Aviation Maintenance Technology - Certificate Programs
Airframe Mechanics and Powerplant Mechanics
Let your career take off through aircraft maintenance training at Eastern Florida State College’s Aviation Center — one of the nation's most affordable A&P school routes to obtaining FAA certification.
Aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) have the important responsibility of keeping aircraft and related equipment working safely and efficiently. Also called aviation or aircraft mechanics and avionics or service technicians, AMTs diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
The U.S. is facing a serious shortage of aviation mechanics, especially those with broad airframe and powerplant (A&P) training and skills. EFSC is helping to fill this need by training A&P-certified AMTs who are qualified to work on everything from rockets and other spacecraft to power turbines and of course airplanes and other aircraft.
EFSC is an FAA-certified Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School. Our full-time, selective admissions, cohort program includes two Career and Technical Certificates: Aviation Airframe Mechanics CTC and Aviation Powerplant Mechanics CTC. The timeframe to complete both certificates is two years.
Aviation Maintenance Technology - Certificate Programs
Program Overview
- Certificate Type
- Career and Technical Certificate (CTC)
- Delivery Method
- On-Campus
- Location
- Melbourne Airport
- Total Clock Hours
- 2,250 (Total for both certificates)
- Academic Community
- Industry/Manufacturing & Construction
- Contact Information
-
Delisa Layne, Advisor
Rick McKee
Email Program Advisor
321-433-5771
Aviation Programs Director
mckeer@easternflorida.edu
321-433-7527
Aviation Maintenance technology COURSE CURRICULUM
Through classroom instruction, hands-on A&P training, and real-world experience in our hangar, you’ll prepare for FAA written, oral, and practical certification exams leading to airframe and powerplant ratings.
The path to this FAA certification includes two clock hour certificates. Starting with 450 General Mechanics clock hours, followed by 900 Airframe clock hours and 900 Powerplant clock hours, EFSC’s training program helps you gain a solid education, broaden your knowledge of the commercial and general aviation industries, and develop valuable technical skills and knowledge.
The Completion Group 1 courses are listed on both CTCs, but must only be completed once to count toward both certificates. Based on prior experience, such as in the military or FAA approval, you might qualify to take only the Powerplant courses. In that situation, please contact the program advisor for personalized advising.
How to Apply: Aviation Maintenance Application & Selection Process
The Aviation Maintenance Technology program at Eastern Florida State College is limited access and requires a special application process for the Airframe and Powerplant certificate programs as explained in the accordion. Apply early as space is limited.
Upcoming Start Date & Application Deadline
Fall 2025 - Deadline: June 30, 2025
The Information Package includes detailed information about the special application process and program requirements.
Request the A&P Information Package
Because this is a limited access program with a special application process, it's important for prospective students to receive answers to any questions from the program advisor.
Delisa Layne, Advisor
Email Program Advisor
321-433-5771
Complete and properly submit the online application for general admission to Eastern Florida State College. There is a $30 non-refundable application fee for admission that must be submitted at the time of application to the college.
After you've applied, complete all general admissions requirements with the main EFSC Admissions office. Remember, once accepted as an EFSC students, you must still complete another Career and Technical application explained below.
Please note that application processing can take up to 14 days due to the current volume of applications. Check your email frequently for your acceptance letter.
NOTE: This step pertains ONLY to those students who are not currently enrolled with the college. If you’re a returning/readmit student who applied to EFSC one or more years ago and have not completed a course in the past year, you must re-apply and can do so online and will not be charged the general EFSC application fee.
If you are a new EFSC student, your general admissions acceptance letter and email will list admissions requirements that you must complete to avoid holds that would prevent you from registering for courses if accepted into the aviation maintenance program. You can also review how to complete these general requirements on EFSC's accepted students' page.
If you are an existing EFSC student, you need to verify that you do not have any holds that would prevent course registration if you are accepted into the program. Visit the Registration Holds webpage for details on how to check your EFSC Message Center for holds and how to clear them.
The math section of the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) is an application requirement. EFSC Assessment Center staff will determine if the reading and writing sections are also necessary.
Visit the TABE Testing web page for more information and how to prepare for and take the TABE at an EFSC Assessment Center.
Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMT) use cognitive, sensory and motor skills, such as coordination, and physical movement while performing AMT duties. EFSC students are held to these standards when participating in all lab projects. Review the program's Technical Performance Standards and information about potential accommodations.
The limited access application and support documents are required in addition to EFSC's general application and MUST be properly submitted by the application deadline. Be sure you have worked with the program advisor to request and review the Aviation Program Information Packet explained in the first section of the accordion.
After you have received your general EFSC Admissions Acceptance letter or if you are
a current EFSC student, complete the program application, which will require you to
log in through the Titan Sign In portal with your EFSC student email and password.
Career & Technical/Trades Application
Your general admissions acceptance letter will include your Student email and password
required to access your myEFSC account so you can log in and submit the limited access
Career Tech application.
If you need assistance with the online application or cannot register online, contact the program advisor for other arrangements.
Brief Costs & Financial Aid Eligibility
The estimated cost to earn both the Aviation Airframe Mechanic and Powerplant Mechanic certificates is just under $17,000 for Florida residents, compared to more than $40-$50,000 at other training programs. View the full estimated expenses list.
The certificates in the Aviation Maintenance Technology program are both eligible for Federal financial aid and Veterans educational benefits, plus students can apply for scholarships funded through the EFSC Foundation to help cover program costs.
Aviation Mechanics Courses You Would Take
This full-time, clock-hour program is located at EFSC’s Aviation Center at Melbourne International Airport. It consists of approximately 50% classroom lectures with the other 50% spent in the aviation maintenance shop and hangar learning hands-on skills. Classes are held Monday through Thursday from 8:15 AM to 4:35 PM in the fall, spring, and summer terms. Local housing information is available if you will be moving to the area for the program.
Introduces math, physics, human factors, ground handling & servicing, federal regulations, aircraft hardware, fluid lines & fittings, blueprints & more.
Learn the skills necessary for aircraft structural assembly & rigging. Provides an understanding of rotor-craft fundamentals, aircraft non-metallics, & aircraft electrical systems.
The fundamentals of reciprocating engines, their ignition systems, fuel, & induction systems. Also covers reciprocating engine, exhaust, cooling, and propeller systems.
This course introduces turbine engine removal, overhaul, installation, & operation, plus turbine engine inspection, troubleshooting, & maintenance.
Where can EFSC's Aviation Maintenance Technology program take you?
industry certification: FAA Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic
As a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) part 147 school, EFSC’s technician certificates meet the stringent requirements of the FAA. All instructors are FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certified mechanics. Students are encouraged to take each FAA certification test soon after completing the corresponding EFSC courses. A&P testing is available locally.
A well-paying Career Opportunity
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics was $65,380 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $38,270, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $98,590.
Our A&P training program graduates have been hired by aerospace companies, turbine-based power generation plants such as windmill farms, fixed-base operations (FBO), airlines, and manufacturer or FAA repair stations.
Add Management Skills Through an Associate Degree
Graduates of the Airframe and Powerplant certificate programs who wish to enhance their resume can apply for EFSC's Aviation Maintenance Administration Associate in Science degree program. Your certificates would represent 33 hours of articulated credit toward the A.S. so speak with an advisor about this option.
Additional Programs to Explore
In addition to the associate degree that you could move on to after completing the Aviation Mechanics CTCs, Eastern Florida has other hands-on training options you may want to explore as you consider applying for this program.