Pima Community College trains aviation mechanics at its Aviation Technology Center at Tucson International Airport: more than 97,000 square feet, two full-size hangars and 21 aircraft, including three Boeing 727s and two regional jets. It is the only A&P program in Southern Arizona.
Verified October 3, 2026 against Pima’s program and cost pages, aviation handbook and 2026-27 tuition tables. Compare all Arizona A&P schools.
Quick Facts
- Length: 16 months day, 28 months evening (A&P certificate)
- Cost: $13,429 resident tuition + fees; $17,499 with course fees
- Location: Tucson, AZ (Aviation Technology Center, Tucson International Airport)
- Website: Official School Web Page
Our Take
Pima suits Tucson-area students who want a big-airplane training environment at community-college prices, with both day and evening schedules. Aviation courses carry a differential tuition charge, so it costs more than Chandler-Gilbert: about $17,499 for residents with course fees. Cohorts are small (16–24), and graduates passed 91.1% of FAA written tests.
At a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| FAA status | Part 147 certificated school (certificate IZPT564X) |
| Full A&P credential | Aircraft Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics Certificate, 58 credits |
| Other credentials | Aviation Technology AAS (70 credits, about 22 months); Aircraft General Mechanics certificate (21); Structural Repair, Avionics Technician and NDT certificates (not Part 147) |
| Length | 16 months day; 28 months evening |
| Schedule | 5-week sessions; day 7:00 a.m.–3:55 p.m., five days a week; evening about 4–9 p.m. |
| Cost (2026-27) | $13,429 resident tuition and fees; $17,499 with $4,070 aviation course fees; $30,346 out-of-state with course fees |
| FAA exams | About $1,500 (Pima’s estimate) |
| FAA pass rate | 91.1% (41 of 45 written tests, Aug 2023–Dec 2024) |
| Campus | 7211 S Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85709 |
| Verified | October 3, 2026 |
Programs and Costs
Pima replaced its separate Airframe and Powerplant certificates with a single 58-credit A&P certificate. The AAS adds general education.
| Program | Credits | Length | FAA exams covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft A&P Mechanics Certificate | 58 | 16 months day; 28 evening | General, Airframe, Powerplant |
| Aviation Technology AAS | 70 | About 22 months | General, Airframe, Powerplant |
| Aircraft General Mechanics Certificate | 21 | Part-time evening | General |
Pima’s own cost sheet lists 57 credits and about $19,034 including course fees, drug screen and $1,725 in FAA exams.
What You Will Actually Pay
For 2026-27, Arizona residents pay $103 per credit in general tuition plus $127.50 per credit in aviation differential tuition, which is never capped, and $15 a semester. That puts the certificate at about $13,429, or $17,499 with $4,070 in aviation course fees. Out-of-state students pay a $221.50-per-credit surcharge, about $30,346 with course fees. Budget about $1,500 for FAA written, oral and practical exams.
Getting in and employers
Applicants attend an information session, take reading placement and a student-success course (STU 100), pass a drug screen and apply. Pima names Ascent Aviation Services, Bombardier, MHIRJ and SkyWest among its industry partners.
How It Compares in Arizona
| School | Full A&P path | Length | Cost | FAA pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pima Community College (Tucson) | A&P certificate (58 credits) | 16 months day; 28 evening | $13,429 + $4,070 course fees | 91.1% |
| Chandler-Gilbert Community College (Mesa) | AMT certificate (84 credits) | 5 semesters | $8,223 | 91.6% |
| West-MEC (Glendale) | A&P program (1,926 hours, evenings) | 117 weeks | $26,953 | 87.2% |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Phoenix) | AMT certificate (78 credits) | 21 months | $51,122 | Too new |
| Universal Technical Institute (Avondale) | A&P Technician diploma | 78 weeks | $54,095 | Too new |
| Thrust Institute (Mesa) | AMT program | 10 months | $39,539 | 97.1% (Texas campuses) |
Pima is Arizona’s only A&P program outside metro Phoenix. See all Arizona A&P schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pima Community College’s aviation program FAA-approved?
Yes. It operates FAA Part 147 school IZPT564X; graduates passed 41 of 45 FAA written tests from August 2023 to December 2024, per the FAA’s pass-rate report.
Is there an evening option?
Yes. The certificate takes about 28 months on the evening schedule versus 16 months during the day.
How much does it cost?
About $13,429 in resident tuition and fees, or $17,499 including aviation course fees, at 2026-27 rates.
Related Programs
View All Aviation Mechanic Schools in Arizona
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) - Phoenix
- Chandler-Gilbert Community College - Mesa
- Thrust Institute of Maintenance - Mesa
- Universal Technical Institute - Avondale
- West-MEC - Glendale