Legacy Aviation Learning Center is a nonprofit aviation maintenance school next to Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, northern Michigan’s only A&P program.
Verified October 5, 2026 against Legacy’s 2026-27 admissions packet, FAA certification announcement and AAR partnership announcement. Compare all Michigan A&P schools.
Quick Facts
- Length: 48 weeks (1,650 hours)
- Cost: $42,350 all-inclusive: tools, all FAA exams and test prep (2026-27)
- Location: Traverse City, MI (next to Cherry Capital Airport)
- Website: Official School Web Page
Our Take
Legacy is the fastest route to an A&P in Michigan, 48 weeks, and its $42,350 price is truly all-inclusive: tools, every FAA exam (which can run $2,000 or more elsewhere) and test prep. It is also very new, certificated in late 2023, so it has almost no FAA pass-rate history, and it does not say whether it accepts federal aid or the GI Bill. Ask about both, and about first-class results, before you commit.
At a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| FAA status | Part 147 school, certificated November 2023 (Airframe, Powerplant, A&P ratings) |
| Type | Private nonprofit, 501(c)(3) |
| Program | A&P: General 330, Airframe 660 and Powerplant 660 hours (1,650 total); Airframe-only or Powerplant-only also offered |
| Length | 48 weeks full-time |
| Schedule | Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–3 p.m. |
| 2026-27 dates | August 18, 2026 – August 6, 2027 |
| Cost | $42,350, including toolkit, all FAA exams, software, VR training and test prep; $50 application fee |
| Financing | Student loan through TBA Credit Union; federal aid and GI Bill not stated |
| Partner | AAR EAGLE Career Pathway (2025) |
| FAA pass rate | Too new (2 tests in Aug 2023–Dec 2024 data) |
| Verified | October 5, 2026 |
Programs and Costs
Legacy’s 2026-27 program covers the full General, Airframe and Powerplant curriculum in 1,650 hours, finishing in under a year.
| Included in the $42,350 | Typically extra elsewhere |
|---|---|
| Tekton student toolkit | $2,000–$5,000 tool kits |
| FAA written, oral and practical exams | About $2,000–$2,500 |
| Software, Transfr VR training and test prep | Varies |
Applicants pay a $350 deposit, credited to tuition, after acceptance.
What You Will Actually Pay
Legacy charges $42,350 for the 2026-27 year with nearly everything included. It offers a student loan through TBA Credit Union; its admissions packet does not mention Pell Grants, federal loans or GI Bill benefits, so confirm before you apply.
Admission and careers
Applicants submit an application, transcripts and character references and interview with the school. Legacy, which earned FAA certification in November 2023, had 24 A&P graduates by August 2025, when it signed an AAR EAGLE Career Pathway agreement connecting students with jobs, mentoring and leadership training at AAR’s airframe repair facilities.
How It Compares in Michigan
| School | Full A&P path | Length | Cost | FAA pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy Aviation Learning Center (Traverse City) | A&P program | 48 weeks | $42,350 incl. tools and FAA exams | New (2023) |
| School of Missionary Aviation Technology (Ionia) | AMT program | 12 months | About $36,350 incl. tools and FAA exams (2025-26) | 94.6% |
| Western Michigan University (Battle Creek) | BS; A&P after year 2 | 2 years to A&P | About $37,000 to A&P (resident) | 93.2% |
| Lansing Community College (Mason) | A&P sequence (94 credits) | 24 months | About $27,700 in-district; $43,500 out-of-district | 86.6% |
| Universal Technical Institute (Canton) | A&P certificate | 20 months | $52,999 incl. books | 78.0% |
| Andrews University (Berrien Springs) | AMT certificate | 4 semesters | About $28,980 non-credit incl. tools | Too few tests |
Legacy is the fastest A&P program in Michigan. See all Michigan A&P schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Legacy’s A&P program?
48 weeks, full-time, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
What does the $42,350 include?
A Tekton toolkit, all FAA written, oral and practical exams, software, VR training and test prep.
Is Legacy FAA-approved?
Yes. Legacy received its FAA Part 147 certificate in November 2023 with Airframe, Powerplant and combined ratings. It is too new for meaningful pass-rate data.
Related Programs
View All Aviation Mechanic Schools in Michigan
- Andrews University - Berrien Springs
- Lansing Community College - Mason
- School of Missionary Aviation Technology - Ionia
- Universal Technical Institute - Canton
- Western Michigan University - Battle Creek