Charlotte Technical College Aviation Mechanic Programs

Founded in 1980 as Charlotte County’s first vocational-trade school, Charlotte Technical College has been serving the community for over four decades with more than 20 career training programs for full-time, part-time, and dual enrollment students. The college operates from its main Port Charlotte campus and is expanding with a new state-of-the-art aviation training facility at Punta Gorda Airport, reinforcing its commitment to workforce development in high-demand industries.

Quick Facts

AMT Programs Overview

Charlotte Technical College (CTC) offers FAA-certified aviation maintenance training through its Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School (License #CCNT646K). The college provides three comprehensive aviation programs:

ProgramLengthCost
Aviation Airframe Mechanics1,350 hours (15–18 months)Approx. $745 (supplies, tools, uniforms)
Aviation Powerplant Mechanics900 hours (10–12 months)$6,223 (includes tools, fees, and uniforms)
High School Aviation Airframe Program450 hours (1 year)No direct cost listed

Each program is designed to prepare students for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) license examinations and meets Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 147 requirements for AMT schools.

Aviation Airframe Mechanics Program

The Aviation Airframe Mechanics program prepares students for comprehensive aircraft maintenance careers through three sequential courses: Aviation Maintenance General Technician (450 hours), followed by Aviation Maintenance Airframe Technician 1 and 2 (450 hours each).

Curriculum

The curriculum covers aircraft drawing, weight and balance, ground operations, electrical systems, hydraulic systems, fuel systems, and fire protection systems, preparing graduates for both General and Airframe Certification (FEDAA004). Coursework includes:

  • Aviation Maintenance General Technician
    This foundational course introduces students to the aviation maintenance field and prepares them for hands-on training. Topics include basic electricity, aircraft drawings, weight and balance, fluid systems, materials, and corrosion control. Students also develop essential skills in mathematics, maintenance documentation, basic physics, technical reading, communication, and job readiness. The curriculum aligns with FAA FAR Part 147 standards and includes safety practices, troubleshooting, and an overview of regulatory requirements.
  • Aviation Maintenance Airframe Technician 1
    This course builds on the general technician foundation, focusing on the structure and systems of aircraft. Students learn to inspect, repair, and maintain wood and metal airframe components, apply coverings and finishes, and perform sheet-metal and composite repairs. Welding techniques, assembly, rigging, and airframe inspections are covered alongside landing gear, hydraulic, pneumatic, and environmental systems. Communication and navigation system basics are also introduced, with continued emphasis on shop safety and FAA compliance.
  • Aviation Maintenance Airframe Technician 2
    This advanced course continues airframe training with a focus on electrical, fuel, position, and fire protection systems. Students inspect and repair critical systems including power distribution, warning indicators, ice and rain control, and cabin atmosphere systems. They also gain experience with FAA licensing requirements and enhance employability through job search preparation and entrepreneurship insights. The course emphasizes practical skills, system troubleshooting, and regulatory awareness in preparation for FAA Airframe certification.

The program offers flexible scheduling with day classes (registration deadline October 15, 2025, starting October 16, 2025) and evening options (starting January 2026).

Cost & Duration

  • Duration: 1,350 hours (approximately 15-18 months)
  • Total Cost: Approximately $745 for supplies, tools, and uniforms
  • Cost Breakdown: $600 supplies/tools, $105 uniforms, $10 parking permit, $30 Skills USA (optional)

Aviation Powerplant Mechanics Program

The Aviation Powerplant Mechanics program builds upon the General Technician foundation, focusing on reciprocating engines, turbine engines, fuel systems, ignition systems, propellers, and auxiliary power units.

The program offers both day classes (Monday-Thursday 7:30 AM – 2:48 PM) and evening classes (Monday-Thursday 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM), with registration deadlines of October 15, 2025.

Curriculum

Students study engine removal, fire protection systems, and engine maintenance while preparing for the FAA Powerplant certification (FEDAA010).

Coursework includes:

  • AMT0765 – Aviation Maintenance Airframe Technician 1
    This course builds on general aviation maintenance fundamentals and introduces key airframe systems. Students learn aircraft wood structures, fabric covering, finishing processes, welding basics, assembly and rigging techniques, and airframe inspections. Emphasis is placed on flight control systems, hydraulic and pneumatic operations, landing gear, environmental systems, and aircraft instrumentation. Students also study helicopter rigging, control cable equipment, and use of rigging charts and measurement tools.
  • AMT0775 – Aviation Maintenance Powerplant Technician 1
    This course focuses on reciprocating engines and related systems. Topics include engine design, theory, ignition systems, fuel systems, and induction systems. Students practice disassembly, inspection, maintenance, and reassembly of engine components including magnetos, carburetors, and turbochargers. The course also covers cooling, exhaust, and lubrication systems, emphasizing inspection, troubleshooting, and proper maintenance procedures.
  • AMT0776 – Aviation Maintenance Powerplant Technician 2
    This advanced course expands on previous powerplant training and introduces turbine engine systems. Students study turbine engine theory, fire protection, lubrication, ignition, and fuel metering systems. Training includes electrical systems, propeller operations, and auxiliary power units. Students perform removal, overhaul, and reinstallation of turbine engines while applying FAA regulations. Emphasis is placed on inspections, troubleshooting, and functional testing of turbine components and systems.

Cost & Duration

  • Duration: 900 hours (approximately 10-12 months)
  • Total Program Cost: $6,223
  • CTC Fees: $3,533 (tuition, lab fees, application, testing, graduation)
  • External Costs: $2,690 (includes $2,500 comprehensive tool package, $160 uniforms, $30 Skills USA optional)

High School Aviation Program

The high school Aviation Airframe program serves rising 12th graders exclusively, offering introduction to aviation maintenance that awards three high school credits toward graduation. Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and have completed Algebra and reading requirements, with the next cohort starting August 11, 2025.

This program provides a direct pathway to CTC’s adult aviation programs, allowing students to seamlessly transition into advanced Airframe and Powerplant training after graduation.

Cost & Duration

  • Duration: 450 hours (approximately 9-12 months, one school year)
  • Credits: 3 high school credits (satisfies Practical Arts graduation requirement)
  • Prerequisites: Rising 12th graders only, minimum 2.0 GPA, completion of Algebra and reading requirements

State-of-the-Art Training Facilities

CTC is constructing a revolutionary 19,420-square-foot aviation training facility at Punta Gorda Airport, featuring a 10,000-square-foot hangar, modern classrooms, and advanced laboratories. According to Gulf Shore Business, the $5.75 million facility is expected to be completed by December 2025, representing a major investment in aviation workforce development for Charlotte County.

The new facility will accommodate over 150 students, a significant increase from the current 50 enrolled students, and will provide hands-on training with industry-standard equipment.

Industry Partnerships

The program has received significant industry support, including a remarkable $2 million Pratt & Whitney PW6000 turbofan engine donation from aviation executive Patrice Robinet, as reported by Business Observer.

Career Outcomes

According to Glassdoor data cited in program materials, airframe and powerplant mechanics earn between $68,000 and $101,000 annually, with an average salary of $82,449. CTC’s aviation program prepares graduates for careers beyond traditional airlines, including flight schools, avionics facilities, sheriff’s aviation units, NASCAR, medical equipment maintenance, and even the space industry, demonstrating the versatility of aviation maintenance skills in today’s economy.

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