Aviation Maintenance Technology
Program Information
Questions and Feedback
 | For more program information or to ask other questions: |
| Contact: | Raymond Thomas |
| Email: | RThomas@scc.spokane.edu |
| Phone: | (509) 533-7320 or 1-800-248-5644 ext. 7320 |
Mail to: |
Spokane Community College
Aviation Dept. MS 1010
1810 N. Greene
Spokane, WA 99217-5399
|
The program is housed in two hangars built at Felts Field Airport specifically for this program. Hangar space includes large classrooms and
a wide variety of teaching aids including starters, carburetors, magnetos, landing gear components, and complete aircraft.
Students use aircraft parts and project boards to learn basics of electricity, hydraulics, air conditioning, and other aircraft systems.
They also gain a well-rounded education working with a variety of aircraft, from a Cessna 150, 310, 337, and 421 to a turbine-powered North
American T-39A Sabreliner. The program provides a limited opportunity for students to work on "live" aircraft - aircraft that will fly again.
This is an opportunity very few schools can offer.
Check out our new project at sccairframe.wetpaint.com
Once enrolled, students are required to provide a basic set of hand tools for use in the shop. Tools cost between $1,000 and $1,500. The Federal
Aviation Administration requires individuals to complete 1,900 hours of training at an FAA-certified school before they can take the FAA
certification exam for airframe and powerplant mechanics. (Airframe covers the aircraft structure, and powerplant covers the engines.) The
A&P license allows mechanics to work on any American registered aircraft from single-engine airplanes to large commercial jet aircraft.
SCC's curriculum, which is approved by the FAA, allows students to complete these requirements in six quarters. Students take approximately
20 credits each quarter and attend classes six hours a day, five days a week. They graduate with entry-level skills in the repair,
maintenance, inspection, and overhaul of aircraft components and systems.
All courses in this program meet FAA requirements. The program has three major sections:
- Basic electricity
- Weight and balance
- Aircraft drawings
- Fluid lines and fittings
- Materials and processes
- Ground operation and handling
- Cleaning and corrosion control
- Mathematics
- Maintenance form and records
- Basic physics and aerodynamics
- Maintenance publications
- Mechanic privileges and limitations
General
During the first 400 hours of the program, students receive a well-rounded education in general aviation mechanics. Instruction covers
basic aerodynamic principles, basic math, physics, electricity, general maintenance practices, and aircraft hardware. 50 percent of this
time is spent on hands-on shop experience.
- Wood structures
- Aircraft covering
- Aircraft finishes
- Sheet metal structures
- Welding
- Assembly and rigging
- Airframe inspection
- Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
- Landing gear systems
- Position and warning systems
- Cabin atmosphere control systems
- Aircraft instruments
- Communication and navigation systems
- Aircraft fuel systems
- Aircraft electrical systems
- Ice and rain control systems
- Fire protection systems
Aiframe
This section includes 750 required hours of instruction in airframe, with approximately 70 percent of this time being hands-on shop
experience. Students learn the basics of sheet metal repair, aircraft structural repair, and the maintenance of airframe systems
including hydraulics, air conditioning, oxygen, electrical, and pressurization.
- Reciprocating engines
- Turbine engines
- Engine inspection
- Engine instrument systems
- Engine electrical systems
- Lubrication systems
- Ignition systems
- Fuel metering systems
- Induction systems
- Fire protection and cooling systems
- Engine exhaust systems
- Propellers
Powerplant
The powerplant section also has 750 required hours with approximately 70 percent of it being hands-on shop experience.
2008-09 US Labor Dept Occupation Info