Aviator College Aviation Mechanic Programs

Aviator College of Aeronautical Science & Technology operates as a private, for-profit institution with campuses in Kissimmee and Fort Pierce, Florida, serving approximately 500 students and specializing in aviation education since its establishment. The college distinguishes itself by providing training on operational aircraft including hands-on experience with both piston and jet engines, inspections, repairs, and engine maintenance in a real airport environment.

Quick Facts

Aviation Maintenance Technician Program Overview

The flagship Aviation Maintenance Technician Program provides comprehensive training in aircraft maintenance, covering everything from basic aircraft systems to advanced troubleshooting and repair procedures. Students learn aircraft inspection procedures, weight and balance calculations, materials and processes, welding techniques, and regulatory compliance throughout the program.

Curriculum

The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning with real aircraft, including reciprocating engines, turbine engines, electrical systems, hydraulic systems, propellers, and instrumentation systems.

The curriculum is divided into three sections:

General (480 hours)

  • APG1001 – Maintenance Documentation, Privileges and Responsibilities
    This course introduces students to aviation maintenance documentation and FAA regulatory materials. Students learn to interpret approved data, apply Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), and complete maintenance records and forms such as FAA Form 337. Oral presentations and written assessments reinforce technician responsibilities and certification standards.
  • APG1002 – Aircraft Inspection
    Students explore inspection procedures, non-destructive testing methods, and corrosion control techniques. Practical work includes weld inspection, corrosion identification, oxygen system handling, and applying inspection techniques to live aircraft and components.
  • APG1003 – General Mathematics
    This course covers aviation-relevant math skills, including fractions, decimals, ratios, area, volume, and trigonometry. Students apply calculations to real-world aviation maintenance problems through quizzes and exams.
  • APG1004 – Principles of Aviation Physics
    Students study energy, force, motion, pressure, sound, and gas laws as they apply to aviation systems. The course supports understanding of aircraft operation through theoretical instruction and applied problem-solving.
  • APG1005 – Principles of Aerodynamics
    Students learn how aerodynamic principles such as lift, drag, stability, and airflow impact aircraft flight. The course emphasizes practical applications of physics in flight control and high-speed operations.
  • APG1006 – Tools and Techniques
    This course introduces standard and specialized aircraft maintenance tools. Students demonstrate proper use of measuring tools, torque equipment, and pneumatic/electric power tools during lab projects on live aircraft.
  • APG1007 – Hardware & Materials
    Students examine aircraft hardware types, safety techniques, and material properties. Emphasis is placed on selecting, inspecting, and applying fasteners, turnbuckles, and heat-treated metals.
  • APG1008 – Basic Electricity I
    This course explores AC/DC circuits, batteries, and basic electrical concepts including voltage, resistance, and continuity. Students interpret schematics and perform battery maintenance and circuit testing.
  • APG1009 – Blue Prints and Drawings
    Students learn to read, interpret, and create aviation blueprints and technical diagrams. Skills include understanding dimensions, line types, and sketching repair drawings.
  • APG1010 – Basic Electricity II and Binary Logic
    Expanding on APG1008, students cover motors, semiconductors, and three-phase circuits. Binary logic and troubleshooting skills are applied to live aircraft electrical systems using schematics and logic trees.
  • APG1011 – Aircraft Weight and Balance
    This course teaches students to weigh aircraft, compute center of gravity, and complete official weight and balance documents using data from multiple aircraft types.
  • APG1012 – Corrosion and Cleaning
    Students identify, clean, and treat corrosion using appropriate tools and materials. They demonstrate proper washing, lubrication, and protective finishing on aircraft surfaces.
  • APG1013 – Fluid Lines and Fittings
    Students fabricate and install rigid lines and hoses, followed by leak and function testing. Training includes removal and replacement of components using aircraft standards.
  • APG1014 – Safety and Ground Handling
    This final general course covers aircraft fueling, jacking, towing, tie-downs, and engine ground operations. Students perform servicing procedures for single and multi-engine aircraft.

Airframe (760 hours)

  • APA1001 – Helicopter Fundamentals
    Students study rotary-wing aerodynamics, rotor systems, transmissions, and blade construction. Course content reinforces helicopter-specific knowledge through discussion and exams.
  • APA1002 – Fabric Covering and Painting and Refinishing
    This course teaches fabric application, inspection, and repair. Students also practice surface prep, primer application, metal treatment, and composite sealing.
  • APA1003 – Welding Techniques
    Students practice oxyacetylene and arc welding, brazing, and soldering techniques. They complete welds on aircraft structures and inspect them per approved standards.
  • APA1004 – Materials and Processes
    Students learn about heat treatment, fasteners, sheet-metal layout, and repair techniques. Projects include sketching, material selection, and structural repair.
  • APA1005 – Airframe Metallic Structures
    Building on APA1004, this course covers structural inspection, stress analysis, and metallic repair procedures using approved data and stress calculations.
  • APA1006 – Airframe Nonmetallic Structures
    Students explore composite construction, testing, and repair. Projects include fabricating composite parts and maintaining transparent aircraft materials.
  • APA1007 – Assembly and Rigging
    Students practice aligning structures, rigging flight controls, and adjusting rotary-wing systems. Instruction includes removal, installation, and adjustment of control surfaces.
  • APA1008 – Hydraulic, Pneumatic, and Landing Gear Systems
    This course covers hydraulic and pneumatic system servicing and troubleshooting. Students also work on aircraft brakes, tires, wheels, and shock struts.
  • APA1009 – Cabin Environmental Systems
    Students inspect and test cabin pressurization, vapor cycle, heating, and oxygen systems. Instruction focuses on system operation and safety checks using manufacturer data.
  • APA1010 – Aircraft Electrical Systems
    Students expand on basic electricity by diagnosing aircraft A/C and D/C systems. They perform alternator overhauls and repair electrical defects on live aircraft.
  • APA1011 – Aircraft Instruments, Navigation and Communication Systems
    This course addresses instrument, autopilot, communication, and navigation systems. Students test systems, install instruments, and troubleshoot components per approved data.
  • APA1012 – Aircraft Lighting and Safety Systems
    Students study and repair aircraft lighting, fire protection, data recorders, and collision avoidance systems. Lab work includes warning system troubleshooting.
  • APA1013 – Aircraft Fuel Systems
    Students learn fuel system types, inspection, and maintenance procedures. Hands-on activities include identifying, repairing, and testing aircraft fuel components.
  • APA1014 – Aircraft Inspection
    As the final airframe course, students conduct 100-hour, progressive, and conformity inspections across multiple aircraft, assessing airworthiness per FAA guidelines.

Powerplant (760 hours)

  • APP2001 – Reciprocating Engines
    Students learn engine theory, design, maintenance, and operation for reciprocating aircraft engines. Practical work includes disassembly, inspection, reassembly, and operational testing of a complete engine.
  • APP2002 – Turbine Engines
    This course introduces turbine engine theory, design, components, and servicing techniques. Students complete overhauls, hot section inspections, and install and troubleshoot turbine engines.
  • APP2003 – Reciprocating Engine Systems I
    Students study lubrication, ignition, starting, and fuel systems for reciprocating engines. Lab activities include magneto timing, spark plug service, carburetor work, and troubleshooting of multiple subsystems.
  • APP2004 – Turbine Engine Systems I
    This course covers turbine lubrication, ignition, fuel systems, and fire detection. Students inspect, repair, and test fuel nozzles, oil pumps, fire detection systems, and engine control wiring.
  • APP2005 – Reciprocating Engine Systems II
    Students continue engine systems training with focus on induction, exhaust, and cooling systems. Projects include inspection and repair of air boxes, baffles, manifolds, and ducts.
  • APP2006 – Turbine Engine Systems II
    Building on APP2004, students learn about inlets, exhaust, thrust reversers, and anti-icing. They inspect and service engine nacelles, bleed systems, and exhaust components.
  • APP2007 – Propeller Systems
    This course introduces propeller types and systems including de-icing and control mechanisms. Students disassemble, inspect, repair, and reinstall fixed-pitch and constant-speed propellers.
  • APP2008 – Aircraft Engine Inspection & Troubleshooting
    As the final Powerplant course, students conduct inspections and troubleshoot issues on reciprocating and turbine engine systems. Practical work includes 100-hour and progressive inspections, defect repair, and ground engine operation.

Students must achieve 70% or above in each section before progressing to the End-of-Course Examination (EOCE) and becoming eligible for FAA written, oral, and practical examinations.

Cost & Duration

The program length is 18 to 27 (2,000 hours) months and costs about $40,000.

Accreditation

Aviator College’s Aviation Maintenance Technician Program is FAA-approved under 14 CFR Part 147 and accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

State-of-the-Art Training Facilities

Aviator College operates from two impressive Florida locations, with the primary Aviation Maintenance Technician facility located at Kissimmee Gateway Airport (KISM). The main AMT building spans 11,760 square feet across two stories, featuring administrative offices, FAA-approved Computer Assisted Testing Service (CATS) testing rooms, multiple classrooms including a large amphitheater, and a 4,200 square foot hangar space divided into specialized sections for sheet metal/composites, powerplant, and hydraulics training. The college also announced a significant $4 million expansion at Treasure Coast International Airport in Fort Pierce, which will include an 18,000-square-foot Airframe & Powerplant Technician Training facility and additional campus housing.

Industry Partnerships

Aviator College has established a prestigious partnership with JetBlue Airways through the JetBlue Gateways program, where JetBlue specifically partners with Aviator College for its Gateway Direct Tech-Ops program, providing current JetBlue crewmembers a prescribed pathway to become aircraft maintenance technicians. This partnership demonstrates the industry recognition of Aviator College’s training quality and provides students with direct pathways to employment with major airlines.

Career Outcomes

The program’s emphasis on hands-on training with operational aircraft, combined with its airport-based location, gives graduates practical experience that exceeds what many traditional schools can offer, preparing them for immediate entry into the high-demand aviation maintenance field.

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