Chandler Gilbert Aviation Maintenance Programs

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC), part of the Maricopa County Community College District, offers comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Technology programs designed to prepare students for careers in aviation maintenance across general, corporate, commercial, and military sectors. All programs prepare students for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) written, oral, and practical certification exams while emphasizing hands-on training with industry-standard equipment and safety practices.

Quick Facts

Associate Degree Programs

Aircraft Maintenance Technology AAS

The program requires 88–115 credits, translating to about 6–8 semesters or approximately 30 months of study if enrolled full-time. For Arizona residents, tuition for this program averages around $9,845–$11,155, based on the $97-per-credit-hour rate.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes the following classes:

  • AMT124 Aircraft Forms, Regulations, Weight and Balance, Drawings, and Ground Operations
    Students gain essential knowledge of FAA maintenance regulations and technician privileges, along with practical skills in weight and balance calculations, ground operations, and fuel servicing. They also learn to interpret and create technical drawings while emphasizing safety practices.
  • AMT126 Fundamentals of Mathematics and Electricity
    This course builds mathematical skills for electrical circuits and introduces electrical definitions and laws. Students create schematics and wiring diagrams and practice troubleshooting aircraft electrical systems.
  • AMT128 Physics for Aviation, Corrosion Control, Materials, Hardware, Processes, Fluid Lines and Fittings
    Students learn basic physics for aviation and study aircraft materials, hardware, fluid lines, and fittings. The course also covers corrosion control, inspection methods, and material maintenance.
  • AMT220 Fundamentals of Bonded Composite and Wooden Aircraft Structures, Fabric Coverings and Finishes
    This course covers bonded composite and wooden structures, fabric coverings, and protective finishes. Students learn to inspect, maintain, and repair these structures.
  • AMT222 Atmosphere Control, Fire Detection, Ice and Rain Protection Systems
    Students learn to operate and maintain environmental control, fire detection, ice and rain protection systems. The course covers inspection, troubleshooting, and repairs for these safety systems.
  • AMT224 Aircraft Metallic Structures
    Students learn to inspect, fabricate, and repair metallic aircraft structures. Hands-on training includes metalworking tools, damage assessment, and repair planning.
  • AMT226 Aircraft Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Fuel, Landing Gear, Positioning and Warning Systems
    This course covers inspection, troubleshooting, and repairs of hydraulic, pneumatic, fuel, landing gear, and warning systems. Students learn to maintain system interactions and develop diagnostic skills.
  • AMT228 Aircraft Electrical, Instruments, Communication and Navigation Systems
    Students learn to inspect, service, and troubleshoot DC/AC power systems, flight instruments, and modern avionics. Training includes fuel indication systems and electrical system integration.
  • AMT230 Airframe Assembly and Inspection
    This course focuses on airframe inspection techniques, defect identification, and required documentation. Students learn to ensure aircraft structural integrity and regulatory compliance.
  • AMT263 Aircraft Turbine Engines
    Students learn turbine engine design, maintenance, operation, and testing. The course covers engine performance parameters and troubleshooting.
  • AMT264 Aircraft Reciprocating Engines
    This course covers piston engine theory, troubleshooting, overhaul, and inspection. Hands-on training includes disassembly, inspection, and reassembly.
  • AMT266 Engine Fuel Systems, Fuel Metering and Induction System
    Students learn to inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain fuel delivery, metering, and induction systems, including turbochargers and superchargers.
  • AMT268 Engine Electrical, Ignition and Starter Systems
    Students learn to maintain and troubleshoot powerplant electrical, ignition, and starter systems, developing diagnostic skills for engine electrical issues.
  • AMT270 Engine Instruments, Fire Protection, Lubrication, Cooling, and Exhaust Systems
    Students study inspection and maintenance of engine support systems including fire detection, lubrication, cooling, and exhaust, focusing on system integration and safety.
  • AMT272 Propeller Systems and Engine Inspections
    This course covers propeller operation, maintenance, and repairs along with comprehensive inspection techniques for reciprocating and turbine engines.

Curriculum details available here:

Airframe AAS

The five-semester program emphasizes airframe-specific topics including metallic structures, electrical systems, hydraulics, environmental controls, and assembly procedures while incorporating general education requirements.

Students complete between 60 and 82 credits, which takes about 4–6 semesters, or approximately 24 months, of full-time study. Arizona residents can expect tuition to range from $5,820 to $7,950, depending on course load and electives.

Powerplant AAS

This degree covers 60–83 credits, taking about 4–6 semesters or 24–28 months to complete. Arizona residents can expect tuition of about $5,820–$8,051.

The five-semester curriculum covers turbine engines, reciprocating engines, fuel systems, propeller systems, ignition systems, and engine inspection procedures.

Certificate Programs

Aircraft Maintenance Technology CCL

The Aircraft Maintenance Technology CCL requires 65–84 credits and takes about 4–5 semesters or roughly 20 months to complete, with tuition estimated at $6,305–$8,148.

This certificate mirrors the AAS degree content but focuses solely on technical coursework without general education requirements, preparing students for both airframe and powerplant FAA certifications.

Airframe CCL

The Airframe CCL requires 32–51 credits, taking about 2–3 semesters or 12 months, costing around $3,104–$4,947.

The three-semester program provides focused training in airframe systems, structures, and maintenance procedures.

Powerplant CCL

The Powerplant CCL covers 33–52 credits over 2–3 semesters, taking about 12–15 months, with tuition of $3,201–$5,044.

The three-semester program specializes in aircraft engine maintenance, repair, and inspection procedures.

Special Features and Industry Connections

CGCC offers unique advantages including access to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport facilities, partnerships with major aerospace companies like Gulfstream and Boeing, and participation in the Arizona Future48 Workforce Accelerator program.

The college hosts the annual Greater Southwest Aviation Maintenance Technician Symposium, providing continuing education opportunities for industry professionals. Students benefit from small class sizes, state-of-the-art simulation centers, and direct industry connections that facilitate job placement upon graduation.

Tuition Summary

The program requires 88–115 credits, translating to about 6–8 semesters or approximately 30 months of study if enrolled full-time.

  • Aircraft Maintenance Technology AAS: $8,536–$11,155
  • Airframe AAS: $5,820–$7,954
  • Powerplant AAS: $5,820–$8,051
  • Aircraft Maintenance Technology: $6,305–$8,148
  • Airframe Certificate of Completion : $3,104–$4,947
  • Powerplant Certificate of Completion: $3,201–$5,044

See official tuition page for more details: https://www.cgc.edu/admissions/tuition-payment/tuition-fees

Accreditation

The programs are fully approved by the Federal Aviation Administration under CFR Part 147 regulations and accredited through the Higher Learning Commission.

Recognition

CGCC has over 30 years of experience in aviation education and maintains strong industry partnerships that ensure curriculum relevance and graduate employability. The college’s location at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport provides students with direct access to active aviation operations and internship opportunities with major aerospace employers throughout Arizona’s robust aviation industry.

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