Aviation Systems Technology

The Aviation Systems Technology Program provides you with the knowledge and skills to qualify for an aircraft mechanic’s certificate with airframe and/or powerplant ratings. The curriculum is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under 14 CFR Part 147, which governs aviation maintenance schools. This is a limited enrollment program.

GTCC Aviation has relationships with local, regional, and national employers who have constant demand for Aircraft Maintenance Technicians. You can apply for open internships and apprenticeships along with full-time or part-time employment during and after program completion.  

Boeing’s recent market study highlights that aircraft technician demand in the U.S. will continue to increase over the next 15 to 20 years because aircraft deliveries, market segment growth, and retirement of an aging workforce.

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Credentialing Options

Aviation Systems Technology, AAS - CIP Code: 47.0607

A 60 20 0 X1

Contact: (336)-334-4822, ext 59011

Limited Enrollment Program: Contact the Enrollment Services Office for Program admission requirements and Program application deadlines.

The Aviation Systems Technology provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to qualify for an aircraft mechanic's certificate with airframe and/or powerplant ratings. The curriculum is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under 14 CFR Part 147, which governs aviation maintenance schools.

Course work includes aviation mathematics, FAA regulations, basic electricity, aircraft drawings; aircraft structures, systems, and components; aircraft engines, theory, systems, and components; and engine inspections and maintenance.

Employment opportunities exist as entry-level mechanics with air carriers, manufacturers, repair stations, fixed base operators, flight schools, and government aviation operations.

Students who already possess either the Airframe or Powerplant rating are not required to enroll in

AVI 110 Aviation Maintenance-General
. However, presentation of the FAA Mechanic certificate, with one or the other rating for advanced standing must happen in advance of registration.

New classes are formed each Fall and Spring semester.

This program allows individuals to achieve the basic knowledge and skills for a career as an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT), generally known as an Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic. The Aviation Systems Technology (AST) program is designed to prepare students for certification through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Airframe, Powerplant, or both ratings.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the Aviation Systems Technology degree, the student should be able to:

  • Inspect and make repairs to aircraft and/or engines as allowed by the FAA management systems.
  • Remove, repair and replace aircraft and/or engine components within the limits prescribed by the FAA.
  • Make entries in maintenance records as required by the FAA.
  • Use precision measurement equipment as required by the FAA and aircraft maintenance manuals.

Fall Semester I

Total Credits: 18

Spring Semester I

Total Credits: 15

Summer Semester I

Total Credits: 12

Fall Semester II

Total Credits: 16

Spring Semester II

Total Credits: 18

Summer Semester II

Total Credits: 12

Total credit hours required for degree: 91

Electives

1. Second English Electives

Choose one course from the following:

2. Mathematics Electives

Choose one course from the following:

Close

Aviation Systems Technology, AAS - CIP Code: 47.0607

A 60 20 0 X1

Contact: (336)-334-4822, ext 59011

Limited Enrollment Program: Contact the Enrollment Services Office for Program admission requirements and Program application deadlines.

The Aviation Systems Technology provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to qualify for an aircraft mechanic's certificate with airframe and/or powerplant ratings. The curriculum is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under 14 CFR Part 147, which governs aviation maintenance schools.

Course work includes aviation mathematics, FAA regulations, basic electricity, aircraft drawings; aircraft structures, systems, and components; aircraft engines, theory, systems, and components; and engine inspections and maintenance.

Employment opportunities exist as entry-level mechanics with air carriers, manufacturers, repair stations, fixed base operators, flight schools, and government aviation operations.

Students who already possess either the Airframe or Powerplant rating are not required to enroll in

AVI 110 Aviation Maintenance-General
. However, presentation of the FAA Mechanic certificate, with one or the other rating for advanced standing must happen in advance of registration.

New classes are formed each Fall and Spring semester.

This program allows individuals to achieve the basic knowledge and skills for a career as an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT), generally known as an Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic. The Aviation Systems Technology (AST) program is designed to prepare students for certification through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Airframe, Powerplant, or both ratings.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the Aviation Systems Technology degree, the student should be able to:

  • Inspect and make repairs to aircraft and/or engines as allowed by the FAA management systems.
  • Remove, repair and replace aircraft and/or engine components within the limits prescribed by the FAA.
  • Make entries in maintenance records as required by the FAA.
  • Use precision measurement equipment as required by the FAA and aircraft maintenance manuals.

Fall Semester I

Total Credits: 18

Spring Semester I

Total Credits: 15

Summer Semester I

Total Credits: 12

Fall Semester II

Total Credits: 16

Spring Semester II

Total Credits: 18

Summer Semester II

Total Credits: 12

Total credit hours required for degree: 91

Electives

1. Second English Electives

Choose one course from the following:

2. Mathematics Electives

Choose one course from the following:

Close

Aviation Systems Technology - Airframe and Powerplant Certificate

C 60 20 0 X1

Aviation Systems Technology - Airframe and Powerplant Certificate

This program prepares individuals with the basic knowledge and skills for a career as an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT), generally known as an Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic. The Aviation Systems Technology (AST) program is designed to prepare students for certification through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Airframe, Powerplant, or both ratings.

Students who already possess either the Airframe or Powerplant rating are not required to enroll in AVI 110 Aviation Maintenance-General. However, presentation of the FAA Mechanic certificate, with one or the other rating for advanced standing must happen in advance of registration.

As a limited enrollment program and due to the AST program schedule, new classes are formed each Spring and Fall semester.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the Airframe and Powerplant certificate, the student should be able to:

  • Service airframe systems and structures as allowed by the FAA
  • Repair systems components within the limits prescribed by the FAA
  • Replace aircraft systems components within the limits prescribed by the FAA
  • Demonstrate proper documentation of maintenance, servicing, and repair records as required by the FAA
  • Demonstrate the privileges and responsibilities of certified FAA Aircraft Maintenance Technicians

Fall Semester I

Total Credits: 15

Spring Semester I

Total Credits: 12

Summer Semester I

Total Credits: 9

Fall Semester II

Total Credits: 13

Spring Semester II

Total Credits: 15

Summer Semester II

Total Credits: 9

Total credits required for certificate: 73

Note:

1 Students who possess an FAA mechanic certificate with powerplant rating are not required to complete AVI 110.

Close

Aviation Systems Technology - Airframe and Powerplant Certificate, Spring Entry

C 60 20 0 X1

This program prepares individuals with the basic knowledge and skills for a career as an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT), generally known as an Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic. The Aviation Systems Technology (AST) program is designed to prepare students for certification through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Airframe, Powerplant, or both ratings.

Students who already possess either the Airframe or Powerplant rating are not required to enroll in 

AVI 110
. However, presentation of the FAA Mechanic certificate, with one or the other rating for advanced standing must happen in advance of registration.

As a limited enrollment program and due to the AST program schedule, new classes are formed each Spring and Fall semester.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the Airframe and Powerplant certificate, the student should be able to:

  • Service airframe systems and structures as allowed by the FAA.
  • Repair systems components within the limits prescribed by the FAA.
  • Replace aircraft systems components within the limits prescribed by the FAA.
  • Demonstrate proper documentation of maintenance, servicing, and repair records as required by the FAA.
  • Demonstrate the privileges and responsibilities of certified FAA Aircraft Maintenance Technicians.

Spring Semester I

Total Credits: 15

Summer Semester I

  • AVI 120
    AB Airframe Maintenance I (AMT 202, AMT 203, AMT 204) Credits: 7 

Total Credits: 7

Fall Semester I

  • AVI 120
    BB Airframe Maintenance I (AMT 201, AMT 205, AMT 206) Credits: 5 

Total Credits: 14

Spring Semester II

Total Credits: 13

Summer Semester II

  • AVI 250
    AB Powerplant Maintenance II (AMT 304, AMT 305, AMT 306, AMT 307, AMT 308) Credits: 9

Total Credits: 9

Fall Semester II

  • AVI 250
    BB Powerplant Maintenance II (AMT 309, AMT 310) Credits: 6

Total Credits: 15

Total credit hours required for certificate: 73

Note:

1 Students who possess an FAA mechanic certificate with powerplant rating are not required to complete

AVI 110
.

Close

Aviation Systems Technology - Airframe Rating Option Certificate

C 60 20 0 X2

This program prepares individuals with the basic knowledge and skills for a career as an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) with a concentration in Airframe systems. This certificate program is designed to prepare students for certification through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Airframe rating.

As a limited enrollment program and due to the AST program schedule, new classes are formed each Fall and Spring semester.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the Airframe Rating certificate, the student should be able to:

  • Inspect airframe systems and structures as allowed by the FAA
  • Repair airframe systems and structures as allowed by the FAA
  • Service airframe systems and structures as allowed by the FAA
  • Repair airframe systems components within the limits prescribed by the FAA
  • Replace airframe systems components within the limits prescribed by the FAA
  • Demonstrate proper documentation of maintenance, servicing, and repair records as required by the FAA
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the privileges and responsibilities of certificated FAA Aircraft Maintenance Technicians

Fall Semester I

Total Credits: 15

Spring Semester I

Total Credits: 12

Summer Semester I

Total Credits: 9

Fall Semester II

Total Credits: 7

Total credit hours required for certificate: 43

Note:

1 Students who possess an FAA mechanic certificate with powerplant rating are not required to complete

AVI 110
.

Close

Aviation Systems Technology - Airframe Rating Option Certificate, Spring Entry

C 60 20 0 X2

This program prepares individuals with the basic knowledge and skills for a career as an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) with a concentration in Airframe systems. This certificate program is designed to prepare students for certification through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Airframe rating.

As a limited enrollment program and due to the AST program schedule, new classes are formed each Fall and Spring semester.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the Airframe Rating certificate, the student should be able to:

  • Inspect airframe systems and structures as allowed by the FAA.
  • Repair airframe systems and structures as allowed by the FAA.
  • Service airframe systems and structures as allowed by the FAA.
  • Repair airframe systems components within the limits prescribed by the FAA.
  • Replace airframe systems components within the limits prescribed by the FAA.
  • Demonstrate proper documentation of maintenance, servicing, and repair records as required by the FAA.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the privileges and responsibilities of certificated FAA Aircraft Maintenance Technicians.

Spring Semester I

Total Credits: 15

Summer Semester I

  • AVI 120
    AB Airframe Maintenance I (AMT 202, AMT 203, AMT 204) Credits: 7

Total Credits: 7

Fall Semester I

  • AVI 120
    BB Airframe Maintenance I (AMT 201, AMT 205, AMT 206) Credits: 5

Total Credits: 14

Spring Semester II

Total Credits: 7

Total credit hours required for certificate: 43

Note:

1 Students who possess an FAA mechanic certificate with powerplant rating are not required to complete

AVI 110
.

Close

Aviation Systems Technology - Powerplant Rating Option Certificate

C 60 20 0 X3

This program prepares individuals with the basic knowledge and skills for a career as an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) with a concentration in Powerplant systems. This certificate program is designed to prepare students for certification through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Powerplant rating. As a limited enrollment program and due to the AST program schedule, new classes are formed each Fall and Spring semester.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the Powerplant Rating certificate, the student should be able to:

  • Inspect powerplant systems and structures as allowed by the FAA
  • Repair powerplant systems and structures as allowed by the FAA
  • Service powerplant systems and structures as allowed by the FAA
  • Repair powerplant systems components within the limits prescribed by the FAA
  • Replace powerplant systems components within the limits prescribed by the FAA
  • Demonstrate proper documentation of maintenance, servicing, and repair records as required by the FAA
  • Demonstrate privileges and responsibilities of certificated FAA Aircraft Maintenance Technicians

Fall Semester I

Total Credits: 15

Spring Semester I

Total Credits: 15

Summer Semester I

Total Credits: 9

Fall Semester II

Total Credits: 6

Total credit hours required for certificate: 45

Note:

1 Students who possess an FAA mechanic certificate with airframe rating are not required to complete

AVI 110
 

2 Courses started each Fall are not taken sequentially due to normal course flow mandated by AST programs for students taking combined airframe and powerplant options.  Students starting

AVI 110
 in the Spring will normally take
AVI 240
,
AVI 250
, and
AVI 260
.  Other variations may be necessary.

Close

Student Testimonials

Aviation Student Testimonials

About the Aviation Programs

Mike Blanke is a senior spacecraft technician

Graduate Profile: Mike Blanke

Frequently Asked Questions

You need to follow the general enrollment process for GTCC. During advising, you can indicate your desire to study within this curriculum. Your advisor will help you sign up for the courses you need. Once you have been accepted and have submitted your transcripts from high school or college, you will need to satisfy entry-level prerequisites (DRE098, MAT10-50), if not already covered by your transcripts. 

John Abernathy, BS, A&P

Howard Barber, MBA, AAS, A&P

Michelle Dolin, AAS, IA, DME

Howard Kantor, MMS, BS, A&P

Kent Langenwalter, MAS, BS A&P

Terry Smith, BS, A&P

Nathan Wilsford, BS, A&P

Nicolas Yale, MBA-A, A&P

We also maintain a group of local industry experts working at the local aviation employers as adjunct instructors. They bring a rich background to the program and provide key insight into pursuing jobs locally. 

Yes. Financial aid is available if you qualify. Please visit the Financial Aid web page or contact the Financial Aid office at 336-334-4822, option 3.

Click here for the GTCC Aviation Systems Technology Student Minimum Tool List: Download PDF for Transfer

HAECO, Honda Jet, Signature Technicair, Textron Cessna, Piedmont Aviation, GE Engines, Dynamic Air, Genesis Aviation, VF Corporation, and LabTech all hire GTCC graduates from this program locally. Regional and national opportunities exist with all major air carriers and the military. GTCC has a partnership with Delta Airlines to provide additional training and job opportunities with them along with their regional carriers under contract.

Use Indeed.com or JSFirm to search local and regional jobs for “Aviation Maintenance” in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and North Carolina.

Duke Energy, Railroads, and other technical industries also seek and employ our graduates because they have skills in a broad array of subject matter areas.

The starting salary varies with the employer and region. Local average is roughly $13.00-$20.00 an hour with most employers paying an hourly increase with each certificate obtained. (Airframe = $1.00, Powerplant = $1.00)  This is a starting salary that increases with skills and experience rapidly.

Major airlines and OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) hire entry level A&Ps from $25-28/hour with a progressive scale that increases with experience. 

Top salaries peak out between $45-48/hour after five to ten years of experience.

Yes, Honda Aircraft, HAECO, Signature Technicair, VF Corp, and Piedmont Aviation employ many of our students while they are going to school. 

New internship and apprenticeship opportunities open each semester as companies develop talent pipelines and increase demand for technicians.

Yes. You may be able to receive credit for your experience. Refer to 14 CFR Part 65 Subpart D- Mechanics for more information. You will have to submit the required documentation to the FAA and receive a signed FAA Form 8610-2 from the local Flight Standards District Office.

GTCC’s operations manual allows advanced standing for military service members while working with the local FAA to gain certification. Contact the program faculty or stop by to see how the process is completed.

Whether you are pursuing the degree or just the certificate, it will take six semesters (two full years) for both licenses. It requires three and a half to four semesters to gain the Airframe or Powerplant Certificates individually.

You might gain employment upon completion of your first license, which allows you to start working in the industry before completion. Many employers provide tuition reimbursement for training once you are employed for the required amount of time.

Yes, identical day and night programs are offered. Day classes are from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Night classes are from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. These classes allow for work opportunities within the industry while you are completing your training.

It is a three-phase process.

The first phase is the academics. This is comprised of classroom lectures and lab environment application of skills. Typically classes are 1/3 classroom and 2/3 lab time. Upon completion of academic work and comprehensive examination, GTCC issues your certificate of completion for the training involved.  

The second phase is a written test at a certified FAA testing center. You must take your GTCC Completion certificate, photo ID, and GTCC testing voucher (payment). There are three FAA written tests for full licensing (General, Airframe, and Powerplant). 

The third phase is the FAA oral and practical (O&P) exam with a Designated Maintenance Examiner. Typically, you will pursue the O&Ps directly after completion of Airframe or Powerplant academics and FAA written completion. Upon successful completion of O&P exams, you are issued your license.

FAA licenses are good for life as long as long as they are kept current and not suspended for violation.

If the other Part 147 school is fully accredited and in good standing with the FAA, yes. However, the official transcripts must be evaluated to determine how much credit will be awarded. Contact the department chair for more information. Details of contact hours by subject matter area are required well in advance of your desire to attend to allow coordination with the other school. 

Not all training can be awarded credit if it does not meet the requirements of GTCC’s approved program.

The approximate total cost for the two-year program is $6,500, not including books and tools. The oral and practical testing with a Designated Maintenance Examiner is currently $1000 for both licenses in North Carolina ($600 for general and any one license and $400 for the second individual license).

We do have scholarships available for aviation students pursuing licensing sponsored by CARRS and the CEMALA Foundation.