Pima Community College’s aviation mechanic programs offer comprehensive, hands-on training for aspiring aircraft maintenance professionals. These programs provide a range of certificate and degree options, including pathways in airframe, powerplant, structural repair, avionics, and nondestructive testing.
Quick Facts
- Length: 4 Months to 17 Months
- Cost: $4,000 to $14,000
- Location: Tucson, AZ
- Website: https://www.pima.edu/academics-programs/degrees-certificates/industry-manuf-construction/aviation/index.html
| Program | Duration (Months) | Credits | Cost (In-State) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aviation Technology AAS | 17 | 70 | $13,179.50 |
| Aircraft Airframe Mechanics Certificate | 10 | 42 | $10,217.50 |
| Aircraft General Mechanics Certificate | 7 | 21 | $5,110.50 |
| Aircraft Powerplant Mechanics Certificate | 10 | 37 | $9,107.50 |
| Aircraft Structural Repair Certificate | 4 | 19 | $3,993.00 |
| Avionics Technician Certificate | 4 | 28 | $5,675.25 |
| Nondestructive Testing Certificate | 8.5 | 42 | $6,716.00 |
| NDT Penetrant Level II Certificate | 10 | 22 | $3,306.00 |
Aviation Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
The Aviation Technology AAS program runs for approximately 17 months (74 weeks). It prepares students for entry-level aircraft maintenance roles by teaching safety practices, FAA regulations, aircraft structures, powerplants, and support systems.
The curriculum includes courses like Aircraft Blueprint Reading, Engine Electrical Systems, and Turbine Engines, totaling 70 credits.
The estimated in-state program cost is about $13,179.50. This FAA Part 147-approved program also qualifies graduates for FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification.
Certificate Programs
Aircraft Airframe Mechanics Certificate
The Aircraft Airframe Mechanics Certificate is designed to be completed in about 10 months (42 weeks), and costs $10,217.50 for in-state students.
Students learn to inspect, assemble, and repair aircraft sheet metal and composite structures, as well as service aircraft support systems and instruments.
Curriculum
- AVM 114 Regulatory Requirements
Students learn FAA regulations, maintenance certification standards, inspection procedures, and how to use maintenance documents and forms. - AVM 202 Aviation Safety
Covers aviation safety principles, accident prevention, human factors, hazardous materials handling, and proper tool use. - AVM 205 Motion Dynamics
Explores hydraulic power principles, basic physics, fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, and aircraft nomenclature. - AVM 206 Materials and Processes
Introduces structural materials, metal processing, corrosion control, aircraft cleaning, and non-destructive testing. - AVM 207 Weight and Balance
Focuses on aircraft weighing, center of gravity calculations, balance corrections, and maintenance record updates. - AVM 110 Aircraft Blueprint Reading
Covers aircraft blueprint interpretation, measurement tools, projection methods, and drawing formats. - AVM 208 Basic Electricity
Introduces aircraft electrical systems, direct and alternating current, circuit analysis, batteries, and basic radio systems. - AVM 209 Intermediate Electricity
Covers complex airframe electrical systems, generators, motors, communication, navigation, and autoflight systems. - AVM 211 Alternate Structures
Teaches wood, steel tube, and fabric aircraft structures, welding, inspection, and repairs. - AVM 218 Airframe Rigging and Landing Gear Systems
Focuses on assembly, rigging, control systems, landing gear components, shock struts, and brake systems. - AVM 224 Atmospheric Controls
Covers aircraft environmental systems, oxygen systems, cabin pressurization, and maintenance practices. - AVM 105 Aircraft Sheet Metal Repair
Teaches sheet metal repair techniques, tool usage, fastener selection, corrosion control, and repair procedures. - AVM 130 Aircraft Composite Repair
Covers composite materials, component manufacturing, repair methods, safety procedures, and inspection. - AVM 219 Airframe Inspections
Focuses on airframe and component inspection, annual and 100-hour inspections, and documentation research. - AVM 225 Fire, Ice, Rain, and Fuel Systems
Covers fire detection and extinguishing systems, ice protection, rain protection, and fuel system maintenance. - AVM 226 Engine Electrical Systems
Teaches engine ignition systems, spark plug servicing, turbine ignition, wiring installation, and electrical maintenance. - AVM 228 Aircraft Propellers
Covers propeller theory, construction, constant speed systems, feathering, reversing, and ice protection. - AVM 229 Engine Support Systems
Focuses on induction, exhaust, cooling, pneumatic systems, fire protection, and auxiliary power unit maintenance. - AVM 232 Reciprocating Engine Overhaul
Covers inspection, overhaul, reassembly, installation, break-in, and testing of aircraft reciprocating engines. - AVM 233 Turbine Engines
Teaches maintenance of gas turbine engines, including compressors, combustion, accessory drives, and lubrication. - AVM 234 Engine Fuel Metering and Operation
Covers fuel system components, fuel metering, carburetor maintenance, fuel injection systems, and operational procedures.
Aircraft General Mechanics Certificate
The Aircraft General Mechanics Certificate can be completed in roughly 7 months (32 weeks). It provides foundational training in aviation safety, FAA regulations, and materials processes across 21 credits.
The total estimated cost is $5,110.50, offering a streamlined pathway into aviation maintenance.
Aircraft Powerplant Mechanics Certificate
The Aircraft Powerplant Mechanics Certificate also spans about 10 months (42 weeks). It trains students in inspecting and maintaining reciprocating and turbine engines and support systems.
The program includes 37 credits and costs around $9,107.50.
Aircraft Structural Repair Certificate
The Aircraft Structural Repair Certificate runs for about 4 months (16 weeks). It equips students with advanced skills in repairing aircraft sheet metal and composite structures in a 19-credit program.
Estimated in-state tuition is $3,993.00.
Avionics Technician Certificate
The Avionics Technician Certificate spans about 4 months (16 weeks). This 28-credit program focuses on aircraft electronics, communication systems, GPS, and radar.
It costs approximately $5,675.25.
Nondestructive Testing Certificate
The Nondestructive Testing Certificate lasts around 8.5 months (37 weeks). Students learn to inspect aircraft materials and parts using advanced testing methods like radiographic and ultrasonic testing.
The 42-credit program has an estimated cost of $6,716.00.
Nondestructive Testing, Penetrant Level II Certificate
The NDT Penetrant Level II Certificate spans 10 months (42 weeks).
Students gain Level II certification in liquid penetrant testing through a 22-credit program costing about $3,306.00.
Unique Training Environment
Pima Community College’s Aviation Technology Program stands out as one of the most respected aviation training facilities in the country. Students work directly on commercial transport aircraft—a feature available at only a handful of programs nationwide. The program operates year-round from its Aviation Technology Center at Tucson International Airport.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
A recent $15 million state-funded expansion more than doubled the facility’s footprint and increased student capacity to 250 enrolled students with 150 graduates annually. The expansion includes a new aircraft hangar for commercial jets, five additional classrooms, and modern facilities that make Pima the only maintenance and repair training facility in the Southwest specializing in large commercial aircraft.
FAA Accreditation
The program’s Airframe and Powerplant courses are fully approved by the Federal Aviation Administration under 14 CFR Part 147 regulations. This accreditation qualifies students for FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification upon completion.
Industry Partnerships
Pima has established strong partnerships with major local employers including Bombardier, Ascent Aviation Services, Aerovation, and Mitsubishi. These relationships ensure that approximately 85% of graduates remain in the local workforce.
The college recently added a Nondestructive Testing certificate program through a $490,000 FAA Aviation Workforce Development Grant, making it one of only 15 institutions nationwide to receive this specialized funding. This combination of cutting-edge facilities, industry partnerships, federal recognition, and direct access to commercial aircraft consistently results in nearly 100% job placement rates in Arizona’s thriving aviation sector.