Amarillo College Aviation Mechanic Programs

Amarillo College offers FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technology programs designed to prepare students for certification as Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) technicians. The programs combine academic coursework with hands-on technical training in state-of-the-art labs at the college’s East Campus. These offerings include an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and two certificate programs, all aligned with Federal Aviation Regulation Part 147 standards.

Quick Facts

Associate Degrees

Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology

The A.A.S. in Aviation Maintenance Technology is a 21 month program that costs $5,340. It includes 60 semester hours of instruction. Students choose a concentration in either Airframe or Powerplant systems.

  • The Airframe track includes courses in composites, rigging, welding, electrical systems, hydraulics, and inspections.
  • The Powerplant concentration focuses on turbine engine theory, reciprocating engines, fuel metering, powerplant electrical systems, and overhaul procedures.

Curriculum

The curriculum covers general education, shop practices, aviation science, and federal aviation regulations.

Requirements include:

  • AERM 1205 – Weight and Balance introduces students to FAA-required aircraft weighing procedures, teaching them how to perform accurate weight and balance calculations and properly document these in maintenance records. This 2-semester-hour course combines 1 hour of lecture with 2 hours of lab work to provide hands-on experience with this critical safety aspect of aircraft maintenance.
  • AERM 1208 – Federal Aviation Regulations develops students’ proficiency in navigating and understanding FAA regulations, manufacturer publications, forms, and records. Students learn about mechanic privileges and their limitations within regulatory frameworks. This 2-semester-hour course consists of 2 lecture hours and 1 lab hour, providing both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
  • AERM 1210 – Ground Operations covers essential aircraft handling procedures including fuel management, servicing methods, safety protocols, aircraft movement, securing techniques, external power equipment operation, and aircraft cleaning and corrosion control.
  • AERM 1303 – Shop Practices provides comprehensive training in aviation maintenance fundamentals including shop safety, proper hand tool usage, precision measurement techniques, aircraft hardware identification, and fluid line fabrication. The course emphasizes testing procedures, heat treating, and aircraft structure inspection, with 2 lecture hours and 4 lab hours comprising this 3-semester-hour course.
  • AERM 1314 – Basic Electricity delivers in-depth study of aircraft electrical systems, covering measurement tools, circuit types, electromagnetic principles, power conversion, control devices, battery maintenance, and diagram interpretation. The course also introduces solid state devices, logic functions, and safety fundamentals.
  • AERM 1315 – Aviation Science provides essential mathematical, physical, and technical drawing knowledge specifically applied to aircraft principles and operations as mandated by FAA requirements for airframe and powerplant mechanics.

Airframe courses include:

  • AERM 1241 – Wood, Fabric and Finishes teaches students proper techniques for working with various aircraft covering materials, finishes, and wooden structures. The course emphasizes approved methods and procedures while integrating essential safety protocols. This 2-semester-hour course combines 1 lecture hour with 2 lab hours for practical skill development in these traditional aviation materials.
  • AERM 1243 – Instruments and Navigation/Communication provides comprehensive training in aircraft instrument systems and electronic flight instrument systems. Students learn testing and installation procedures, troubleshooting techniques for navigation and communication systems, and proper methods for inspecting, repairing, and installing antennas and electronic equipment. This 2-semester-hour course includes 1 lecture hour and 2 lab hours.
  • AERM 1247 – Airframe Auxiliary Systems delivers in-depth study of critical auxiliary systems including cabin atmospheric control, ice and rain control systems for aircraft and engines, and fire detection and protection systems. The course incorporates fundamental safety procedures throughout its 2-semester-hour curriculum, consisting of 1 lecture hour and 4 lab hours of hands-on training.
  • AERM 1253 – Aircraft Welding develops essential repair skills for working with steel, magnesium, brass, and aluminum materials used in aircraft construction. Students learn appropriate methods of welding, brazing, and soldering while emphasizing fundamental safety procedures. This 2-semester-hour course provides 1 lecture hour and 2 lab hours of practical welding experience.
  • AERM 1345 – Airframe Electrical Systems examines the installation, removal, disassembly, and repair of electrical components and related wiring in airframe electrical systems. Electrical safety fundamentals are emphasized throughout this 3-semester-hour course, which includes 2 lecture hours and 4 lab hours of comprehensive electrical training.
  • AERM 1349 – Hydraulic, Pneumatic and Fuel Systems focuses on developing inspection, servicing, and maintenance skills for aircraft fluid systems. Students gain practical experience with hydraulics, pneumatics, and fuel systems while applying concepts through detailed maintenance procedures. This 3-semester-hour course incorporates safety procedures throughout its 2 lecture hours and 4 lab hours.
  • AERM 1350 – Landing Gear Systems provides thorough training in the inspection, servicing, overhaul, and repair of both fixed and retractable landing gear systems. The course offers in-depth coverage of system components and operations across 2 lecture hours and 2 lab hours for a total of 3 semester hours.
  • AERM 1352 – Aircraft Sheet Metal develops critical skills in the inspection and repair of sheet metal structures, including forming, layout, and bending techniques. Students learn to identify, select, and install rivets and fasteners while adhering to fundamental safety procedures. This comprehensive 3-semester-hour course includes 2 lecture hours and 4 lab hours of hands-on training.
  • AERM 1354 – Aircraft Composites covers inspection and repair techniques for composite materials, fabric, core, and laminated structural components, including doors, windows, bonded structures, and interior furnishings. The course emphasizes safety procedures for handling and storing composite materials throughout its 3-semester-hour curriculum of 2 lecture hours and 2 lab hours.
  • AERM 2231 – Airframe Inspection provides detailed coverage of methods and procedures for performing airframe conformity and airworthiness inspections, including One Hundred Hour Inspections, in accordance with FAA regulations and manufacturer service information. Safety procedures are emphasized throughout this 2-semester-hour course, which includes 1 lecture hour and 2 lab hours.
  • AERM 2233 – Assembly and Rigging offers a comprehensive study of fixed and rotary-wing aircraft assembly and rigging, including structural alignment, control system balancing and rigging, and component assembly. Fundamental safety procedures are integrated throughout this course’s curriculum, though the document doesn’t specify the credit and hour breakdown.

Powerplant courses include:

  • AERM 1240 – Aircraft Propellers covers the fundamentals of propeller design, function, and construction, developing students’ skills in inspecting, servicing, and repairing various propeller systems including fixed-pitch, constant-speed, and feathering types. The course also teaches propeller removal, balancing, and installation techniques while emphasizing essential safety procedures. This 2-semester-hour course combines 1 lecture hour with 2 lab hours of hands-on training.
  • AERM 1344 – Aircraft Reciprocating Engines examines the development, operating principles, and theory of reciprocating engines, including related systems such as engine instruments, lubrication, and exhaust. Safety fundamentals are addressed throughout this comprehensive 3-semester-hour course, which consists of 2 lecture hours and 4 lab hours of practical training.
  • AERM 1351 – Aircraft Turbine Engine Theory explores the general principles, historical development, and servicing procedures for turbine engines, with specific focus on lubrication, instrumentation, auxiliary power units, and exhaust systems. This 3-semester-hour course integrates fundamental safety procedures throughout its 2 lecture hours and 4 lab hours of instruction.
  • AERM 1354 – Aircraft Composites provides comprehensive training in the inspection and repair of advanced materials including composites, fabric, core, and laminated structural components such as doors, windows, bonded structures, and interior furnishings. The course emphasizes safety procedures for handling and storing composite materials and consists of 2 lecture hours and 2 lab hours for a total of 3 semester hours.
  • AERM 1356 – Aircraft Powerplant Electrical teaches general principles of theory, operation, and maintenance of powerplant electrical systems, with special attention to ignition, starting, and fire protection systems. This hands-on 3-semester-hour course heavily emphasizes laboratory experience with 1 lecture hour and 6 lab hours, while addressing fundamental safety procedures throughout.
  • AERM 2341 – Powerplant and Auxiliary Power Units delivers advanced instruction on auxiliary power unit (APU) and powerplant systems and components. The course integrates safety procedures throughout its 3-semester-hour curriculum, which includes 2 lecture hours and 2 lab hours of specialized training in these critical aircraft systems.
  • AERM 2351 – Aircraft Turbine Engine Overhaul provides comprehensive study of gas turbine engine inspection, disassembly, reassembly, and component replacement techniques. Students learn operational troubleshooting and analysis methods while adhering to safety protocols. This detailed 3-semester-hour course includes 2 lecture hours and 4 lab hours of hands-on engine work.
  • AERM 2352 – Aircraft Powerplant Inspection offers in-depth coverage of methods and procedures for performing powerplant conformity and airworthiness inspections, including FAA-required one hundred hour inspections. The course emphasizes following federal regulations and manufacturer’s information while incorporating safety procedures. This laboratory-intensive 3-semester-hour course combines 1 lecture hour with 6 lab hours.
  • AERM 2447 – Aircraft Reciprocating Engine Overhaul delivers a comprehensive study of reciprocating engine overhaul procedures, including detailed measurement and inspection techniques. Students learn engine removal, installation, inspection, servicing, and repair procedures while following essential safety protocols. This extensive 4-semester-hour course provides 2 lecture hours and 6 lab hours of intensive engine training.

More curriculum information here: https://catalog.actx.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=25&poid=5143&returnto=1179#gsc.tab=0

Certificate Programs

Airframe Mechanic Certificate

The Airframe Mechanic Certificate program consists of 42 semester hours (about 13 months) and costs $3,738. It is designed for students seeking targeted training in aircraft airframe systems. Completion of this program qualifies students to take the General and Airframe sections of the FAA certification exams.

Courses include instruction in wood and fabric finishes, navigation and communication instruments, welding, landing gear systems, and airframe inspections.

Powerplant Mechanic Certificate

The Powerplant Mechanic Certificate includes 39 semester hours (about 12 months) and costs $3,471. It prepares students to take the General and Powerplant sections of the FAA exams. This program is ideal for students focused on propulsion and engine systems maintenance.

Coursework covers aircraft reciprocating and turbine engine theory, engine overhaul, propellers, powerplant electrical systems, and auxiliary power units.

Facilities, Instruction, and Equipment

Amarillo College delivers all aviation maintenance programs through FAA-certified instructors. Students train in modern facilities equipped with the tools, aircraft systems, and diagnostics used in the industry.

The programs are hands-on, preparing students to service and repair various aircraft types, including helicopters, drones, and fixed-wing planes.

Tuition

Cost breakdown for each program is as follows.

  • Base Resident of Texas Tuition: $47.00 per semester hour
  • Basic Fees for All Students: $42.00 per semester hour
  • Total per credit hour for a resident: $89.00 ($47.00 + $42.00)
  • AMT AAS: 60 hours × $89.00 = $5,340
  • Airframe Mechanic Certificate: 42 hours × $89.00 = $3,738
  • Powerplant Mechanic Certificate: 39 hours × $89.00 = $3,471

See the official tuition page for more details: https://www.actx.edu/business-services/tuition-basic-fees

Admission

Admission requires application to the college and, if applicable, completion of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). Students also complete a free four-hour introductory training module.

FAA Certification and Industry Partnerships

All programs are certified under FAA certificate number AM0T064K. The Aviation Maintenance Advisory Committee—featuring partners such as Bell Helicopter Textron, Flight Mechanix, and International Aerospace Coatings—helps ensure curriculum alignment with current workforce needs. The committee also supports student placement, evaluation, and industry engagement.

Career Outlook and Employment Opportunities

Graduates of Amarillo College’s Aviation Maintenance programs are prepared to enter a growing industry facing a national shortage of skilled mechanics. Entry-level pay ranges from $17,000 to $25,000, with experienced A&P technicians earning over $60,000 annually. Program completers can pursue careers in aircraft maintenance, manufacturing, and component design across the aviation and aerospace sectors.