Cuesta College trains aviation mechanics at San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, the only A&P program on California’s Central Coast.
Verified October 3, 2026 against Cuesta’s certification page and program map. Compare all California A&P schools.
Quick Facts
- Length: 4 semesters, about 2 years (48 units)
- Cost: $2,292 CA residents (48 units, 2026-27)
- Location: San Luis Obispo, CA (County Regional Airport)
- Website: Official School Web Page
Our Take
Cuesta is one of the least expensive A&P programs in California, about $2,292 for residents with tools provided, and graduates passed 89.7% of FAA written tests. Cohorts start once a year in spring and alternate between days and nights, so the schedule you get depends on the year. The next start, Spring 2027, is a day cohort.
At a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| FAA status | Part 147 certificated school (certificate SLOT661K) |
| Full A&P credential | Aviation Mechanic – A&P certificate, 48 units (8 courses of 6 units) |
| Length | 4 semesters (spring and fall, no summer) |
| Cohorts | One start each spring; odd years days (Mon–Fri about 8 a.m.–3 p.m.), even years nights (about 4:30–10 p.m.) |
| Next start | Spring 2027 (day cohort) |
| Cost (2026-27) | About $2,292 for CA residents; about $21,108 nonresident |
| Tools | Provided; budget about $500 for books and supplies |
| FAA pass rate | 89.7% (61 of 68 written tests, Aug 2023–Dec 2024) |
| Verified | October 3, 2026 |
Programs and Costs
Cuesta’s A&P certificate is eight 6-unit courses taken as a cohort. Students take each FAA test as they finish its section.
| Program | Units | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Aviation Mechanic – A&P certificate | 48 | 4 semesters |
What You Will Actually Pay
California residents pay $46 per unit in 2026-27; the California College Promise Grant waives that fee for eligible residents, though campus fees still apply. The 48 units are $2,208 in enrollment fees, about $2,292 with health and representation fees. Nonresidents pay $392 per unit plus the $46 fee, about $21,108. Tools are provided.
Growth
Cuesta graduated its second cohort of 20 students in December 2025 and received a grant to study a permanent aviation facility. Corporate aviation firm ACI Jet partners with the program.
How It Compares in the Central Coast
| School | Full A&P path | Length | Cost | FAA pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuesta College (San Luis Obispo) | Certificate (48 units) | 4 semesters | $2,292 | 89.7% |
| California Aeronautical University (Bakersfield) | Diploma (90 credits) | 75 weeks | $34,160 (2024) | 94.3% |
| Reedley College | AMT certificate | About 24 months | About $9,617 incl. tools | 85.1% |
| San Joaquin Valley College (Fresno) | Certificate (61 units) | 14+ months | $41,050 | 54.0% |
| Antelope Valley College (Lancaster) | A&P courses (75 units) | 2 years incl. summers | $3,558 | Too few tests |
| Sacramento City College | Certificate or AS (67–70 units) | Summer + 4 semesters | $3,487 | 100% |
Cuesta is the Central Coast’s only A&P program and one of the cheapest in California. See all California A&P schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cuesta College’s aviation program FAA-approved?
Yes. It operates FAA Part 147 school SLOT661K; graduates passed 61 of 68 FAA written tests from August 2023 to December 2024, per the FAA’s pass-rate report.
When is the next start?
Spring 2027, a day cohort. Cohorts start each spring and alternate day and night.
How much does it cost?
About $2,292 for California residents, with tools provided.
Related Programs
View All Aviation Mechanic Schools in California
- Antelope Valley College - Lancaster
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) - Fremont
- California Aeronautical University - Bakersfield
- Chaffey College - Rancho Cucamonga
- College of Alameda - Alameda
- Gavilan College - San Martin
- Mt. San Antonio College - Walnut
- North Valley Occupational Center - Van Nuys
- Orange Coast College - Costa Mesa
- Reedley College - Reedley
- Sacramento City College - Sacramento
- San Bernardino Valley College - San Bernardino
- San Diego Miramar College - San Diego
- San Joaquin Valley College - Fresno
- Solano Community College - Vacaville
- Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology - Inglewood & Riverside
- Universal Technical Institute - Long Beach
- Victor Valley College - Victorville
- West Los Angeles College - Culver City