Minneapolis College Aviation Mechanic Programs

Minneapolis College offers comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Technician programs designed to prepare students for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification as Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanics. The program has a distinguished history dating back to World War II when it prepared mechanics for Northwest Airlines’ Modification Center at Holman Field. The program boasts exceptional placement rates, with instructors noting that virtually every graduate who seeks employment finds a position upon completion.

Quick Facts

Aviation Maintenance Programs Overview

Minneapolis College offers two Aircraft Maintenance Technician programs:

  • a comprehensive 104-credit Associate of Applied Science degree
  • a streamlined 98-credit diploma option

Both options emphasize teamwork, communication, decision-making, and deductive reasoning skills essential in the aviation environment. Classes are scheduled Monday through Thursday, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments. Both programs accept cohorts of 25 students and require completion of courses in a specific sequential order.

Aircraft Maintenance Technician A.A.S. Degree

In this comprehensive 104-credit program students learn to service, repair, and overhaul all aspects of aircraft while mastering Federal Aviation Regulations, manufacturer specifications, and diagnostic procedures.

Curriculum

The curriculum encompasses extensive hands-on training in aircraft systems, structures, and engines through both lecture and laboratory experiences.

Students complete 89 specialized program credits plus 15 credits of general education coursework selected from at least three Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) goal areas.

Coursework includes:

  • ACMT 1000 Introduction to Aviation – This foundational course establishes essential mathematical and physics principles for aviation maintenance while introducing students to FAA regulations, maintenance documentation, and human factors in aviation safety. Students develop computational skills for volume and area calculations alongside force and pressure determinations critical to aircraft maintenance operations.
  • ACMT 1005 Ground Servicing and Operations – Students master safe ground handling procedures including aircraft towing, fueling protocols, and airport safety operations with emphasis on runway incursion prevention. The course covers fuel grade identification, fire safety classifications, foreign object damage prevention, and hazardous materials handling essential for aircraft service operations.
  • ACMT 1010 Aircraft Engineering Drawing – This course develops technical drawing interpretation skills and weight-and-balance calculation proficiency for various aircraft types. Students learn to read blueprints, interpret engineering symbols, analyze charts and graphs, and complete official weight-and-balance documentation required for aircraft modifications and inspections.
  • ACMT 1015 Fundamentals of Electricity and Electronics – Students explore electrical theory and practical applications through hands-on circuit analysis and multimeter operation. The course emphasizes wiring diagram interpretation, voltage and resistance measurement techniques, and understanding of series versus parallel circuit configurations used in aircraft electrical systems.
  • ACMT 1020 Inspection Concepts and Corrosion Control – This course teaches precision measurement techniques and systematic inspection procedures for aircraft components. Students learn corrosion identification and prevention methods, proper painting procedures, and placarding requirements while developing proficiency with specialized measuring equipment including calipers and torque wrenches.
  • ACMT 1025 Airframe Inspection – Students develop comprehensive airframe inspection skills following 100-hour and annual inspection requirements. The course covers airworthiness determination, Type Certificate Data Sheet research, Airworthiness Directive compliance, and maintenance record documentation essential for maintaining aircraft in legal flying condition.
  • ACMT 1100 Materials and Processes – This hands-on course introduces sheet metal repair techniques, riveting procedures, and fastener installation methods. Students learn to distinguish acceptable from unacceptable aircraft riveting, operate specialized sheet metal tools, and understand welding principles for aircraft structural repairs and modifications.
  • ACMT 1110 Metallic Structures – Students master advanced sheet metal fabrication and repair techniques for aircraft structural components. The course emphasizes proper riveting procedures, special fastener applications, and sheet metal tool operation while providing foundational knowledge of welding requirements for metallic aircraft structures.
  • ACMT 1115 Nonmetallic Structures – This course explores modern aircraft materials including composites, fiberglass, honeycomb structures, and fabric coverings. Students learn to identify material defects, evaluate composite damage such as delamination and voids, and perform repairs according to manufacturer specifications for nonmetallic aircraft components.
  • ACMT 1120 Flight Controls – Students develop expertise in flight control rigging procedures for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. The course covers primary and secondary control surface rigging, cable tension adjustment, control surface balancing techniques, and flight control cable fabrication essential for safe aircraft operation.
  • ACMT 1125 Hydraulics and Pneumatics – This course examines aircraft hydraulic and pneumatic power systems, their components, and operational principles. Students gain practical experience in system maintenance, component inspection and installation, and ice and rain protection system operations critical to aircraft functionality.
  • ACMT 1130 Landing Gear Systems – Students master landing gear system maintenance including retraction mechanisms, shock struts, brakes, wheels, and steering systems. The course covers aircraft jacking procedures, position and warning system troubleshooting, and comprehensive landing gear inspection and repair techniques for both fixed and retractable configurations.
  • ACMT 1135 Fire Protection Systems – This safety-focused course teaches fire detection and suppression system maintenance for both airframe and engine applications. Students learn fire classification systems, extinguishing agent properties, and electrical circuit troubleshooting for fire detection systems while developing skills in fire bottle inspection and maintenance.
  • ACMT 1140 Aircraft Electrical Systems – Students explore aircraft electrical power generation and distribution systems including alternators, generators, starters, and voltage regulation components. The course emphasizes electrical wiring inspection and repair, component removal and installation procedures, and troubleshooting techniques for both AC and DC electrical systems.
  • ACMT 1145 Environmental Systems – This course covers aircraft cabin environmental control including pressurization, air conditioning, heating, and oxygen systems. Students learn operational principles, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting techniques for environmental control systems that ensure passenger and crew safety and comfort during flight operations.
  • ACMT 1150 Aircraft Instrument Systems – Students study flight and engine instrument systems, communication equipment, and airport lighting systems. The course covers compass operations, gyroscopic instruments, pitot-static systems, and communication system principles essential for aircraft navigation and operational safety.
  • ACMT 1205 Engine Fuel and Fuel Metering Systems – This course examines fuel delivery systems for both reciprocating and turbine engines including carburetors, fuel injection, and turbine fuel control systems. Students develop skills in fuel system adjustment, inspection procedures, and troubleshooting techniques for various engine fuel metering configurations.
  • ACMT 1210 Ignition and Starting Systems – Students explore ignition system theory and maintenance for reciprocating and turbine engines. The course covers magneto operation, capacitor discharge systems, spark plug maintenance, and ignition timing procedures essential for reliable engine operation and performance.
  • ACMT 1215 Engine Instrument Systems – This course focuses on engine monitoring instrumentation including temperature and pressure indicating systems. Students learn to test instrument systems for operational integrity, understand thermocouple and electric temperature systems, and evaluate pressure-type indicating systems used in engine monitoring.
  • ACMT 1220 Engine Inspection – Students develop comprehensive engine inspection skills following regulatory requirements for 100-hour inspections. The course covers powerplant record maintenance, borescope inspection techniques, inspection checklist development, and practical experience with engine run procedures.
  • ACMT 1225 Reciprocating Engines – This comprehensive course covers reciprocating engine construction, operational principles, and overhaul procedures. Students learn engine component identification, cylinder inspection techniques, clearance measurements, and cooling system maintenance while developing skills in engine assembly and disassembly following manufacturer specifications.
  • ACMT 1230 Propellers – Students master propeller maintenance including inspection, repair, and servicing procedures for various propeller types. The course covers blade tracking procedures, pitch change mechanisms, synchronization systems, and propeller control system troubleshooting essential for safe aircraft operation.
  • ACMT 1235 Turbine Engines – This advanced course explores gas turbine engine theory, construction, and maintenance fundamentals. Students learn turbine engine overhaul procedures, fuel nozzle maintenance, blade damage identification, hot section inspection techniques, and combustor removal and installation procedures following manufacturer specifications.
  • ACMT 1240 Engine Lubrication – Students examine lubrication systems for both reciprocating and turbine engines including wet and dry sump configurations. The course covers pressure and splash lubrication methods, oil filter inspection procedures, and lubrication system maintenance techniques essential for engine longevity and performance.

Cost & Duration

The degree program spans six continuous semesters over approximately 24 months, including Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.

Based on the provided tuition structure, Aircraft Maintenance courses are charged at $260.45 per credit plus $29.91 in additional fees per credit, totaling $290.36 per credit. Including expenses (books:$350, tools: $1,000, FAA licensure exams:$1,000), the total program costs approximately $32,547.

Aircraft Maintenance Technician Diploma

The streamlined 98-credit diploma option also requires approximately 24 months to complete, featuring 89 program credits and 9 credits of general education requirements. Estimated total cost with expenses is $30,805 for the diploma.

Learning Environment

Since 2013, Minneapolis College has maintained a unique public-private partnership with Delta Air Lines. The program is located in Delta’s Building C maintenance facility at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, providing students with unparalleled access to commercial aviation operations.

The unique partnership with Delta Air Lines provides students with exposure to commercial aviation practices and potential career opportunities with one of the world’s largest airlines.

Accreditation

Minneapolis College maintains accreditation standards that ensure graduates are prepared for FAA licensure examinations required in all 50 states and U.S. territories.

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