Cuesta College Aviation Mechanic Programs

Cuesta College offers comprehensive Aviation Maintenance Technology training through a 19-month cohort-style program that prepares students for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification. The program operates from the San Luis Obispo Airport facility and addresses the critical shortage of licensed aircraft technicians. The college provides both day and evening cohort options to accommodate different schedules and learning preferences.

Quick Facts

Aviation Maintenance Training Programs Overview

NameDurationUnitsTuition Cost
Airframe & Powerplant Certificate of Achievement19 months48$2,208
Airframe Certificate of Achievement12 months30$1,380
Powerplant Certificate of Achievement12 months30$1,380

Airframe & Powerplant Certificate of Achievement

This comprehensive certificate represents the full aviation maintenance program that prepares students with skills and technical knowledge to perform maintenance on aircraft in the aviation industry. The program includes general, airframe, and powerplant maintenance subjects required by the FAA as part of the Aviation Maintenance Technology Program.

Students follow a cohort-style format with demanding day or evening obligations, utilizing real aircraft including showcase jets and King Air planes for hands-on training.

Curriculum

The program requires 48 units across eight courses:

  • AVMT 110 – General I introduces core aviation maintenance skills, covering basic electricity and electronics, aircraft weight and balance, math and physics for flight, ground operations, and human factors. Students complete FAA‑required general maintenance topics and must supply specific hand tools to meet course requirements.
  • AVMT 120 – General II builds on foundational maintenance knowledge with FAA‑mandated content in maintenance forms, records and publications, mechanic privileges, aircraft materials and hardware, fluid lines and fittings, corrosion control, and inspection techniques. Students are responsible for providing required hand tools to support hands‑on practice.
  • AVMT 130 – Airframe I covers first‑level airframe topics, including sheet metal and non‑metallic structures, welding, airframe inspection methods, cabin atmosphere control, and fuel system basics. The course aligns with FAA standards and requires students to furnish their own hand‑tools.
  • AVMT 140 – Airframe II advances airframe training with wood structures, fabric coverings and finishes, non‑metallic components, assembly and rigging, rotorcraft fundamentals, and fire protection systems. Students apply FAA guidelines and provide personal hand tools for all lab work.
  • AVMT 150 – Airframe III FAA Airframe, Written, Oral & Practical prepares students for FAA airframe certification by exploring landing gear, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, instruments, communication and navigation, electrical and warning systems, ice and rain control, and conformity inspections. Required hand‑tools must be supplied by each student.
  • AVMT 160 – Powerplant I introduces powerplant fundamentals including reciprocating engine inspection and maintenance, engine instruments, ignition and starting systems, and fuel metering. Course content meets FAA requirements to build core engine‑service competencies.
  • AVMT 170 – Powerplant II delves into turbine engine operation and upkeep alongside engine instrument systems, ignition, auxiliary power units, and fuel metering. The curriculum aligns with FAA powerplant maintenance standards for technician training.
  • AVMT 180 – Powerplant III FAA Powerplant, Written, Oral & Practical prepares students for FAA powerplant certification through inspection of engine accessories, fire detection and suppression, lubrication, induction and cooling systems, exhaust and reverser mechanisms, and propeller systems. Practical labs reinforce FAA‑specified tasks.

Training covers everything from tire changes to turbine engine rebuilds, sheet metal repair, hydraulic systems, welding, aircraft controls, aerodynamics, fuel systems, and fire protection.

Cost and Duration

The 19-month program costs $2,208 for California residents ($46 per unit). Additional expenses include approximately $500 for books and supplies, with tools currently provided by the college.

FAA testing fees range from $2,400-$3,125, including written exams ($175 each for three sections) and practical exams ($800-$1,200 each for airframe and powerplant ratings).

Airframe Certificate of Achievement

This certificate provides graduates with knowledge, skills, and risk management elements described in FAA Airman Certification Standards for both “General” and “Airframe” subjects. Students learn to design and perform repairs of aircraft metallic and non-metallic structures, inspect airframes for airworthiness, and assess risks associated with high-pressure fluid systems.

The program emphasizes hands-on training with real aircraft components and safety protocols.

Curriculum

The program requires 30 units across five courses:

  • AVMT 110
  • AVMT 120
  • AVMT 130
  • AVMT 140
  • AVMT 150

See above for course descriptions

Cost and Duration

The 12-month program costs $1,380 for California residents ($46 per unit). Students complete general aviation foundation courses followed by three airframe-specific courses.

Powerplant Certificate of Achievement

This certificate provides graduates with knowledge, skills, and risk management elements for FAA “General” and “Powerplant” subjects.

Students learn to remove and install fuel nozzles in turbine engines, perform engine inspections, troubleshoot oil temperature and pressure systems, and identify risks associated with fire protection systems. The program emphasizes engine maintenance and safety compliance.

Curriculum

The program requires 30 units across five courses:

  • AVMT 110
  • AVMT 120
  • AVMT 160
  • AVMT 170
  • AVMT 180

Training covers turbine engines, reciprocating engines, fuel systems, oil systems, fire protection systems, and engine inspection procedures. Students gain hands-on experience with engine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair techniques following FAA regulations.

Cost and Duration

The 12-month program costs $1,380 for California residents ($46 per unit).

High School Outreach Programs

Cuesta College extends aviation education to high school students through partnerships with Paso Robles High School and Arroyo Grande High School, offering AVMT 110 and AVMT 120 courses.

Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays (4:00-6:20 PM at Paso Robles, 5:00-7:20 PM at Arroyo Grande) plus alternating Saturdays at the SLO Airport facility.

This program allows high school students to earn college credit and qualify for FAA general certification testing while still in high school.

Facilities and Future Development

The program currently operates from temporary facilities at ACI Jet’s location at San Luis Obispo County regional airport, utilizing aircraft including a showcase jet and King Air for hands-on training.

Cuesta College recently secured a $250,000 grant from Uplift Central Coast to fund a feasibility study for a permanent aviation facility on campus, which would support the region’s 8.3% projected job growth in aerospace technology and expand access to high-wage technical careers.

Career Opportunities and Industry Demand

Graduates find employment with scheduled airlines (employing 50,000 mechanics), general aviation operators (85,000 A&P mechanics), 4,000 FAA-certified repair stations, and government positions (100,000 civilian aircraft mechanics).

The A&P certification also opens opportunities in emerging fields like unmanned aircraft systems, wind turbines, ship engines, auto racing, and industrial hydraulic systems including elevators and manufacturing equipment.

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