements

Step 5: Take FAA Written Exams

  • General Knowledge Test – covers regulations, mathematics, physics, and basic maintenance practices
  • Airframe Test – focuses on aircraft structures, systems, and components
  • Powerplant Test – covers engines, propellers, and related systems
  • Cost: Approximately $175 per exam

Step 6: Gain Practical Experience

  • Complete required practical training hours during program
  • Optional: Pursue internships or entry-level positions
  • Document all maintenance experience for FAA records

Step 7: Take FAA Oral and Practical Exams

  • Schedule with FAA Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME)
  • Demonstrate hands-on maintenance skills
  • Answer technical questions about aircraft systems
  • Cost: $500-$800 per rating

Step 8: Obtain Your A&P License

  • Pass all required examinations
  • Submit application to FAA with supporting documentation
  • Receive official Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic certificate
  • License valid for life with biennial recurrency requirements

We hope this information has been helpful for you!