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 internship 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 US will continue to increase over the next 15-20 years due to aircraft deliveries, market segment growth, and retirement of an aging workforce.
Credentialing Options
Frequently Asked Questions
You will need to follow the general enrollment process for GTCC. During the advising process you will have the opportunity to indicate your desire to study within this curriculum. Your advisor will help you sign up for the specific 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 the GTCC graduates from this program locally. Regionally and nationally 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 in Winston Salem , and for North Carolina overall. (Include hyperlinks in the question response on the webpage)
Duke Energy, Railroads, and other technical industries also employ and seek our graduates because they have the skills that they are looking for 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, six semesters/two full years for both licenses. It requires 3.5 to 4 semesters to gain just the Airframe or Powerplant Certificates individually.
It is possible that you will 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 the required amount of time.Yes, identical day and night programs are offered. Day classes are from 8 am until 2 pm. In addition, night classes are from 4 pm until 9 pm. These classes allow for work opportunities within the industry while completing training.
It is a three-phase process.
The first phase is the academics. This is comprised of classroom lecture 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 $6500.00, not including books and tools. The Oral and Practical testing with a Designated Maintenance Examiner cost is $1000 for both licenses in North Carolina currently. ($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.