NCTC Aviation Mechanic Programs

North Central Texas College, established in 1924, stands as Texas’s oldest continuously operating two-year college, founded by educational pioneer Randolph Lee Clark. With six campuses throughout North Texas, NCTC has built a century-long legacy of providing quality, affordable education that prepares students for immediate workforce entry. The college’s Career & Technical Education programs have become increasingly valuable in today’s marketplace, with skilled trade job postings increasing by over 50% in recent years, positioning NCTC graduates for high-demand careers across multiple industries.

Quick Facts

Aviation Maintenance Programs Overview

ProgramDurationIn-DistrictIn-State
Aviation Airframe Maintenance Certificate8 months$3,360$6,360
Aviation Powerplant Maintenance Certificate12 months$3,696$6,996
AAS in Aviation Maintenance16 months$6,720$12,720

Notes: Costs reflect your provided NCTC rates (approx.): In-District $112/credit, In-State $212/credit, Out-of-State $317/credit. Totals exclude books, supplies, and other fees. Durations are approximate.

Aviation Airframe Maintenance Certificate Program

The Aviation Airframe Maintenance Certificate is a Level I workforce certificate designed to prepare students for the FAA Airframe license examination. Students develop knowledge in aviation electrical systems, federal regulations, shop practices, and auxiliary systems maintenance. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on training in hydraulic, pneumatic, and fuel systems, along with comprehensive airframe inspection methods required by the FAA.

Curriculum

Coursework includes:

AERM 1208 – Federal Aviation Regulations
Introduces the use of FAA and manufacturer publications, forms, and records, along with the legal scope of mechanic privileges. Students learn to document maintenance work, apply regulatory information, and analyze technical data while working within prescribed limits.

AERM 1303 – Shop Practices
Covers shop safety, hand tool and precision instrument use, aircraft hardware identification, and fabrication of fluid lines. Instruction includes non-destructive testing, heat treating, and weld inspection for aircraft structures.

AERM 1315 – Aviation Science
Explores mathematics, physics, aerodynamics, and blueprint interpretation as applied to aircraft systems. Students calculate measurements, solve technical problems, and interpret or create aircraft drawings and schematics.

AERM 1414 – Basic Electricity
Examines aircraft electrical systems, circuit theory, inductance, capacitance, and magnetism. Training includes AC/DC power conversion, diagram interpretation, battery servicing, and safety procedures.

AIRP 1313 – Introduction to Aviation
Reviews the history of aviation from early flight to space exploration. Covers key legislative developments in both civil and military aviation.

AERM 2030 – FAA Review – Airframe
Provides a final review of general and airframe subjects to prepare for FAA written, oral, and practical exams. Focuses on reinforcing theoretical knowledge and applied skills.

AERM 2231 – Airframe Inspection
Teaches methods for performing conformity and airworthiness inspections on aircraft structures. Includes compliance with regulations, manufacturer instructions, and safety practices.

AERM 2252 – Aircraft Powerplant Inspection
Covers inspection and evaluation of aircraft engines for conformity and airworthiness. Emphasizes regulatory compliance, manufacturer guidelines, and safety procedures.

AERM 1247 – Airframe Auxiliary Systems
Explores systems that support aircraft operation, including cabin climate control, oxygen, ice and rain protection, and fire detection. Students learn inspection, servicing, repair, and troubleshooting procedures.

AERM 1349 – Hydraulic, Pneumatic, and Fuel Systems
Focuses on maintaining and repairing aircraft fluid power and fuel systems. Includes system troubleshooting, fluid selection, and adherence to safety protocols.

AERM 1251 – Aircraft Turbine Engine Theory
Introduces turbine engine operation, servicing, and associated systems such as lubrication, ignition, and exhaust. Students develop skills in inspection, repair, and troubleshooting of turbine components.

AERM 1340 – Aircraft Propellers
Covers propeller design, operation, and maintenance for various types including fixed-pitch and constant-speed systems. Instruction includes balancing, lubrication, and system repair.

AERM 1356 – Aircraft Powerplant Electrical
Examines electrical systems that support engine operation, including ignition, starting, and fire protection. Students perform maintenance and ensure compliance with safety standards.

AERM 1357 – Fuel Metering and Induction Systems
Teaches inspection, servicing, and overhaul of fuel metering and induction systems for reciprocating and turbine engines. Topics include carburetors, electronic controls, and cooling systems.

AERM 2351 – Aircraft Turbine Engine Overhaul
Provides in-depth training in disassembling, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling turbine engines. Emphasizes troubleshooting, analysis, and safe work practices.

AERM 2447 – Aircraft Reciprocating Engine Overhaul
Focuses on the complete overhaul of reciprocating engines, including inspection, measurement, and repair. Students practice engine removal, installation, and servicing while following safety guidelines.

The program requires 15 credit hours in the first and second semester, plus 6 credit hours of aviation electives covering turbine engines, propellers, and electrical systems.

Cost & Duration

This program spans two semesters (approximately 8 months) and totals 30 credit hours. Based on NCTC’s tuition rates, in-district students pay $112 per credit hour, totaling approximately $3,360 for the complete program. In-state students pay $212 per credit hour ($6,360 total), while out-of-state students pay $317 per credit hour ($9,510 total).

Aviation Powerplant Maintenance Certificate Program

The Aviation Powerplant Maintenance Certificate prepares students for the FAA Powerplant license examination through comprehensive training in reciprocating and turbine engines, including all support systems, electrical components, and maintenance procedures. This Level I certificate focuses on engine overhaul, propeller systems, fuel metering, and induction systems essential for powerplant certification.

Curriculum

Core courses include:

AERM 1208 – Federal Aviation Regulations
Covers the use of FAA and manufacturer publications, forms, and records, along with the legal limits of mechanic privileges. Students learn to document maintenance actions, apply regulatory and technical data, and work within prescribed FAA requirements.

AERM 1303 – Shop Practices
Introduces shop safety, tool and equipment use, precision measurement, and aircraft hardware identification. Includes hands-on training in non-destructive testing, heat treating, and fluid line fabrication and installation.

AERM 1315 – Aviation Science
Explores mathematics, physics, aerodynamics, and blueprint reading as applied to aircraft systems and operations. Students calculate measurements, solve technical problems, and create or interpret aircraft drawings and schematics.

AERM 1414 – Basic Electricity
Examines aircraft electrical systems, AC/DC circuits, inductance, capacitance, and magnetism. Students practice circuit diagram interpretation, battery servicing, and safe electrical troubleshooting.

AIRP 1313 – Introduction to Aviation
Provides an overview of aviation history from early balloon flight to space exploration. Includes discussion of major legislation shaping civil and military aviation.

AERM 1044 – Aircraft Reciprocating Engines
Covers reciprocating engine development, operation, and systems including lubrication, exhaust, and instrumentation. Students learn to inspect, service, troubleshoot, and repair engine components safely.

AERM 1340 – Aircraft Propellers
Focuses on propeller design, operation, and maintenance for fixed-pitch, constant-speed, and feathering types. Includes balancing, lubrication, system repair, and installation procedures.

AERM 1356 – Aircraft Powerplant Electrical
Covers theory, operation, and maintenance of powerplant electrical systems, including ignition, starting, and fire protection. Students perform servicing and ensure compliance with safety procedures.

AERM 1357 – Fuel Metering and Induction Systems
Teaches inspection, servicing, and repair of fuel metering and induction systems for both reciprocating and turbine engines. Topics include carburetors, electronic controls, ice protection, and cooling systems.

AERM 2447 – Aircraft Reciprocating Engine Overhaul
Provides complete training in overhauling reciprocating engines, including measurement, inspection, removal, installation, and servicing. Emphasizes proper safety practices during engine work.

AERM 2351 – Aircraft Turbine Engine Overhaul
Covers inspection, disassembly, repair, and reassembly of turbine engines. Students gain skills in troubleshooting, analysis, and safe handling of turbine systems and components.

AERM 1251 – Aircraft Turbine Engine Theory
Introduces the principles, history, and servicing of turbine engines and related systems. Training includes inspection and repair of lubrication, ignition, exhaust, thrust reverser, and auxiliary power unit systems.

The program begins with 15 credit hours in the first semester, then 13 credit hours in the second semester. It concludes with 5 credit hours in advanced turbine engine theory and overhaul procedures.

Cost & Duration

The 33-credit Powerplant program spans three semesters (approximately 12 months). Costs include approximately $3,696 for in-district students, $6,996 for in-state students, and $10,461 for out-of-state students, based on current NCTC tuition rates.

Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance

The Aviation Maintenance AAS degree represents the most comprehensive program, preparing students for both Airframe and Powerplant FAA examinations while providing enhanced career advancement opportunities and university transfer pathways. This degree combines technical aviation courses with general education requirements, preparing graduates for supervisory and management roles in aviation maintenance through cooperative education experiences.

Curriculum

The degree program integrates all technical courses from both certificate programs while adding general education components including college algebra, technical writing, speech communication, government studies, and art appreciation. Students complete four semesters of coursework culminating in cooperative education requirements that provide real-world experience. The curriculum covers the complete spectrum of aircraft maintenance from basic electricity and aviation science through advanced turbine engine overhaul and comprehensive inspection procedures.

Cost & Duration

The complete AAS program requires 60 credit hours over four semesters (approximately 16 months). Total costs include approximately $6,720 for in-district students, $12,720 for in-state students, and $19,020 for out-of-state students. Technical courses are delivered at US Aviation Academy’s Denton facility, while academic courses are primarily offered at NCTC’s Denton Campus.

Partnership and Facility Innovation

North Central Texas College (NCTC) has partnered with US Aviation Academy in Denton to deliver FAA-approved aviation maintenance training programs at state-of-the-art facilities. This collaboration combines NCTC’s educational foundation with US Aviation Academy’s specialized expertise to meet the growing demand for qualified aircraft maintenance technicians in North Texas. According to a recent news report, the aviation industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, particularly around the two major metropolitan airports in the region, creating substantial employment opportunities for graduates.

Industry Demand and Career Prospects

As reported in the Grand Forks Herald article, the aviation maintenance industry faces a critical shortage of qualified technicians due to industry growth and an aging workforce approaching retirement. US Aviation Academy’s campus director notes that students often receive job offers 60 days before graduation, with companies hiring groups of 18-20 students at a time. The accelerated nature of these programs allows students to enter the workforce quickly while avoiding the extended debt associated with traditional four-year degrees.

Accreditation and Quality Assurance

NCTC maintains accreditation standards ensuring program quality and transferability, while the partnership with US Aviation Academy provides FAA-approved curriculum delivered at state-of-the-art facilities. The college’s established reputation as Texas’s oldest continuously operating two-year college, founded in 1924, combined with its ranking as the #1 community college in Texas for Health Sciences by Intelligent.com, demonstrates institutional commitment to educational excellence across all programs.

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