Aviation Maintenance
College of Professions
Chan Shun Hall
4185 E. Campus Circle Dr.
sba-info@andrews.edu
(269) 471-3632

Program Description

The Aircraft Maintenance Technician Certificate is broken down into Airframe and Powerplant segments; Bachelor of Technology degree.

Aviation Maintenance involves a scientific knowledge of principles and practice in areas following areas with hands on experience:

  • metal structures
  • composites
  • welding
  • machining
  • electrical components
  • systems
  • electronics
  • environmental systems
  • aircraft instruments
  • fuel systems,
  • hydraulics and pneumatics
  • engine overhaul
  • reciprocating engine systems
  • propellers
  • jet engine systems 

The degree may be combined with Flight or Business as well as other combinations with consultation with the department and students’ academic advisor.
The summer months are used to gain extra flight time if the student desires to complete the course in less than four years.

Flight certificates through Multi-Engine Instructor, and the Airframe and Powerplant segments can be completed in just over three years each.
Keep in mind that there are two year associate degrees available also.

Employment is offered to qualified maintenance students. Since these positions are highly competitive; it is common knowledge that your interview starts the moment you begin your Andrews career as a maintenance freshman. Maintenance positions are as openings allow.  

Many openings for Aviation Maintenance Technicians are available.  Anticipated retirement of older technicians is encouraging the industry to search widely for younger men and women who can step into their positions. Work hours are, for the most part regular, including safe and clean working conditions

"The Andrews University Aircraft Maintenance Technician program is really a place for anyone who wants to learn. The program is designed to teach even those without any previous maintenance knowledge.  When I first started at Andrews I didn't even know how a reciprocating engine worked. Two years later I became employed as a mechanic for a fleet of turbine powered helicopters. If your next goal is to become an Aircraft mechanic, the instructors at AU will work tirelessly to get you there." Connor McCain AMT 2013 now works for Central Helicopters in Bozeman Montana.  

Linking Your Future

Current Students

Access My Flight Train here and check your reservations, aircraft maintenance schedule, and your pilot profile.

Andrews Links
Other Quick Links

Documents

  • International Flight School Candidates - Before commencing the application, contact the Department so we can validate the application. Non-validated applications will be rejected and have to be redone. Note: Andrews University Department of Aviation provides Category 3 Flight Training. 

Students & Aviation Enthusiasts Alike

Weather services:
Zulu Time
Airport information
Global Position System (GPS)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Flight Tracking
Ground School Resources 

Career Opportunities

With an Aircraft Maintenance Technician Certificate you may be involved in the maintenance of several different kinds of aircraft, such as helicopter, fixed wing, and jets. Getting a degree in Aviation Maintenance opens up even more doors for you. 

Airline Maintenance: Working on major and regional aircraft.

Helicopter Maintenance: Governmental operations, police, oil companies, and fire suppression. 

Fixed Base Operators: Working for a local airport, duties could involve general aviation aircraft commercial operations as well as some corporate.

Personal Aircraft Maintenance: Know of a friend that owns an airplane? Maybe you could be the one that keeps it airworthy.

Mission Service: Most mission pilots are Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics as well. you wouldn't want to break down in the middle of nowhere and not know how to fix the problem.

Building Aircraft: Perhaps you have a hobby of building aircraft, knowing more about that experimental aircraft would never hurt.

Higher Education: Conceivably you may find yourself loving to teach, so you are always welcome to come back and teach for us here at Andrews University.

Other areas of work that may interest you include:

  • Avionics Technician
  • Experimental Aircraft Inspector
  • Refurbishment
  • Painting
  • Airport Lighting Systems Technician
  • Accident Investigator
  • Maintenance Data System Analyst

Certifications

In addition to our regular degree programs, we offer the following certificates to anyone who registers at our office.  Our maintenance school is certified by the Federal Aviation Adminstration under 14 CFR Part 147.  Our certification number is  LW5T030N.  All FAA written tests and Oral & Practical exams are done on site. View our programs and fees for more information, including pricing for certificates.

Maintenance Certifications

1) Aircraft Maintenance Technician

  • Airframe & Powerplant

FAA Approved Classes

  • AVMT 108 - Applied Science for Aerospace Techincians
  • AVMT 114 - Aircraft Basic Electricity
  • AVMT 116 - FAR's, Publications, Forms and Records
  • AVMT 120 - Materials and Processes
  • AVMT 204 - Aircraft Electrical Systems
  • AVMT 206 - Powerplant Electrical Systems
  • AVMT 210 - Aircraft Systems
  • AVMT 220 - Aircraft Fuels and Fuel Systems
  • AVMT 226 - Engine Fuel Metering Systems
  • AVMT 237 - Hydraulic, Pneumatic, and Landing Gears
  • AVMT 304 - Aircraft Metal Structures
  • AVMT 306 - Aircraft Non-metal Structures
  • AVMT 308 - Aircraft Assembly, RIgging and Inspections
  • AVMT 310 - Gas Turbine Engines
  • AVMT 314 - Aircraft Propellers and Engine Inspections
  • AVMT 316 - Reciprocating Engine Systems and Overhaul

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions that aren't listed and can't find them anywhere on our website send us an email.

How and when do I apply to the Aviation Program?

You must fill out a completed Andrews University application, and upon acceptance you may apply to the Aviation Department. For more information about applying for admission to Andrews University, please call (269) 471-6343, and visit our website.

If you are coming in as a community student set up a visit to our department and speak with one of our faculty members on what classes would help you achieve the certificate or information you are interested in. Send us an email.

What do I need to qualify for the Aviation Program?

  • To qualify for admission into the Aviation Program, you must be accepted by Andrews University.
    • The average student is accepted on probationary status and reviewed at the end of each FAA licensure course before they are allowed progression in their degree program.
  • We will need an original birth certificate and government photo ID or current passport upon acceptance into the program.
  • International students will need to complete the International Flight School Candidate form found in the resources tab under documents.

NOTE: Airframe and Powerplant students do not need a FAA medical.

Are Scholarships available?

No aviation related scholarships are available through the Department of Aviatoin at Andrews University, but many scholarships are given by Andrews University. There are also plenty of aviation scholarships offered nationwide; simply Google: Aviation Scholarships and follow the steps to apply for them.

Should I visit the campus?

We highly recommend that you come visit us at any time. The university sponsors preview weekend events that you can participate in, or you can visit on your own time when it is convenient for you. We encourage you to attend an aviation class or two during your visit. Tell the visit coordinator that you would like to do this.

Are your programs accredited?

Yes, we are fully accredited by the Higher learning Commission (HLC), the Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist (AAA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Part 141 flight training that leads to the Letter of Authorization that allows Airline Transport Pilots (ATP) to get their ATP with 1000 hours, rather than 1500. Saving you money and time. The Aircraft Maintenance Technician School is Part 147.

What type of experience does your senior Faculty & Staff have?

Our senior Faculty & Staff have many years of aviation experience ranging from mission flying, corporate, airline environment, cargo, and military flying, and maintaining aircraft for most of their lives.

Are summer aviation classes available?

Yes, however they are reserved for students who need to make up flight time. No summer classes are available for incoming freshmen. All freshmen must start in the Aviation Program the Fall of their first year.

How long does it take to obtain my Airframe an Powerplant Ratings?

Our Aviation maintenance Technician School is set up so that to obtain both ratings it takes four semesters (two school years). You will obtain one rating each year. We alternate years, so that one year we offer the Airframe rating, and the following year we offer the Powerplant rating.

Is the Department of Aviation a member of the University Aviation Association?

Yes

Is the Department of Aviation a member of the International Association of Missionary Aviation?

Yes, IAMA hosted their annual conference in our facilities in May of 2013

What costs are associated for Maintenance?

For maintenance courses you will have to pay for:

  • a tool set
  • lab fees
  • FAA tests.

Do I have to register as a student through the University to take maintenance training?

No, if you are a U.S. Citizen, you are not required to be an Andrews's student to earn your maintenance ratings unless you are seeking a college degree. If you are a non-U.S. Citizen, as part of the FAA requirements, you will have to be formally accepted into a degree program at Andrews University.

What Job opportunities are available to me as a student?

The main campus of Andrews University has plenty of job opportunities for current students. If you are looking to work at the Department of Aviation, we have options like lab assistants, line service technicians, and office assistants.

What Job opportunities are available after I finish my training?

Many of our flight students earn their Flight Instructor's Certificate and work here at our airport and build up hours for job placement. Also we work closely with alumni of our department who own their own companies who hire our graduates for aerial photography. We have several former students who are working for airlines, either as pilots or technicians. Corporate and General Aviation companies are also growing currently. We inform students of job opportunities when we hear of openings.

How may I contact you?

Find our contact information on our Home page and stop on by for a visit.