Aircraft Maintenance Technology

Job placement rates and starting salaries are excellent. Graduates are qualified to take the FAA Airframe and Powerplant Technician Certification exams, and our students consistently earn top scores along with the higher earnings this credential allows them to command.

Career Opportunities

• General aviation
• Commercial airlines
• Corporate aviation
• Aircraft manufacturers
• Contract repair facilities
• Aviation-related maintenance activities

Many students already employed with companies including Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, Stevens Aviation, General Electric, Greenville-Spartanburg Airport, and Michelin find this program can increase their skills and potential.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THE PROGRAM

The aircraft maintenance curriculum covers these important skills.

• Sheet metal layout and repair
• Flight control rigging
• Landing gear operation and repair
• Hydraulic systems
• Pneumatic systems
• Fuel systems
• Current FAA regulations
• Aircraft drawings
• Ground handling
• Aircraft weight and balance
• Bonding processes
• Airframe and engine inspections

The powerplant portion of the curriculum stresses these areas.

• Turbine engine
• Reciprocating engine
• Propellers and their components
• Lubrication systems
• Engine electrical systems
• Induction systems
• Cooling systems
• Exhaust systems

Students learn to use these tools and equipment.

• Air tools
• Precision measuring equipment
• Heatcon Dual-Zone Hot Bonder
• Aircraft related tools and support equipment
• Eddy current
• Ultrasound
• Magnaflux machine
• Structural repair equipment/tools

IS AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE RIGHT FOR YOU?

Admissions Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent (GED)
• Acceptable ASSET score or 19 ACT or 920 SAT
• A score of 50 percentile on the Bennett Mechanical Aptitude Test or a minimum mechanical aptitude score of 50 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test (ASVAB)
• Applicants with prior military service, reserves, National Guard or others who have completed technical training in a mechanical career field are exempt from taking a mechanical aptitude test. Training must be listed on the military service record DD-214 or other official training document.
• No uncorrectable physical or mental disabilities that would endanger yourself or others; i.e., fainting, seizures, dizziness, loss of hearing, impaired vision, etc.
• Pre-admission interview with the AMT department head or a designated representative. To schedule an appointment, call (864) 422-1762.

Representatives from leading area aircraft companies serve on our advisory board to help us ensure that what we teach is relevant and to give us access to the latest training tools.

MORE LINKS

• ATEC - Aviation Technician Education Council
• PAMA - Professional Aviation Maintenance Association

Professional Licensure and Certification Requirements

Students who are considering an academic program that may allow them to pursue professional licensure in another state are strongly encouraged to check that state’s information and contact the appropriate licensing agency for additional information and guidance before beginning the program.

Greenville Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.

Questions about the accreditation of Greenville Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Aircraft Maintenance Technology
Associate in Applied Science

This program, offered at the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center (formerly Donaldson Center), is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration as well as the Veterans Administration. Students are provided the technical, mechanical and academic skills required to become aircraft maintenance technicians. Successful completion qualifies students to take the FAA airframe and powerplant technician certification exams.

• An articulation agreement for a bachelor's degree in Aviation Maintenance Management is offered through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

AMT program details from our current catalog »

Aviation Airframe Structure/Systems
Certificate in Applied Science

This certificate introduces airframe-related subjects for all aircraft maintenance technicians. Topics include wood structures, sheet metal, bonded structures, assembly and rigging, environmental systems, utility and warning, hydraulics and pneumatics, landing gear, airframe electrical, airframe fuel systems, and airframe inspection.

Aviation Airframe Structure details from our current catalog »

Aviation Fundamentals
Certificate in Applied Science

This certificate introduces general aviation subjects related to all aircraft maintenance. Topics include mechanic privileges, limitations and forms documentation; math and physics; basic electricity; aircraft drawing; ground handling and servicing; and materials and corrosion control.

Aviation Fundamentals details from our current catalog »

Aviation Powerplant Theory/Systems
Certificate in Applied Science

This certificate introduces Powerplant-related subjects to aircraft maintenance technicians. Topics include lubrication, ignition and starting systems, turbine and reciprocating engines, propellers, electrical, instruments, fire protection, fuel systems and inspections.

Aviation Powerplant details from our current catalog »

Program Coordinator 
James Crocker | (864) 422-1762 | James.Crocker@gvltec.edu

Department Head
Carl Washburn | (864) 422-1762 | Carl.Washburn@gvltec.edu

Administrative Assistant
Kathy Brown | (864) 422-1762 | Kathy.Brown@gvltec.edu

Instructors

Carl Washburn
James Crocker
Russell Sanford
Mike Raper