Aviation Mechanics: Airframe/Powerplant
The Aviation Mechanics Associate of Applied Science and College Certificate programs offer Airframe and Powerplant options. The programs are designed to prepare students for entry into various occupations that require competence in airframe and powerplant technology. Students completing the certificate or the Associate of Applied Science Degree program will be qualified to obtain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certificate to be licensed as an airframe or powerplant technician. Students seeking career advancement in the field or transfer to a four-year institution should elect the Associate of Applied Science Degree. Students who wish to prepare only for the FAA license should select the Certificate.
What Do Aircraft Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians Do?
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on airplanes and helicopters. They also inspect airplanes and helicopters as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires.
Where Do They Work?
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians work in hangars, repair stations, or on airfields. They must often meet strict deadlines to maintain flight schedules. Most mechanics and technicians work full time, and overtime and weekend work is common.
What’s the Job Outlook for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians?
Employment of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians is projected to increase 3% from 2018 to 2028. Job prospects will be strongest for those with an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate, as this certification is highly valued in the industry.
What’s Required to Complete the Aviation Mechanics: Airframe/Powerplant Program?
A certificate in Aviation Mechanics: Airframe/Powerplant from WCCCD requires 48 credits to complete. An AAS in Aviation Mechanics: Airframe/Powerplant from WCCCD requires 97 total credits.
As an Aviation Mechanics: Airframe/Powerplant student at WCCCD, you’ll take both general education courses and courses required for an Aviation Mechanics: Airframe/Powerplant major.
Some students plan to transfer to a four-year college or university after earning their AAS. If that’s your goal, you might choose specific courses. Talk with your advisor about a personalized plan that meets your goals.
How Long Does it Take to Earn an Aviation Mechanics: Airframe/Powerplant Degree?
Most Aviation Mechanics: Airframe/Powerplant students take five semesters (2.5 years) to complete AAS degree prerequisites and required courses.
What Will I Learn as an Aviation Mechanics: Airframe/Powerplant Student?
WCCCD Aviation Mechanics: Airframe/Powerplant students learn how to inspect, service, install and troubleshoot aircraft instruments and repair, inspect, assemble, troubleshoot, and service reciprocating engines, turbine engines, and engine support systems. Courses cover a wide range of topics, including liberal arts and other aviation-focused disciplines.
Recommended Course Sequencing
General Education Courses Total: 13 Credits
- ENG 119 - English I 3 Credit(s)
- ENG 120 - English II 3 Credit(s)
- PS 101 - American Government 3 Credit(s)
- Natural Science with Lab 4 Credit(s)
Airframe Occupational Specific Course Total: 80 Credits
(Courses from the following required to achieve a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):
Air Science Section Total: 32 Credits
- ATP 101 - Introduction to Aviation I 8 Credit(s)
- ATP 102 - Introduction to Aviation II 8 Credit(s)
- ATP 103 - Basic Electricity 8 Credit(s)
- ATP 104 - Materials, Fuel, Fire and Corrosion 8 Credit(s)
Airframe Section Total: 48 Credits
- AFM 201 - Basic Sheet Metal 8 Credit(s)
- AFM 202 - Non-Metallic Structures and Finishes 8 Credit(s)
- AFM 203 - Airframe Electrical 8 Credit(s)
- AFM 204 - Aircraft Navigation and Communications 8 Credit(s)
- AFM 205 - Assembly and Rigging and Aircraft Systems 8 Credit(s)
- AFM 206 - Landing Gear Systems and Airframe Inspections 8 Credit(s)
General Education Courses Total: 13 Credits
- ENG 119 - English I 3 Credit(s)
- ENG 120 - English II 3 Credit(s)
- PS 101 - American Government 3 Credit(s)
- Elective: Natural Science with Lab 4 Credit(s)
Powerplant Occupational Specific Courses Total: 80 Credits
Courses from the following required to achieve a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):
Air Science Section Total: 32 Credits
- ATP 101 - Introduction to Aviation I 8 Credit(s)
- ATP 102 - Introduction to Aviation II 8 Credit(s)
- ATP 103 - Basic Electricity 8 Credit(s)
- ATP 104 - Materials, Fuel, Fire and Corrosion 8 Credit(s)
Powerplant Section Total: 48 Credits
- PPM 201 - Reciprocating Engine Operation 8 Credit(s)
- PPM 202 - Reciprocating Engine Systems 8 Credit(s)
- PPM 203 - Reciprocating Engine Overhaul and Troubleshooting 8 Credit(s)
- PPM 204 - Propellers and Turbine Engine Operation 8 Credit(s)
- PPM 205 - Turbine Engine Designs, Accessories and Instruments 8 Credit(s)
- PPM 206 - Turbine Engine Overhaul and Troubleshooting 8 Credit(s)
Airframe Section
- AFM 201 - Basic Sheet Metal 8 Credit(s)
- AFM 202 - Non-Metallic Structures and Finishes 8 Credit(s)
- AFM 203 - Airframe Electrical 8 Credit(s)
- AFM 204 - Aircraft Navigation and Communications 8 Credit(s)
- AFM 205 - Assembly and Rigging and Aircraft Systems 8 Credit(s)
- AFM 206 - Landing Gear Systems and Airframe Inspections 8 Credit(s)
Powerplant Section Total: 48 Credits
- PPM 201 - Reciprocating Engine Operation 8 Credit(s)
- PPM 202 - Reciprocating Engine Systems 8 Credit(s)
- PPM 203 - Reciprocating Engine Overhaul and Troubleshooting 8 Credit(s)
- PPM 204 - Propellers and Turbine Engine Operation 8 Credit(s)
- PPM 205 - Turbine Engine Designs, Accessories and Instruments 8 Credit(s)
- PPM 206 - Turbine Engine Overhaul and Troubleshooting 8 Credit(s)
Where is WCCCD’s Aviation Mechanics: Airframe/Powerplant Program Offered?
The Aviation Mechanics: Airframe/Powerplant program is offered at our Downriver Campus. The campus also offers classes for other aviation-related certificates and degrees.
As a WCCCD student, you can take courses, use facilities, and get involved at any of our six locations.
It is the policy of WCCCD that no person, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, or political affiliation or belief, shall be discriminated against, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in employment or in any program or activity for which it is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.
