Engine on a jet

Aeronautical & Aviation Technology - AERO

Aeronautical & Aviation Technology - AERO

ATEC MemberThe Airframe and Powerplant Technician Program consists of three components—general aircraft maintenance, aircraft airframe and aircraft powerplant—designed for those seeking to take exams for an airframe and powerplant license. If you are detail-oriented and understand that the safety of others depends on the quality of your work, then you may be suited for an exciting career as a technician!

Antelope Valley College is one of the few community colleges in the United States offering composites fabrication and repair. This Airframe and Powerplant Technician Program is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
 



Upcoming Information Sessions:

  • No upcoming Information Sessions scheduled at this time. To be announced at a later date.
     
  • Note: These information sessions are for all Aeronautical Sciences & Technology programs offered at Antelope Valley College.  


What certificates/degrees can I earn?

  • Associate in Science degree as an airframe and powerplant technician


What will I learn?

  • When you complete the program you will have gained extensive knowledge of the various aspects of aircraft including structures, hydraulics, fuel and electrical systems, fire controls, engines, landing controls and more. You will become familiar with the techniques and operations involved in aircraft maintenance and repair.
     
  • This program will prepare you with much of the information necessary to pass the FAA comprehensive testing leading to an Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic Certificate.
Program Requirements Program Requirements

Program Requirements

AVC is one of the few community colleges in the United States offering composites fabrication and repair. 

Program Requirements


What kinds of classes are offered?

  • The program is housed in the Technology Building, which boasts industry-standard equipment with state-of-the-art laboratories. Several classes are held off-campus for real-world training, such as Barnes Aviation in Lancaster.


What are possible jobs in this field?

  • Most graduates start with entry-level jobs in the industry, as a structural or composite technician. Supervisory skills or experience in other fields are also considered during the hiring process.
     
  • Technicians can work on craft ranging in size from small, single-engine general aviation planes and helicopters to large commercial jetliners.


Who could hire me?

  • 412th Maintenance Group, Edwards AFB
  • Northrop Grumman Corporation
  • Lockheed Martin Corporation
  • The Boeing Company
  • Scaled Composites, LLC
  • General Atomics
  • General aviation firms
  • Aircraft manufacturers
  • Commercial airlines

Many local employers maintain a strong partnership with this program. Northrop Grumman requires local applicants without prior experience to graduate specifically from Antelope Valley College’s program in order to be considered for a position. Northrop, Lockheed and Boeing often recruit in class. Northrop has held interviews on campus for prospective employees.


What’s the average pay range for local jobs in this field?

  • Pay range varies greatly depending on employers and is negotiated for each applicant based on related or managerial experience.


Sounds great! How do I get more information?

Contact Antelope Valley College’s Technical Education Division at (661) 722-6300, ext. 6327.