Craven Community College Aviation Maintenance Programs

Craven Community College’s Havelock campus offers comprehensive aviation training through its Institute of Aeronautical Technology. The college features FAA-certified programs that prepare students for Airframe and Powerplant certifications, equipping them with skills needed in the growing aviation sector. Students can choose from an associate degree, diplomas, and short-term training options.

Quick Facts

Programs

Aviation Systems Technology AAS

The Aviation Systems Technology AAS program spans about 24 months, including four semesters and two summer sessions.

Curriculum

Covering 92 credit hours, this program introduces students to military and civilian aircraft systems. It includes training in airframe and powerplant maintenance, preparing students for FAA exams.

  • AVI-110: Aviation Maintenance-Gen. This course introduces students to a broad range of foundational aircraft maintenance topics, such as basic electricity, fluid lines and fittings, corrosion control, and weight and balance. Students also learn about mechanic responsibilities, FAA regulations, and maintenance forms. Upon completion, students are prepared for the FAA general knowledge, oral, and practical exams.
  • AVI-120: Airframe Maintenance I This course focuses on airframe structures and repair methods, covering topics like composite and sheet metal structures, wood structures, welding, and rigging. It also includes lessons on covering and finishes and communication and navigation systems. Completion prepares students for the airframe portion of the FAA mechanic’s certificate.
  • AVI-130: Airframe Maintenance II This course dives into airframe systems, such as aircraft electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, landing gear, and fuel systems. Students also study position, warning, and flight control systems. Completion ensures readiness for the FAA airframe certification exams.
  • AVI-230: Airframe Maintenance III This course completes the airframe series with a focus on airframe inspections and advanced systems. Topics include instruments, cabin environmental control, fire protection, and ice and rain control. The course readies students for the FAA airframe certification exams.
  • AVI-240: Powerplant Maintenance I This course introduces the operation and maintenance of piston and jet engines. It covers auxiliary power units and their integration with aircraft systems. Students gain foundational knowledge for the FAA powerplant mechanic’s certificate.
  • AVI-250: Powerplant Maintenance II This course explores powerplant systems and components, including engine instruments, fire protection, electrical, fuel, ignition, and starting systems. Students also learn fuel metering and lubrication practices. Completion prepares students for FAA powerplant certification tests.
  • AVI-260: Powerplant Maintenance III This course covers advanced powerplant systems such as propellers, unducted fans, induction, cooling, exhaust, and reverser systems. The program finishes with comprehensive engine inspections. Students complete the course ready for the FAA powerplant certification exams.

More curriculum info here:

Cost

Tuition is approximately $1,216 per semester for in-state students and $4,288 for out-of-state students. Find program details here:

Diplomas

Airframe

For those seeking specialized training, the Airframe Diploma is a 50-credit program completed in about 16 months. It covers general aviation, airframe inspections, and structural repairs.

At $76 per credit hour, the total tuition is approximately $3,800.

Powerplant

Similarly, the Powerplant Diploma spans 52 credits over roughly 16 months, focusing on powerplant systems in both military and civilian aircraft.

At $76 per credit hour, the total tuition is approximately $3,952.

Short-Term Training Options

Craven CC also offers short-term training in Aviation Sheet Metal and Advanced Aviation Sheet Metal, each lasting 124 hours with tuition of $280. These courses provide hands-on experience with aircraft sheet metal fabrication and repairs. Visit program pages for more: and

FAA Exam Preparation Programs

Craven CC helps experienced mechanics or veterans gain FAA certification through its FAA General/Airframe and FAA General/Powerplant exam preparation courses. Each program costs $500 and offers short-term training to ensure readiness for the FAA written, oral, and practical exams.

Industry Partnerships

The aviation programs benefit from military and local industry connections, including strong ties to Fleet Readiness Center East at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.

Transfer Opportunities

CC also supports students’ transfer goals with pathways to Southern Illinois University’s Bachelor’s in Aviation Management. Graduates can find roles in air carriers, manufacturers, and government aviation operations, starting careers with a solid foundation in FAA-certified maintenance practices.

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