Epic Flight Academy Aviation Maintenance Program

Epic Flight Academy is an established aviation training institution that launched its Aircraft Mechanic Program in 2020, building upon decades of successful pilot training experience. The school operates aircraft mechanic training at two strategic locations: New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and Erlanger, Kentucky (Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport – CVG). This dual-campus approach provides students with diverse training environments and geographic flexibility while maintaining consistent program quality and FAA Part 147 certification standards.

Quick Facts

Length: 19 Months
Cost: $45,000
Location: FL: New Smyrna Beach; KY: Erlanger
Website: https://epicflightacademy.com/aircraft-mechanic/

Program Structure and Certification

FAA Part 147 Certification Program

Epic’s aircraft mechanic program is fully approved under FAA Part 147 regulations, allowing students to pursue direct certification without serving multi-year apprenticeships. This accelerated pathway enables students to earn their Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate through structured classroom and hands-on training, significantly reducing time-to-employment compared to traditional apprenticeship routes.

Comprehensive 19-Month Curriculum

The program consists of five sequential courses, each approximately 4 months in duration:

General Technician – Aviation Maintenance
Airframe Technician Part 1 – Aviation Maintenance
Airframe Technician Part 2 – Aviation Maintenance
Powerplant Technician Part 1 – Aviation Maintenance
Powerplant Technician Part 2 – Aviation Maintenance

Each course requires 450 hours of instruction with a schedule of 4 days per week (Monday through Thursday), 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, providing intensive yet manageable pacing for working professionals and dedicated students.

Admission Requirements and Accessibility

Basic Eligibility Criteria

Age requirement: Must be 18 years old by program completion
Education: High school diploma or equivalent required
Language proficiency: Must speak, read, write, and understand English
Application process: $145 application fee upon approval

International Student Support

Epic welcomes international students through comprehensive visa support services:

M-1 Student Visa processing with dedicated admissions team assistance
SEVIS I-901 fee: $350 for I-20 document processing
Program duration: 20 months total authorization (19-month program plus extensions)
Embassy interview preparation including documentation guidance and interview techniques
Post-graduation: 30-day departure requirement after training completion

Veterans Benefits Integration

The program is fully approved for GI Bill® benefits, accommodating Army, Navy, Air Force, and all eligible military service members. This veteran-friendly approach recognizes military experience while providing pathway to civilian aviation careers (Note: Currently not available at CVG location).

Financial Structure and Investment

Comprehensive Tuition Package – $45,000

The all-inclusive tuition covers:

Five complete courses ($9,000 per course)
Books and study materials for all subjects
Professional tool set and tool box for practical training
Three FAA written exams (General, Airframe, Powerplant)

Additional Required Costs

Application fee: $145 (one-time, upon approval)
FAA oral and practical exams: $1,575 (paid directly to Designated Mechanic Examiner)
Total program investment: $46,720

Flexible Payment Structure

Epic offers student-friendly payment options:

No upfront full payment required
Pay-per-course structure: $9,000 due at each course start
First payment: Due upon enrollment document signing
Subsequent payments: Invoiced one week prior to each course start
Student loan financing: Available through traditional student loan programs

Hands-On Learning Excellence

Industry-Standard Training Approach

The program emphasizes practical, hands-on experience with a 60% laboratory/40% lecture split, ensuring students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for professional success.

Comprehensive Skill Development

Students master an extensive range of technical competencies:

Fundamental Skills

Aircraft drawing and technical documentation
Weight and balance calculations
Ground operations and servicing procedures
Mathematical applications for aviation
Problem-solving and troubleshooting methodologies

Technical Proficiencies

Aircraft structural integrity assessment
Basic electricity and electrical systems
Welding techniques and metal fabrication
Sheet metal and non-metallic structure repair
Avionics and lighting system maintenance

Advanced Specializations

Hydraulic and pneumatic power systems
Cabin atmosphere control systems
Aircraft instrument systems maintenance
Communication and navigation systems
Ice and rain control systems
Fire protection systems

Professional Development

Accurate record-keeping and documentation
Computer skills for maintenance records
Professional communication abilities
Safety protocols and regulatory compliance

Real-World Training Environment

Students benefit from airport-based training locations, providing exposure to active aviation operations, real aircraft maintenance scenarios, and industry-standard equipment and procedures.

Examination and Certification Process

Written Examination Requirements

Students must complete and pass three FAA written exams:

General knowledge exam
Airframe systems exam
Powerplant systems exam

Passing score: 70% minimum required Cost: Included in tuition Preparation: Comprehensive study materials and practice exams provided

Practical and Oral Examinations

Final certification requires passing both:

FAA practical (hands-on) examination
FAA oral examination

Cost: $1,575 total (paid directly to FAA Designated Mechanic Examiner) Coverage: 44 subject areas (12 General, 17 Airframe, 15 Powerplant) Scheduling: Professional DME/TPE examiners with average 20 years experience

Career Services and Industry Partnerships

Extensive Employer Network

Epic maintains active partnerships with over 20 major aviation companies, providing graduates with direct access to employment opportunities across diverse aviation sectors:

Major Airlines and Cargo Carriers

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines
FedEx, UPS for cargo operations
Regional carriers like Cape Air, CommuteAir, Southern Airways Express

Specialized Aviation Services

Aerotek: Global recruiting and staffing corporation
STS Aviation Group: Comprehensive maintenance services
LAUNCH Technical Workforce Solutions: Technical workforce placement
Mountain Air Cargo: Express cargo operations

Manufacturing and MRO Partners

Piper Aircraft: Legacy aircraft manufacturer partnership
GE Aviation: Starting mechanics at $31/hour recruitment initiative
FEAM Maintenance/Engineering: MRO leader offering employment plus $15,000 tuition support

Career Development Support

Regular career seminars hosted by hiring partners
Salary and benefits information sessions
Interview preparation assistance
Graduate networking opportunities
Epic internal hiring preference for program graduates

Salary Expectations and Market Demand

Competitive Starting Compensation

Average starting salary: $60,000 annually
Hourly wage range: $20-$50 depending on employer and experience
Corporate aviation: Up to $127,500 for specialized positions
Bureau of Labor Statistics data: $5,834 monthly average for A&P mechanics (2022)

Industry Growth and Opportunities

Critical shortage: 12,000-18,000 aircraft mechanics needed annually
10-year outlook: 670,000+ new aviation jobs projected
Signing bonuses: Up to $15,000 offered by major airlines
Relocation incentives: Additional benefits for geographic flexibility

Diverse Career Applications

A&P certification opens opportunities across multiple industries:

Commercial airlines and cargo carriers
Corporate and private aviation
Government agencies and military contractors
Space exploration companies like SpaceX
Entertainment industry (Disney World operations)
General aviation and recreational aircraft
Freelance opportunities serving individual aircraft owners

Educational Partnerships and Advancement

Polk State College Articulation Agreement

Epic’s partnership with Polk State College provides exceptional value-added educational opportunities:

Credit Transfer Benefits

30 college credits automatically transferred upon A&P completion
Aviation Maintenance Administration Associate Degree pathway
Course designation: AMT9999 – Aviation Maintenance Technician Certificate
Flexible timing: Students may begin college courses before or after A&P completion

Degree Completion Requirements

18 credit hours: College-level general education courses
12 credit hours: Aerospace core courses
Total degree: 60 credit hours (30 Epic + 30 PSC)
Enhanced career prospects through combined technical certification and academic credentials

Scheduling and Program Accessibility

Multiple Annual Start Dates

New classes begin three times yearly at both locations:

Flexible scheduling accommodates diverse student needs
Consistent program quality across all start dates
Advanced planning allows students to align training with personal schedules

Location-Specific Advantages

New Smyrna Beach, Florida Campus

Epic continues to see consistent enrollments with over 19 new students in the July 2025 intake at the New Smyrna Beach campus alone, indicating sustained market demand and program appeal (AFM Aero).

Address: 1919 North Dixie Freeway, Suite B, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Climate advantages: Year-round training weather
Proximity benefits: Close to major aviation hubs and tourist destinations
Lifestyle appeal: Beach community atmosphere conducive to focused study

Erlanger, Kentucky Campus (CVG Airport)

Epic Flight Academy opened a $8 million, 32,000-square-foot aircraft mechanic school at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) in April 2024, demonstrating significant institutional investment in aviation maintenance training.

The CVG location operates in partnership with FEAM Aero, which has established aircraft maintenance hangars on the same campus, creating direct employment pipelines for graduates.

Strategic location: Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
Industrial access: Major cargo and passenger operations exposure
Geographic diversity: Midwest aviation market exposure
Career opportunities: Direct access to regional aviation employers

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear praised the CVG facility, stating that “workforce development is the most important and proactive step we can take for the future of Kentucky’s economy,” highlighting the program’s role in preparing thousands of Kentuckians for skilled, well-paying aviation jobs (Northern Kentucky Tribune).

Quality Assurance and Student Support

Professional Standards Excellence

Highly credentialed instructors with extensive industry experience
Small class sizes ensuring personalized attention and mentorship
Sterling reputation built through successful pilot training programs
Graduate hiring preference demonstrating confidence in training quality

Comprehensive Student Services

Academic support: Individual tutoring and supplemental instruction
Career guidance: Professional development and job placement assistance
International services: Visa processing and cultural integration support
Financial aid: Scholarship opportunities and student loan coordination

Scholarship and Financial Aid Programs

Epic actively supports student success through various funding opportunities:

Annual scholarships for high school seniors
Diversity scholarships: Women in Aviation International ($25,000)
Professional organization scholarships: Latino Pilots Association, National Gay Pilots Association, Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Professional Asian Pilots Association
Industry-specific support: Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance (AWAM)
Corporate sponsorships: FEAM Aero offering sponsorships at CVG location

Epic awarded more than $85,000 in scholarships during its Ninth Annual Aviation Scholarship Awards in November 2024, including $20,000 aircraft mechanic scholarships to Russell Shipley and Brayden Tucker, demonstrating commitment to student accessibility (Flying Magazine).

Industry Recognition and Accreditation

Regulatory Compliance and Certification

FAA Part 147 approval ensuring regulatory compliance
Comprehensive curriculum standards meeting all federal requirements
Continuous regulatory updates maintaining current industry standards
Professional examiner relationships ensuring credible testing processes

Industry Integration and Relevance

Active industry partnerships providing real-world experience
Current technology training on modern aircraft systems
Professional network development through industry connections
Graduate employment tracking demonstrating program effectiveness

Recent Expansion and Growth

Epic has grown to become the largest FAA Part 141 flight school network in the country with nine campuses across the United States, including newly approved locations in Colorado (Englewood), Utah (St. George), and Alabama (Tuscaloosa) with grand openings scheduled for June-July 2025 (AFM Aero).

Epic Flight Academy’s Aircraft Mechanic Program represents a comprehensive, industry-aligned pathway to aviation maintenance careers. Through rigorous training, extensive industry partnerships, and commitment to student success, the program prepares graduates for immediate employment in a high-demand field while providing foundation for long-term career advancement. The combination of technical excellence, practical experience, and professional development creates aviation maintenance technicians ready to contribute meaningfully to the rapidly expanding aviation industry.