Georgia Northwestern Technical College is the largest technical college in northwest Georgia, serving nine counties with six campuses and resident tuition of $107 per credit. As part of the Technical College System of Georgia, GNTC drives community and economic growth through skilled technical training and upholds values of quality, service, integrity, teamwork, and respect. Its Aviation Maintenance Technology program at the Richard B. Russell Regional Airport is one of only four FAA-approved programs in the state and helps address the shortage of qualified mechanics.
Quick Facts
- Length: 14 Months to 24 Months
- Cost: $6,000 to $11,000
- Location: Rome, GA
- Website: https://www.gntc.edu/aviation/
Aviation Maintenance Technology Programs Overview
| Program | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Aviation Maintenance Tech AAS | 24 months | $10,272 |
| Aviation Maintenance Tech Diploma | 24 months | $9,523 |
| AMT Certificate (AM24) | 24 months | $8,667 |
| Airframe Certificate (AMT1) | 16 months | $5,778 |
| Powerplant Certificate (AM61) | 14 months | $5,136 |
Aviation Maintenance Tech AAS
The Aviation Maintenance Technology Associate Degree combines 15 credit hours of general education with 81 credit hours of occupational curriculum, covering both airframe and powerplant systems. Students learn aircraft maintenance from “nose to tail,” including engines, landing gear, wings, flight controls, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and communication/navigation equipment.
Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take FAA powerplant and airframe certification examinations.
Curriculum
AMT coursework includes:
- AVMT 1001 Aviation Mathematics
This course covers algebraic operations, root and power functions, geometric area and volume calculations, and ratio, proportion, and percentage problem-solving for risk-managed aircraft maintenance. - AVMT 1011 Aircraft Maintenance Regulations
Students study FAA and manufacturer regulations, maintenance forms and records, mechanic privileges and limitations, and human factors to ensure safe, compliant aircraft maintenance. - AVMT 1021 Aircraft Applied Sciences I
This course covers aircraft materials, hardware, and processes, ground operations, cleaning and corrosion control methods, and inspection techniques within a risk-management framework. - AVMT 1026 Aircraft Applied Sciences II
Students learn to read aircraft drawings, perform weight and balance calculations, and fabricate, install, and service fluid lines and fittings under safety standards. - AVMT 1031 Aircraft Electricity and Electronics
This course teaches electrical circuit principles—voltage, current, resistance, and continuity—along with power calculations, capacitance, inductance, batteries, and solid-state devices for aircraft systems. - AVMT 1211 Aviation Physics
Students explore physics fundamentals—pressure, temperature, and volume of air masses—basic aerodynamics, flight theory, engine performance factors, force calculations, and simple machines as they apply to aviation. - AVMT 2021 Airframe Sheet Metal
This course covers sheet metal structure basics, rivet and fastener installation, metal forming, layout, bending techniques, and welding for aircraft airframes. - AVMT 2026 Airframe Non-Metallic Structures
Students learn repair and inspection methods for non-metallic components—wood, composite, and plastic structures, windows, and interior furnishings—using industry standards. - AVMT 2041 Airframe Assembly and Rigging
This course teaches assembly and rigging of fixed-wing and rotary-wing flight control systems and components according to FAA procedures. - AVMT 2051 Airframe Inspection
Students practice airframe conformity and airworthiness inspections following FAA standards and risk-management protocols. - AVMT 2061 Aircraft Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems
This course covers hydraulic and pneumatic power system principles, operation, maintenance, and safety procedures for aircraft applications. - AVMT 2071 Aircraft Landing Gear Systems
Students study landing gear retraction systems, shock struts, brakes, wheels, tires, and steering systems, and perform maintenance under FAA guidelines. - AVMT 2081 Aircraft Environmental Control Systems
This course covers cabin atmosphere control, ice and rain protection, and airframe fire protection systems, including inspection and servicing methods. - AVMT 2086 Aircraft Fuel and Instrument Systems
Students learn to inspect, service, and troubleshoot aircraft fuel systems, instrument systems, and water and waste systems under safety standards. - AVMT 2091 Aircraft Electrical Systems
This course covers aircraft power generation and distribution, component function, and electrical troubleshooting and maintenance techniques. - AVMT 2096 Aircraft Communication and Navigation Systems
Students study autopilot servos, approach coupling, VHF communication, passenger address systems, and antenna installation to maintain and repair communication and navigation equipment. - AVMT 2211 Reciprocating Engine Powerplants
This course covers reciprocating engine theory, inspection, repair, and maintenance tasks following FAA procedures. - AVMT 2231 Gas Turbine Powerplants
Students learn gas turbine engine theory and practice removal, installation, inspection, and troubleshooting techniques under FAA guidelines. - AVMT 2251 Aircraft Engine Inspection
This course teaches powerplant conformity and airworthiness inspection procedures in compliance with FAA standards. - AVMT 2261 Aircraft Engine Fuel & Fuel Metering Systems
Students study engine fuel system components and fuel-metering for reciprocating and turbine engines, and perform inspection, servicing, troubleshooting, and repair tasks. - AVMT 2271 Powerplant Instruments, Fire Protection and Electrical Systems
This course covers engine instrument systems, fire protection, and electrical systems inspection and maintenance under FAA and safety protocols. - AVMT 2276 Powerplant Ignition & Starting Systems
Students learn ignition and starting systems for reciprocating and turbine engines, including test, inspection, and maintenance procedures. - AVMT 2281 Aircraft Powerplant Accessory Systems
This course covers accessory systems—lubrication, induction and cooling for reciprocating engines, turbine air systems, and exhaust and reverser systems—with inspection and maintenance protocols. - AVMT 2286 Aircraft Propeller Systems
Students learn propeller theory and fundamentals, and perform inspection, troubleshooting, and maintenance on aircraft propellers under FAA guidelines.
Cost and Length
The program requires 96 total credit hours at $107 per credit hour, totaling $10,272 in tuition plus a mandatory $180 supply fee per term. The two-year program can be completed in approximately 24 months.
All tuition details are available here: https://www.gntc.edu/tuition-fees/
Aviation Maintenance Tech Diploma
The Aviation Maintenance Technology Diploma includes 8 credit hours of basic skills courses and the same 81 credit hours of occupational curriculum as the associate degree.
This program prepares students for FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification while providing foundational skills in interpersonal relations, mathematics, and technical communication.
Cost and Length
The diploma requires 89 total credit hours at $107 per credit hour, totaling $9,523 in tuition plus the mandatory $180 supply fee per term. This program also spans approximately 24 months for the complete airframe and powerplant curriculum.
Certificate Programs
GNTC offers several specialized certificate options for focused training.
AMT Certificate
The Aviation Maintenance Technician Certificate (AM24) covers the complete 81-credit occupational curriculum for both airframe and powerplant certification. The complete Aviation Maintenance Technician Certificate costs $8,667 (81 credit hours × $107) and takes approximately 24 months.
Airframe Certificate
The Airframe Certificate (AMT1) focuses specifically on airframe systems and structures with 54 credit hours. The Airframe Certificate costs $5,778 (54 credit hours × $107) and requires roughly 16 months.
Powerplant Certificate
The Powerplant Certificate (AM61) concentrates on engine systems and components with 48 credit hours. The Powerplant Certificate costs $5,136 (48 credit hours × $107) and takes approximately 14 months.
All certificate programs include the mandatory $180 supply fee per term.
Accreditation and Features
GNTC holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and operates under Federal Aviation Administration certification.
Facilities
The Aviation Training Center at GNTC covers 30,744 sq ft of space that mimics real maintenance environments. It includes five classrooms, eight labs (airframe, powerplant, avionics, FAA curriculum, and a reference lab), and a technical library. Students gain hands-on experience on FAA-certificated aircraft using industry-standard tools in hangar settings. An on-site PSI/Lasergrade testing center offers FAA, FCC, and NCATT exams so students can earn certifications without leaving campus.
Additional Aviation Programs at GNTC
The specialized programs below complement the main aviation maintenance curriculum by addressing specific industry sectors and skill gaps. Students benefit from the same FAA-regulated training environment and real-world aircraft experience available at the Aviation Training Center.
The programs maintain strong industry connections, ensuring graduates possess current skills demanded by airlines, corporate aviation, manufacturing facilities, and general aviation operators.
Specialized Aviation Certificates
Beyond the core Aviation Maintenance Technology programs, Georgia Northwestern Technical College offers several specialized certificate programs designed to meet specific industry needs and provide targeted skills training in aviation-related fields.
Avionics Programs
GNTC provides two distinct avionics programs focusing on aircraft electronic systems.
- The Avionics Installer (AI11) Certificate prepares students for entry-level positions installing and maintaining aircraft electronic equipment.
- The more comprehensive Avionics Technician (AT31) Certificate provides advanced training in troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining sophisticated aircraft electronics, communication systems, and navigation equipment.
Aircraft Assembly and Manufacturing Programs
The college offers progressive training in aircraft manufacturing through multiple certificate levels.
- The Aircraft Assembly Technician I (AA61) Certificate provides foundational skills in aircraft construction and assembly processes.
- Students can advance to the Aircraft Assembly Technician II (AR71) Certificate for more complex assembly operations and supervisory responsibilities.
- The Aircraft Composites Technician (AT71) Certificate specializes in working with advanced composite materials increasingly used in modern aircraft construction.
Specialized Aircraft Services
GNTC addresses niche aviation industry needs through specialized programs.
The Aircraft Upholstery and Trim (AU21) Certificate trains students in interior aircraft restoration and customization, covering seat repair, carpet installation, and cabin refinishing.
For students seeking comprehensive structural knowledge, the Aircraft Structural Technology Diploma (AST2) provides in-depth training in aircraft frame construction, repair techniques, and structural integrity assessment.