Chaffey College offers four distinct aviation maintenance technology programs through its FAA-approved Part 147 training facility, one of only approximately 170 schools nationwide with this certification. Chaffey’s AMT department maintains over 90% pass rates on FAA written exams, and employment prospects are exceptional—as instructor Jack Little noted, “The industry is hiring faster than we put these people out the door.”
Quick Facts
- Length: 12 Months to 30 Months
- Cost: $1,700 to $3,700
- Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
- Website: https://www.chaffey.edu/acc/mit/mit-academic/aviation.php
Aviation Maintenance Technology Programs Summary
The college’s aeronautics program earned the No. 1 ranking for aviation maintenance technology by the Federal Aviation Administration. Due to FAA requirements, the program maintains a strict 25-to-1 student-teacher ratio, and classes consistently fill with waiting lists for enrollment.
| Program | Duration | Cost (Resident) |
|---|---|---|
| Airframe and Powerplant Associate of Science Degree | 30 months | $3,611 |
| Airframe and Powerplant Technician Certificate | 27 months | $2,507 |
| Airframe Certificate | 12 months | $1,610 |
| Aircraft Electrical and Avionics Technician Certificate | 18 months | $1,840 |
Airframe and Powerplant Associate of Science Degree
The Airframe and Powerplant AS program provides comprehensive coursework for both FAA Airframe and Powerplant certifications while earning a college degree.
Curriculum
The curriculum includes Introduction to Aviation Maintenance, Airframe Structures Primary and Secondary Systems, and Powerplant Aircraft Reciprocating and Turbine Engines, plus general education requirements in English, mathematics, physics, ethics, and communication.
Additional curriculum information can be found here:
Cost & Duration
Students complete 78.5 units over 30 months (5 terms), with costs of $3,611 for California residents or $36,110 for non-residents.
Airframe and Powerplant Technician Certificate
The Airframe and Powerplant Technician Certificate offers intensive training for students requiring continuous enrollment throughout the entire program.
Curriculum
The curriculum focuses on hands-on learning of both airframe and powerplant systems, covering aircraft system operations, safety standards, and Safety Data Sheet navigation.
Cost & Duration
This accelerated program requires 54.5 units completed over 27 months (3 terms), costing $2,507 for California residents or $25,070 for non-residents.
Airframe Certificate
The standalone Airframe Certificate meets FAA Airframe certification requirements and focuses specifically on aircraft structural systems.
Curriculum
Students learn hydraulics, landing gear, flight controls, electrical systems, and fuel systems through both theoretical and hands-on laboratory work.
Cost & Duration
The program requires 35 units over 12 months (2 terms), with tuition costs of $1,610 for California residents or $16,100 for non-residents.
Aircraft Electrical and Avionics Technician Certificate
The specialized Aircraft Electrical and Avionics Technician Certificate builds upon foundational aviation knowledge to focus on modern aircraft electrical and avionics systems.
The curriculum emphasizes electrical wiring interface systems (EWIS), communication, navigation, and data transmission systems for general aviation, commercial aircraft, drones, and UAVs.
Students complete 40 units over 18 months (3 terms), preparing for NCATT AET certification, with costs of $1,840 for California residents or $18,400 for non-residents.
Facilities
The program operates from an impressive 11,000-square-foot laboratory facility at the Rancho Cucamonga campus, where students work hands-on overhauling general aviation piston-powered engines and learning on cutting-edge equipment.
Accreditation
As a FAA-approved Part 147 training facility, Chaffey College undergoes annual audits to maintain certification and meets all federal aviation training standards.
Industry Partnerships
The program has strong industry partnerships, including direct hiring relationships with major employers like Northrop Grumman, which interviewed 21 students and hired six in a single campus job fair. Threshold Aviation Group at Chino Airport serves on the college’s advisory board and maintains a “direct pipeline” for hiring graduates, demonstrating the strong connection between the program and regional aviation employers.
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