State Technical College of Missouri offers comprehensive aviation maintenance training through three distinct programs designed to prepare students for careers in the aircraft maintenance industry. The college has been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an Aviation Maintenance Technician School since 1970 and provides hands-on training with real aircraft including jets, single engine planes, and helicopters at their fully functioning airport campus.
Quick Facts
- Length: 12 Months to 24 Months
- Cost: $8,300 to $16,000
- Location: Linn, MO
- Website: https://statetechmo.edu/catalog-program/aviation-maintenance/
Aviation Maintenance Programs Overview
| Program | Duration | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| AAS in Aviation Maintenance | 24 Months | $15,480 (Tuition Only) $32,301 (Including Fees) |
| Airframe Certificate | 18 Months | $8,815 |
| Powerplant Certificate | 12 Months | $8,385 |
AAS Aviation Maintenance Degree
The Aviation Maintenance Associate of Applied Science degree covers General, Airframe, and Powerplant sections, with students typically completing General and Powerplant sections by the end of the second semester and the Airframe section by the fourth semester.
Curriculum
Core curriculum includes 52 credit hours covering federal regulations, general mechanics, electrical systems, reciprocating and turbine engines, propeller systems, aircraft structures, fluid power systems, instrumentation, and avionics.
Coursework includes:
- TAM 107 —Federal Regulations for Aviation Technicians
This course covers FAA regulations related to aircraft maintenance and technician responsibilities, including instruction on basic drawing, sketching, maintenance forms, and record-keeping procedures. - TAM 115 —General Mechanics
Students learn ground operations, safety protocols, fluid line fabrication, and structural materials handling, with lab work in aircraft servicing, corrosion control, and non-destructive testing. - TAM 125 —Basic Electricity
Covers DC and AC electricity principles, circuit analysis, battery systems, and introduces solid-state devices, with hands-on lab projects on circuit fabrication and electrical testing. - TAM 127 —Reciprocating Engines and Lubrication Systems
Focuses on reciprocating engine design, maintenance, and lubrication systems, with lab activities in disassembly, inspection, and documentation practices. - TAM 131 —Propeller Systems
Explores the theory and servicing of propeller systems from fixed-pitch to constant-speed types, including lab work on removal, inspection, and repairs. - TAM 134 —Turbine Engines and Accessory Systems
Covers turbine engine theory and auxiliary systems, with lab work in inspection, overhaul, and repair of turbine components. - TAM 136 —Powerplant Fuel Systems
Introduces aircraft fuel types and fuel metering devices, with lab tasks on inspecting, servicing, and repairing system components. - TAM 139 —Powerplant Electrical Systems
Covers aircraft ignition, starting, and charging systems, with lab activities in inspecting and repairing electrical components. - TAM 155 —Aviation Mathematics, Physics, Weight & Balance, and Human Factors
Integrates math, physics, aerodynamics, and weight/balance concepts with lab tasks in aircraft weighing and human factors analysis in aviation maintenance. - TAM 200 —Auxiliary Systems and Inspections for Powerplants
Concludes powerplant studies with engine and propeller inspections, documentation, and lab work on fire protection and instrumentation systems. - TAM 211 —Assembly and Rigging
Covers the rigging of aircraft structures and flight controls, with emphasis on aerodynamic principles and alignment techniques. - TAM 213 —Metallic Structures
Introduces metallic fabrication techniques and fastener types, with lab practice in riveting, layout, and structural welding methods. - TAM 217 —Aircraft Fluid Power Systems
Explores hydraulic and pneumatic systems and landing gear components, supported by lab work in inspection, repair, and installation. - TAM 219 —Non-Metallic Structures and Finishes
Covers composite, fabric, wood structures, and coatings, with hands-on lab work in surface preparation, repair, and painting. - TAM 223 —Airframe Fuel, Water and Waste Systems
Focuses on airframe fuel systems and waste management systems, with lab work in inspection and servicing of fluid components. - TAM 224 —Aircraft Instrumentation and Avionics Systems
Explains flight and engine instrumentation, communication, and navigation systems, with lab practice in system checks and regulatory compliance. - TAM 226 —Airframe Electrical Systems
Covers power distribution and electrical wiring installation, with lab focus on component fabrication and system maintenance. - TAM 228 —Airframe Systems and Inspections
Includes auxiliary systems such as pressurization, de-icing, and fire protection, with lab work in troubleshooting and FAA inspection procedures. - TAM 230 —Aircraft Electrical Systems
Combines power systems, motors, and wiring techniques, emphasizing maintenance and fabrication in both lecture and lab environments.
Cost & Duration
The AAS is a comprehensive 24-month program requiring 72 total credit hours. Based on the 2024-2025 tuition rate of $215 per credit hour for in-state residents, the total tuition cost is approximately $15,480, though the program facts indicate average tuition expenses of $32,301 when including all fees and additional costs.
Airframe Certificate Program
The one-year Airframe Certificate focuses on aircraft structural components, electrical systems, fluid power systems, instrumentation, and inspection procedures.
Curriculum
Students complete 34 credit hours of core curriculum including assembly and rigging, metallic and non-metallic structures, aircraft fuel systems, and electrical systems.
Cost & Duration
At $215 per credit hour for in-state students, the estimated tuition cost is approximately $8,815. At 41 total credit hours, it can be completed in approximately 18 months based on the degree plan structure.
Powerplant Certificate Program
The Powerplant Certificate program emphasizes engine systems including reciprocating engines, turbine engines, propeller systems, fuel systems, and auxiliary systems.truction.
Curriculum
Students complete 32 credit hours of core curriculum covering engine theory, maintenance procedures, and inspection techniques.
Cost & Duration
The estimated tuition cost for in-state residents is approximately $8,385 based on the $215 per credit hour rate. It is designed as a 12-month intensive program requiring 39 total credit hours.
School Accreditation
State Technical College of Missouri holds dual accreditation from both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE).
The school boasts impressive outcomes with a 100% FAA licensure pass rate for 2022-2023, a 93% job placement rate since 1995, and graduates earning an average starting salary of $56,015 with a mean career salary of $72,000.
Features
The college features over 50 laboratories, an aviation hangar, and 40+ acres dedicated to hands-on training, providing students with real-world experience using state-of-the-art equipment and curriculum that includes non-destructive testing, composites, and modern troubleshooting techniques.