San Diego Miramar College Aviation Maintenance Programs

San Diego Miramar College offers a range of FAA-approved aviation maintenance programs designed to prepare students for certification and employment in the aviation industry. With associate degrees and certificates available in Airframe, Powerplant, and combined Airframe & Powerplant, these programs deliver hands-on training and technical instruction aligned with FAA standards.

Quick Facts

Associate Degrees

Airframe and Powerplant Associate of Science Degree

  • Units: 106–108 units
  • Estimated Cost: $4,876–$4,968
  • Program Length: Approximately 28 months (7 semesters)

San Diego Miramar College offers a comprehensive FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technology program leading to an AS in Airframe and Powerplant.

The program includes both general education and specialized aviation coursework. The curriculum emphasizes both theory and practical skills, preparing students for a broad range of aviation maintenance roles.

Students receive hands-on instruction in areas such as turbine engines, airframe structures, propeller systems, ignition systems, reciprocating engines, and electrical diagnostics.

Upon completing 1,900 hours of training, graduates meet the FAA’s experience requirements under 14 CFR 65.77 and can sit for the Mechanic Certificate exams.

Airframe Associate of Science Degree

  • Units: 75 units
  • Estimated Cost: $3,450
  • Program Length: Approximately 20 months (5 semesters)

The Airframe program focuses specifically on aircraft structures and systems. It covers subjects like welding, hydraulic systems, DC electronics, rigging, and electrical systems.

The program prepares students for FAA certification in Airframe maintenance and includes applied lab components to develop real-world competencies. This pathway suits those who wish to specialize in the structural and systems side of aircraft maintenance.

Powerplant Associate of Science Degree

  • Units: 80.5 units
  • Estimated Cost: $3,703
  • Program Length: Approximately 20 months (5 semesters)

The Powerplant program focuses on aircraft engines and related systems.

Over five semesters, students study reciprocating engines, turbine engines, lubrication, fuel metering, and ignition systems. Practical lab sessions are integrated into each course.

Like other programs, the Powerplant path meets FAA requirements for certification eligibility and offers strong job placement prospects in engine-focused roles.

Curriculum for All Degrees

Courses offered include:

  • AVIM 101G General Aviation Technology Theory I introduces students to fundamental aerodynamics concepts, covering aircraft nomenclature, structural components, stability principles, and the operation of primary and secondary flight controls for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
  • AVIM 101H General Aviation Technology Theory II builds upon basic aerodynamics theory while incorporating FAA regulations, aircraft specifications, data sheets, manuals, and Federal Aviation Regulations. Students also study weight and balance calculations, ground operations, and aircraft servicing procedures essential for aviation maintenance professionals.
  • AVIM 102G General Aviation Maintenance Technology Practices I provides hands-on training with essential aviation maintenance tools and techniques. Students develop practical skills in safety wiring, drilling operations, torque applications, FAA documentation, aircraft ground handling, and weight and balance procedures.
  • AVIM 102H General Aviation Maintenance Technology Practices II focuses on practical applications involving aircraft fuel systems, instruments, materials, and technical documentation. The curriculum covers materials science, precision measurement techniques, aircraft hardware identification, corrosion prevention, drafting principles, and blueprint interpretation skills.
  • AVIM 109D Aircraft Fire Protection and Digital Logic comprehensively covers aircraft fire protection systems design, maintenance procedures, and extinguishing mechanisms. Students also learn digital logic principles and basic computer applications commonly used throughout the aircraft industry.
  • AVIM 120 Basic D.C. Electronics Theory provides foundational instruction in direct current electronics, covering atomic theory, DC circuit concepts, series and parallel configurations, circuit analysis techniques, magnetism, and electromagnetism with emphasis on Ohm’s and Kirchhoff’s laws.
  • AVIM 121A Applied Basic D.C. Electronics translates theoretical DC electronics knowledge into practical applications. Students gain experience with multimeter operation, circuit troubleshooting techniques, and hands-on application of electrical principles in real-world scenarios.
  • AVIM 103A Aircraft Wood, Fabric, Finishing and Composite Structures examines the design, inspection, testing, and repair procedures for aircraft constructed from wood, composite materials, fabric coverings, plastic components, interior furnishings, and safety restraint systems.
  • AVIM 104A Applied Aircraft Wood, Fabric, Finishing and Composite Structures provides practical experience in working with non-metallic aircraft components. Students apply theoretical knowledge to actual repair and maintenance procedures for wood, composite, fabric, and interior aircraft structures.
  • AVIM 103B Aircraft Welding and Sheet Metal Structures covers the design, inspection, and repair of metallic aircraft structures. Students learn to identify aluminum and steel alloys, select appropriate fasteners, and operate gas and electric arc welding equipment for aircraft applications.
  • AVIM 104B Applied Aircraft Welding and Sheetmetal Structures offers hands-on experience in metallic aircraft structure maintenance. Students practice welding techniques, sheet metal fabrication, layout and bending procedures, assembly methods, and various fastening systems.
  • AVIM 103C Aircraft Hydraulic Systems studies the design, operation, and maintenance of aircraft hydraulic and pneumatic systems. The course covers safety protocols, fluid specifications, seal technologies, component identification, and systematic troubleshooting approaches.
  • AVIM 104C Applied Aircraft Hydraulic Systems provides practical training in hydraulic and pneumatic system maintenance. Students gain hands-on experience with system inspection, servicing, testing, repair procedures, and troubleshooting real hydraulic components and systems.
  • AVIM 103D Aircraft Landing Gear Systems focuses on landing gear mechanisms including retraction systems, shock absorption components, braking systems, wheels, tires, and steering mechanisms. Students also study warning systems, electrical controls, and anti-skid technologies.
  • AVIM 104D Applied Aircraft Landing Gear Systems delivers practical training in landing gear maintenance and repair. Students learn to operate, inspect, service, and troubleshoot all landing gear components including retraction mechanisms, brakes, warning systems, and position indicators.
  • AVIM 105A Aircraft Cabin Atmosphere Control examines environmental control systems that maintain cabin conditions. Students study heating, cooling, pressurization, oxygen supply, and ice/rain protection systems design, operation, and maintenance requirements.
  • AVIM 106A Aircraft Cabin Atmosphere Control provides hands-on training in environmental control system maintenance. Students learn to operate, maintain, and repair heating, cooling, air conditioning, pressurization, oxygen, and weather protection systems.
  • AVIM 105B Aircraft Assembly, Rigging and Inspection covers aircraft assembly techniques for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Students learn alignment procedures, control surface rigging, aircraft jacking methods, and comprehensive inspection protocols for airworthiness determination.
  • AVIM 106B Applied Aircraft Assembly, Rigging and Inspection offers practical experience in aircraft assembly and rigging procedures. Students apply theoretical knowledge to actual aircraft alignment, control surface rigging, jacking operations, and airworthiness inspections.
  • AVIM 109A Airframe Electrical Systems studies aircraft electrical system design, installation, and operation for both AC and DC systems. The curriculum covers communication equipment, navigation systems, wiring, control circuits, power generation, and circuit protection devices.
  • AVIM 110A Applied Airframe Electrical Systems provides practical training in aircraft electrical system maintenance. Students gain experience in installation, troubleshooting, repair, and operation of electrical systems, wiring, controls, and electronic components.
  • AVIM 107B Turbine Engines examines turbine engine theory, design, and maintenance procedures. Students study turbojet, turbofan, turboprop, and turboshaft powerplants, learning overhaul procedures, inspection techniques, servicing requirements, and troubleshooting methods.
  • AVIM 108B Applied Turbine Engines provides hands-on experience with turbine engine maintenance and repair. Students apply theoretical knowledge to practical overhaul, inspection, servicing, repair, and troubleshooting procedures for various turbine engine types.
  • AVIM 109B Powerplant Ignition Systems studies ignition system design, installation, and operation for aircraft engines. Students learn about magnetos, spark plug systems, harnesses, solid-state exciters, turbine igniters, and related ignition components.
  • AVIM 110B Applied Powerplant Ignition Systems offers practical training in ignition system maintenance and repair. Students gain experience in installation, servicing, troubleshooting, and repair of magnetos, spark plugs, and various ignition system components.
  • AVIM 109C Powerplant Electrical Systems examines electrical systems specific to aircraft powerplants, covering both DC and AC systems. Students study batteries, wiring, control circuits, switches, indicators, power generation equipment, and circuit protection devices.
  • AVIM 110C Applied Powerplant Electrical Systems provides hands-on training in powerplant electrical system maintenance. Students learn installation, troubleshooting, repair, and operation techniques for batteries, wiring, controls, and electrical components.
  • AVIM 111C Reciprocating Engines I studies the fundamental theory, design, and operation of aircraft reciprocating engines. Students learn about engine overhaul procedures, inspection techniques, and repair methods for piston-powered aircraft engines.
  • AVIM 112C Applied Reciprocating Engines I provides practical experience in reciprocating engine maintenance and repair. Students apply theoretical knowledge to hands-on overhaul, inspection, and repair procedures for aircraft piston engines.
  • AVIM 111D Reciprocating Engines II focuses on reciprocating engine systems and operational procedures. Students learn inspection, repair, servicing, installation, and removal techniques for complete powerplant installations.
  • AVIM 112D Applied Reciprocating Engines II offers advanced practical training in powerplant systems and operations. Students gain experience in installation, removal, inspection, repair, servicing, and troubleshooting of complete powerplant systems.
  • AVIM 241 Aircraft Propeller Systems studies propeller aerodynamics, theory of operation, and maintenance procedures. Students learn inspection techniques, troubleshooting methods, and maintenance requirements for both reciprocating and turboprop controllable-pitch propeller systems.
  • AVIM 242 Applied Aircraft Propeller Systems provides hands-on training in propeller system maintenance and repair. Students gain practical experience in installation, removal, inspection, repair, servicing, and troubleshooting of propellers and related components.
  • AVIM 249 Induction and Fuel Metering examines aircraft induction systems including normally aspirated, turbocharged, and supercharged configurations. Students study fuel metering systems, anti-detonation systems, fuel controls, and related powerplant induction components.
  • AVIM 250 Applied Induction and Fuel Metering provides practical training in induction and fuel system maintenance. Students apply theoretical knowledge to overhaul, inspection, servicing, repair, and troubleshooting procedures for various induction and fuel metering systems.
  • AVIM 253 Lubrication, Cooling, and Exhaust studies aircraft lubrication, cooling, and exhaust system design and maintenance. Students learn about wet and dry sump oil systems, liquid and air cooling systems, exhaust configurations, and lubricant selection criteria.
  • AVIM 254 Applied Lubrication, Cooling, and Exhaust offers hands-on experience in lubrication, cooling, and exhaust system maintenance. Students gain practical skills in inspection, service, repair, and maintenance of oil systems, cooling systems, exhaust systems, and lubricant management.

More curriculum details available here:

Certificate Programs

Certificate of Achievement: Airframe & Powerplant

  • Units Required: 78
  • Estimated Tuition: $3,588 ($46 per unit)
  • Program Length: Approximately 5 semesters (around 20 months)
  • Description: This comprehensive program covers both airframe and powerplant systems, preparing students for the FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification exams. The curriculum includes instruction in aircraft structures, engines, electrical systems, and other critical components.

Certificate of Achievement: Airframe

  • Units Required: 47
  • Estimated Tuition: $2,162 ($46 per unit)
  • Program Length: Approximately 3 semesters (around 12 months)
  • Description: Focused on the structural aspects of aircraft, this program prepares students for the FAA Airframe certification exam. Courses cover topics such as aircraft materials, welding, hydraulics, and electrical systems.

Certificate of Achievement: Powerplant

  • Units Required: 52.5
  • Estimated Tuition: $2,415 ($46 per unit)
  • Program Length: Approximately 3 semesters (around 12 months)
  • Description: This program concentrates on aircraft engine systems, preparing students for the FAA Powerplant certification exam. Instruction includes reciprocating and turbine engines, ignition systems, and fuel metering.

Certificate students follow the same core technical curriculum as degree-seeking peers and are equally eligible to test for FAA licenses.

Tuition

Per the AVIM FAQ page, the tuition is set at $46 per unit for California residents.

Program Features and Credit for Prior Learning

Students may receive credit for FAA certifications, military technical training, or industry work experience, with up to 35 units awarded based on evaluation. This flexible structure supports career advancement and educational efficiency.

The college encourages early application due to high demand, with only 40 seats available per semester and over 140 students typically on the waitlist.

Accreditations and School Highlights

All aviation programs at Miramar College are accredited under FAA FAR Part 147. The school’s facilities include modern labs and a structured learning path designed for hands-on technical training.

Graduates are prepared for careers in commercial, general, and experimental aviation sectors. Despite modest national job growth in the field, salary prospects remain strong, with graduates earning between $48,000 and $110,000 annually depending on specialization.

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