Penn College offers three comprehensive aviation maintenance programs designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in aircraft maintenance, from entry-level technician positions to advanced leadership roles in the aviation industry. With FAA Part 147 certification and hands-on training using the college’s own aircraft fleet, these programs provide flexible pathways ranging from a 16-month certificate to a four-year bachelor’s degree.
Quick Facts
- Length: 16 Months to 48 Months
- Cost: $30,000 to $65,000
- Location: Williamsport, PA
- Website: https://www.pct.edu/academics/et/aviation
Aviation Maintenance Programs
| Program | Duration | Estimated Cost (In-State) |
|---|---|---|
| Aviation Maintenance Technician (Certificate) | 16 months | $30,000 |
| Aviation Technology (A.A.S. Degree) | 24 months | $35,000–$38,000 |
| Aviation Maintenance Technology (B.S. Degree) | 48 months | $60,000–$65,000 |
Aviation Maintenance Technology Bachelor’s Degree
Penn College’s Bachelor of Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology is a four-year degree designed for students pursuing leadership, avionics, or advanced technical roles.
Curriculum
The degree builds on the 2-year A.A.S. or certificate foundation, with upper-division coursework in avionics, aviation systems integration, networking, and statistics. Students also complete electives in arts, humanities, and global diversity.
- Aviation Practices I (AVI100) introduces students to essential techniques and processes used by aviation maintenance technicians, covering aircraft construction materials, precision measuring equipment, hardware identification, common tools, torque procedures, and safety devices through hands-on laboratory experience.
- Aviation Practices II (AVI105) builds on foundational skills by teaching proper selection and use of cleaning materials and procedures, nondestructive inspection methods, and the inspection and fabrication of fluid-carrying hoses and tubing systems used in aircraft maintenance.
- Aviation Fundamentals I (AVI110) provides an introduction to the aviation industry and Federal Aviation Regulations as they apply to maintenance technicians, covering mechanic privileges and limitations, aircraft maintenance forms and records completion, inspection programs, human factors, and safety practices.
- Aviation Fundamentals II (AVI115) focuses on fundamental aviation operations and publications, including aircraft fuels identification, ground movement procedures, operation practices, safety precautions, and the use of Federal Aviation Administration maintenance publications.
- Aviation Science I (AVI120) explores the theory and application of basic science principles as they relate to aviation maintenance and flight, emphasizing physical laws and mathematical concepts within the aviation industry through practical applications.
- Aviation Basic Electricity I (AVI125) covers fundamental electrical theory for aircraft applications, including Ohm’s Laws, electrical component principles, aircraft electrical component applications, batteries, DC circuits, electrical measuring instruments, and diagram interpretation.
- Aviation Science II (AVI130) teaches aircraft blueprint reading for maintenance technicians with emphasis on interpreting multi-view drawings, installation diagrams, schematics, charts and graphs, while developing skills in three-dimensional sketching, aircraft weighing, weight computation for proper balance, and data recording.
- Aviation Basic Electricity II (AVI135) advances electrical theory study to include capacitive and inductive AC circuits, AC troubleshooting theory, basic solid state devices including diodes and transistors, and fundamental logic gate theory applications.
- Aircraft Reciprocating Engines (AVI140) covers the theory and operating principles of aircraft reciprocating engines, focusing on disassembly, parts inspection, reassembly, and proper procedures for servicing and repairing lubrication and cooling systems.
- Aircraft Turbine Engines (AVI145) examines the theory and operating principles of aircraft gas turbine engines and component functions, including engine design and construction, inspection requirements, Auxiliary Power Units, borescope processes, and lubrication and cooling system maintenance.
- Aircraft Engine Fuel Metering Systems (AVI150) provides comprehensive study of theory, operating principles, and maintenance of reciprocating and turbine engine fuel metering systems, covering carburetors, fuel injection systems, and fuel controls.
- Aircraft Engine Ignition Systems (AVI155) teaches inspection, service, troubleshooting, repair, and theory of reciprocating and turbine engine ignition systems and their related components through practical applications.
- Aircraft Engine Systems (AVI160) offers theoretical and practical examination of engine induction systems, ice and rain control, heat exchangers, superchargers, turbochargers, air intake and exhaust manifolds, and propellers, including inspection, troubleshooting, and repair procedures.
- Engine Electrical Systems (AVI165) studies engine electrical systems and instruments for both turbine and reciprocating engine aircraft, emphasizing mechanical power generation and engine starting systems through hands-on experience with removal, installation, disassembly, troubleshooting, and adjustment of related devices.
- Aircraft Engine Troubleshooting & Inspection (AVI170) introduces reciprocating engine installation and operation while exploring various engine systems, including fuel metering component adjustment, propellers, magnetos, fire protection systems, and engine airworthiness inspection procedures.
- Vintage Aircraft Structures (AVI200) examines aircraft wood and steel tubing structures and covering materials, including wood structure inspection and repair, welding theory and methods, fabric restoration and repair, and paint and finish applications.
- Sheet Metal Aircraft Structures (AVI205) studies methods and materials for construction, design, and repair of aircraft metallic structures, covering approved processes and procedures for inspection, repair, manufacture, and fabrication of sheet metal components.
- Composite Aircraft Structures (AVI210) focuses on nonmetallic aircraft structures, including inspection and repair of composite, fiberglass, plastic, and honeycomb materials, emphasizing industry-accepted standards and safety procedures for nonmetallic structure work.
- Airframe Systems I (AVI215) covers inspection, operation, service, and repair of aircraft landing gears, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including retraction systems, shock struts, brakes, wheels, tires, steering systems, power and control systems, pumps, and actuators.
- Airframe Systems II (AVI220) examines various modern aircraft systems including atmosphere control, pressurization, heating, cooling, ventilation, oxygen systems, ice and rain control systems, fuel systems, and fire protection systems with component identification and operational theory.
- Rotary Wing Systems & Maintenance (AVI225) studies rotary wing aircraft theory of flight and physics applications to helicopter operations, covering primary flight controls, rotor systems, flight control adjustment, track and balance procedures, and special helicopter safety precautions.
- Advanced Aircraft Electrical Systems (AVI230) teaches operation, installation, and repair of engine and airframe electrical components, including wiring, controls, switches, protective devices, generating and starting units, lighting systems, and position and warning systems.
- Aircraft Electronic & Instrument Systems (AVI235) covers theory and application of electronic flight instrument and avionics systems in modern aircraft, including gyroscopic, temperature, direction, and pressure-operated instruments, communication and navigation systems, cockpit displays, autopilot integration, and advanced BITE testing.
- Aircraft Inspection (AVI240) provides advanced study of flight theory applications and airframe inspection, focusing on wing and flight control assembly and adjustment, flight control balance procedures, and comprehensive airframe inspection procedures.
- Airframe Electronic & Instrument Systems (AVI335) offers comprehensive theory and application of electronic flight instruments and avionics systems including emerging technologies, with advanced skills in research, communication systems, navigation systems, cockpit displays, autopilot integration, and BITE testing concepts.
- Airframe Inspection (AVI340) delivers advanced study of aircraft flight characteristics, applications, and airframe inspection requirements and procedures, emphasizing wing and flight control assembly, adjustment, balance procedures, and comprehensive inspection protocols.
- Aviation Internship I (AVI390) provides flexible work experience of 240 hours minimum that adapts to student and company needs, meeting common outcomes and unique aviation organization-specific outcomes through practical workplace application.
- Aviation Internship II (AVI490) offers advanced work experience building on previous internship experience, comparing and contrasting company policies, procedures, expectations, safety culture, and working conditions between different internship locations.
- Aviation Capstone Internship (AVI492) delivers capstone-level work experience requiring comprehensive analysis comparing multiple internship experiences at different locations and demonstrating how Penn College course competencies apply across various aviation industry settings.
More curriculum details here: https://www.pct.edu/catalog/courses/AVI
Total credits range from 125 to 130, depending on transfer credits.
Cost & Duration
Estimated tuition for all four years is approximately $60,000 to $65,000 for in-state students.
A capstone project or internship is required in the final year. This degree is accredited by the National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies (NCATT) and is designed to meet the growing demand for technicians with both mechanical and electronic expertise.
Aviation Maintenance Technician Certificate
The Aviation Maintenance Technician Certificate at Penn College is a four-semester, full-time program that prepares students to earn their FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification.
Graduates are eligible to take FAA certification exams and may work in general aviation, commercial airline maintenance, or with aerospace manufacturers. This certificate is ideal for students wanting a direct, job-ready path into the field. The program is FAA Part 147 certified and follows strict aviation maintenance training standards.
Curriculum
The curriculum combines theoretical instruction with hands-on experience on college-owned aircraft. Students take 71 credits, including courses in reciprocating and turbine engines, aircraft systems, vintage and composite structures, and airframe inspection.
Duration and Cost
It spans 16 months and the estimated tuition for in-state students is approximately $30,000 for the full program, based on per-credit pricing.
Aviation Technology Associate Degree
In the Aviation Technology Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) students develop broader technical and academic skills, enhancing their advancement potential in supervisory roles or continuing education. Students may transition directly into the B.S. degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology after completion. The program is also FAA Part 147 certified.
Curriculum
This option includes the full aviation maintenance technician curriculum plus additional general education courses in English, physics, and social science. Coursework covers all FAA-required content for A&P certification, along with electives in cybersecurity or technical communication.
Cost & Duration
Estimated tuition for Pennsylvania residents is approximately $35,000 to $38,000 for the two-year degree (83 credits).
Training Center
Students gain practical experience using the college’s fleet of aircraft at the Lumley Aviation Center, a licensed repair facility located at Williamsport Regional Airport.
Accreditation
Penn College holds Federal Aviation Administration approval under Title 14 CFR Part 147, ensuring graduates meet industry standards for aircraft maintenance certification.
The institution is also recognized by the National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies, with programs specifically designed to address the national shortage of aviation maintenance professionals projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Student Support
Career services, internship opportunities, and strong employer demand ensure high job placement for graduates. The college emphasizes hands-on learning, small class sizes, and close faculty support throughout all programs. Students interested in a high-skill, high-demand aviation career can find flexible options to match their goals, from certificate to bachelor’s level.