Southwestern Illinois College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology (AVMT) program is designed to prepare students for careers as Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified aircraft maintenance technicians. The program’s mission centers on providing students with the comprehensive knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet FAA standards while promoting excellence in aviation maintenance education.
Quick Facts
- Length: 8 Months to 24 Months
- Cost: $4,400 to $7,400
- Location: Granite City, IL
- Website: https://www.swic.edu/academics/career-degrees/aviation/aviation-maintenance-technology/
Program Options
Students can choose between an intensive one-year format training eight hours per day to earn A&P certification in 50 weeks, or a two-year format with four hours of daily instruction to complete either the A&P certification or the Associate in Applied Science degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology.
Associate in Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology
The A.A.S. degree program consists of 75 credit hours and is typically completed over 24 months by attending classes four hours per day.
Curriculum
The curriculum includes core aviation maintenance topics such as aircraft systems, structures, electrical systems, propulsion, and engine maintenance. It also incorporates general education coursework in English, communication, and humanities.
Classes include:
- AVMT 121 Aircraft Systems I covers FAA ACS topics related to aircraft instrument systems, communication and navigation systems, and water and waste systems, emphasizing knowledge, risk management, and skill application.
- AVMT 122 Aircraft Systems II addresses flight controls, airframe inspections, aircraft fuel systems, ice and rain control systems, and rotorcraft fundamentals as outlined by FAA ACS standards.
- AVMT 126 Aircraft Structures I focuses on non-metallic structures and aligns with FAA ACS guidelines for knowledge, risk management, and skills in airframe maintenance.
- AVMT 127 Aircraft Structures II covers metallic structures, following FAA ACS standards to develop essential airframe maintenance competencies.
- AVMT 131 Aircraft Electrical I introduces aircraft electrical systems and follows FAA ACS directives to build technical knowledge and troubleshooting skills.
- AVMT 132 Aircraft Electrical II expands on electrical systems and introduces environmental systems, reinforcing FAA ACS expectations in airframe electrical maintenance.
- AVMT 136 Aircraft Components I explores hydraulic and pneumatic systems and airframe fire protection systems, supporting FAA ACS skill and knowledge standards.
- AVMT 137 Aircraft Components II focuses on landing gear systems, providing training based on FAA ACS criteria for proper inspection and maintenance.
- AVMT 176 Powerplant Components I examines aircraft propellers, equipping students with the FAA-required knowledge and skills for powerplant maintenance.
- AVMT 140 Materials, Processes & Fabrication addresses fluid lines and fittings, aircraft materials, hardware, fabrication processes, and inspection techniques per FAA ACS guidance.
- AVMT 177 Powerplant Components II includes engine instrument and electrical systems, ensuring students meet FAA ACS powerplant maintenance competencies.
- AVMT 145 Basic Electricity & Technology introduces fundamentals of electricity and electronics, as well as weight and balance, in line with FAA ACS general curriculum.
- AVMT 186 Reciprocating Engine Maintenance I develops core knowledge and skills in reciprocating engine operations as mandated by the FAA ACS.
- AVMT 150 Fundamentals & Operations covers aircraft drawings, ground operations, servicing, and mathematics, aligning with FAA ACS general subject areas.
- AVMT 187 Reciprocating Engine Maintenance II continues reciprocating engine instruction with an emphasis on engine inspection per FAA ACS standards.
- AVMT 155 Regulations & Science introduces regulations, maintenance documentation, physics, cleaning and corrosion control, and human factors in aviation, following FAA ACS topics.
- AVMT 299 Special Topics in Aviation Maintenance provides flexible instruction on current or emerging issues in aviation maintenance, adapting to FAA expectations and industry needs.
- AVMT 157 Propulsion Systems I focuses on turbine engine fundamentals and prepares students to understand propulsion systems according to FAA ACS objectives.
- AVMT 158 Propulsion Systems II teaches ignition and starting systems, building competencies that meet FAA ACS powerplant standards.
- AVMT 171 Powerplant Systems I covers engine fire protection, lubrication, induction, cooling, exhaust, and reverser systems, guided by FAA ACS requirements.
- AVMT 172 Powerplant Systems II focuses on engine fuel and metering systems, ensuring comprehensive knowledge and skill development in line with FAA ACS criteria.
More curriculum details are available in the course catalog here: https://www.swic.edu/students/academic-resources/catalog/
Cost
At $123 per credit hour for in-district students, tuition is approximately $9,225, plus an estimated $675 in mandatory fees, bringing the total cost to about $9,900, excluding books and course-specific fees.
Airframe & Powerplant Certificate
The Airframe & Powerplant Certificate spans 60 credit hours and may be completed in as little as 12 months if attending eight hours per day.
The curriculum mirrors much of the A.A.S. degree, excluding general education.
Cost
Estimated tuition for in-district students is $7,380, with about $540 in mandatory fees, totaling approximately $7,920. This accelerated format is ideal for those seeking quick entry into the workforce.
Airframe Certificate
The standalone Airframe Certificate consists of 36 credits and focuses on aircraft systems, structures, and electrical components. SWIC reports a 100% FAA pass rate for the General and Airframe exams for recent graduates.
It can be completed in approximately 8–10 months.
Courses include:
- AVMT 121 Aircraft Systems I
- AVMT 122 Aircraft Systems II
- AVMT 126 Aircraft Structures I
- AVMT 127 Aircraft Structures II
- AVMT 131 Aircraft Electrical I
- AVMT 132 Aircraft Electrical II
- AVMT 136 Aircraft Components I
- AVMT 137 Aircraft Components II
- AVMT 140 Materials, Processes & Fabrication
- AVMT 145 Basic Electricity & Technology
- AVMT 150 Fundamentals & Operations
- AVMT 155 Regulations & Science
Cost
In-district tuition is around $4,428, with about $324 in fees, totaling $4,752.
Powerplant Certificate
The Powerplant Certificate, also 36 credits, emphasizes propulsion systems, turbine engines, reciprocating engines, and fuel metering systems.
This track can also be completed in 8–10 months.
Courses include:
- AVMT 140 Materials, Processes & Fabrication 3
- AVMT 145 Basic Electricity & Technology
- AVMT 150 Fundamentals & Operations
- AVMT 155 Regulations & Science
- AVMT 157 Propulsion Systems I
- AVMT 158 Propulsion Systems II
- AVMT 171 Powerplant Systems I
- AVMT 172 Powerplant Systems II
- AVMT 176 Powerplant Components I
- AVMT 177 Powerplant Components II
- AVMT 186 Reciprocating Engine Maintenance I
- AVMT 187 Reciprocating Engine Maintenance II
Cost
Estimated in-district tuition is $4,428, with approximately $324 in fees, for a total cost of about $4,752.
Tuition
Tuition estimates above are based on the District 522 rate of $123. More details here: https://www.swic.edu/students/services/student-accounts/tuition-fees/
Accreditation
Southwestern Illinois College maintains institutional accreditation and offers FAA-approved training that meets educational requirements for aviation maintenance licensure in all 50 states and Washington D.C.
Success Rates
The program demonstrates exceptional success with 100% pass rates on both the Aviation Maintenance General Test and Aviation Maintenance Airframe Test for 2022-2023 graduates. Students who complete the programs are eligible to take FAA written, oral, and practical examinations, with successful completion leading to official FAA Airframe and/or Powerplant licensing that opens doors to careers throughout the aviation industry.
Facilities
All training takes place at the modern Sam Wolf Granite City Campus, where students work with today’s most relevant aviation maintenance equipment under the guidance of experienced instructors with real-world industry experience.
The college also maintains transfer pathways to Southern Illinois University Carbondale for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree.