Guilford Tech Aviation Mechanic Programs

With its focus on hands-on learning and industry connections, GTCC’s Aviation Systems Technology program is a top choice for those looking to launch a career in aviation maintenance. Whether pursuing the AAS degree or the focused certificates, students emerge with the skills and credentials needed to thrive in the growing aviation industry.

Quick Facts

Programs

Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) in Greensboro, NC, offers an extensive FAA-approved Aviation Systems Technology program designed to prepare students for Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certifications.

Aviation Systems Technology

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Aviation Systems Technology, a six-semester program that can be completed in about 24 months. This degree includes 91 credit hours and covers coursework in aviation mathematics, FAA regulations, aircraft structures and systems, and engine maintenance.

Curriculum

Students begin with AVI 110 – Aviation Maintenance-General, laying the groundwork for both airframe and powerplant topics. Subsequent semesters include focused courses like AVI 120 – Airframe Maintenance I and AVI 240 – Powerplant Maintenance I, along with general education courses like English, public speaking, and psychology.

Coursework includes:

  • AVI 110 Aviation Maintenance-General: This introductory course covers a range of general aircraft maintenance subjects, including mechanic responsibilities, basic electricity, aircraft drawings, maintenance forms, fluid lines and fittings, weight and balance, corrosion control, and ground operations. With 10 lecture hours and 15 lab hours, students learn the fundamentals needed to pass the FAA knowledge, oral, and practical exams for the general mechanic’s certificate. Completion ensures students understand the essential safety and maintenance principles needed in the aviation industry.
  • AVI 120 Airframe Maintenance I: This course focuses on the structures, systems, and components of an aircraft’s airframe, with 6 lecture hours and 18 lab hours providing hands-on experience in composite, sheet metal, and wood structures, welding, and rigging. Students also cover communication and navigation systems, assembly, and finishes. The knowledge gained prepares students for the airframe rating portion of the FAA mechanic’s certificate.
  • AVI 130 Airframe Maintenance II: Concentrating on airframe systems and components, this course includes 6 lecture hours and 9 lab hours. Students explore aircraft electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, landing gear, position, warning, and fuel systems. The course readies students for FAA testing on these systems, ensuring confidence and competence in essential airframe maintenance tasks.
  • AVI 230 Airframe Maintenance III: The final airframe-focused course features 4 lecture hours and 9 lab hours, building on previous coursework to include aircraft inspections and advanced systems like cabin environmental controls, fire protection, and ice/rain control. Students gain readiness for the FAA airframe rating exams. Successful completion demonstrates proficiency in comprehensive airframe system inspection and maintenance.
  • AVI 240 Powerplant Maintenance I: This course introduces aircraft propulsion systems, focusing on both piston and jet engines, with 3 lecture hours and 9 lab hours. Students also cover auxiliary power units and their interactions with other aircraft systems. By course end, students have a foundational understanding of engine systems required for the FAA powerplant rating.
  • AVI 250 Powerplant Maintenance II: This course has a robust 10 lecture hours and 15 lab hours dedicated to in-depth study of engine systems, including engine instruments, fire protection, electrical systems, lubrication, fuel, ignition, starting, and metering. Students leave prepared to tackle FAA exams covering these topics, ready for practical application of their knowledge.
  • AVI 260 Powerplant Maintenance III: In this concluding course, 5 lecture hours and 12 lab hours guide students through advanced powerplant systems such as propellers, unducted fans, induction, cooling, exhaust, and reverser systems, finishing with comprehensive engine inspections. Completion of this course readies students for the FAA powerplant rating exams. It ensures they possess the skills needed for safe and effective engine system maintenance.

Cost

Tuition for the AAS degree ranges from $6,500 to $22,000, depending on residency status. More details here.

Airframe and Powerplant Certificate

For those seeking a faster pathway, GTCC also offers an Airframe and Powerplant Certificate program that can be completed in about 20 months and consists of 73 credit hours. Total cost is approximately $5,548.

This program focuses on both airframe and powerplant systems, from aircraft sheet metal structures to engine inspections, and prepares graduates for the FAA exams.

Airframe and Powerplant Rating Option Certificates

Additionally, GTCC provides Airframe Rating Option and Powerplant Rating Option certificate programs, each lasting around 16 months and comprising 43–45 credit hours. Total cost is approximately $3,285.

These targeted certificates allow students to specialize in either airframe or powerplant systems, depending on their career goals. Airframe Certificate details and Powerplant Certificate details.

GTCC Aviation Campus

The GTCC Aviation Campus, located in Greensboro, NC, includes three main facilities—Aviation I, Aviation II, and the Ceasar Cone III Aviation Building—offering comprehensive training in aviation maintenance, avionics, flight operations, and aerospace manufacturing.

Aviation I, the T.H. Davis Aviation Center, has been the hub for Aviation Systems Technology since 1989 and houses eight aircraft, a helicopter, and 20 system trainers in 36,000 square feet of lab and classroom space.

Aviation II features 60,000 square feet for Avionics and Manufacturing programs, including labs for composites, NDT, and sheet metal, and is conveniently close to the Piedmont Triad International Airport’s aerospace industry.

The Ceasar Cone III Aviation Building, opened in 2014, supports Aviation Management and Career Pilot programs with full-motion flight simulators and serves as a center for industry events and conferences.

Industry Partnerships and Accreditation

All programs are taught by experienced faculty and supported by industry partnerships with major employers like Delta Airlines, HAECO, Honda Jet, and others. GTCC’s program is FAA-certified under Part 147, ensuring it meets national standards for aviation maintenance education. Small class sizes of around 20–25 students help create a supportive and hands-on learning environment.

Career Outcomes and Opportunities

Graduates are well-prepared for entry-level careers as aircraft mechanics and maintenance technicians with air carriers, manufacturers, and repair stations. Local starting wages range from $13–$20 per hour, with significant growth potential as skills and certifications expand. In addition to career pathways, GTCC also offers internships, apprenticeships, and opportunities for veterans to gain credit for previous aircraft maintenance experience.

Tuition

The cost per credit for residents is $76, per the tuition page here: https://www.gtcc.edu/admissions-and-aid/how-to-pay-for-college/cashiers-office.php

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