Aviation Technology

Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)

About this program

Penn College is where a career in aviation technology takes flight. Here, you’ll learn alongside passionate and engaging faculty who bring years of experience. Explore complex theories and apply them in our 50,000-square-foot aviation center. This hands-on, technology-driven program will prepare you for your FAA Mechanical License. And when you’re done, you’ll be prepared to dive into lots of different technical positions from commercial aviation to manufacturing.  

Next steps...

You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.

100%

Overall Placement

FAA

Approved Repair Station

Hangar Facility Located at an Operational Airport

Careers

  • Maintenance technicians for commercial aviation 
  • General aviation 
  • Aviation repair stations 
  • Manufacturer’s services 
  • Helicopter technician
Courses

At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.

​​Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.

  • Aviation Practices I (AVI100)
  • Aviation Practices II (AVI105)
  • Aviation Fundamentals I (AVI110)
  • Aviation Fundamentals II (AVI115)
  • Aviation Science I (AVI120)
  • Aviation Basic Electricity I (AVI125)
  • Aircraft Reciprocating Engines (AVI140)
  • Aviation Science II (AVI130)
  • Aviation Basic Electricity II (AVI135)
  • Aircraft Turbine Engines (AVI145)
  • Aircraft Engine Fuel Metering Systems (AVI150)
  • Aircraft Engine Ignition Systems (AVI155)
  • Aircraft Engine Systems (AVI160)
  • Engine Electrical Systems (AVI165)
  • Aircraft Engine Troubleshooting & Inspection (AVI170)
  • Vintage Aircraft Structures (AVI200)
  • Sheet Metal Aircraft Structures (AVI205)
  • Composite Aircraft Structures (AVI210)
  • Airframe Systems I (AVI215)
  • Airframe Systems II (AVI220)
  • Rotary Wing Systems & Maintenance (AVI225)
  • Advanced Aircraft Electrical Systems (AVI230)
  • Airframe Electronic & Instrument Systems (AVI335)
  • Airframe Inspection (AVI340)

​Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.

  • Information, Technology & Society (CSC124) or
  • Cybersecurity for Non-IT Majors (CSC229)
  • Physics Survey (PHS103)
  • Core Applied Arts Perspective (AAP) or
  • Core Historical Perspective (HIP) or
  • Core Social Science Perspective (SSP) or
  • Core Arts Perspective (ARP) or
  • Core Global & Cultural Diversity Perspective (CDP)

​​Foundations are the practical, intellectual, and social skills: communication, collaboration, critical and ethical thinking, quantitative thinking, and technological literacy that are crucial to every student at every stage of education and at every stage of life.

  • English Composition I (ENL111)
  • College Algebra & Trigonometry I (MTH181)
  • English Composition II (ENL121) or
  • Technical & Professional Communication (ENL201) or
  • Speech Elective (SPC)
  • Information, Technology & Society (CSC124) or
  • Cybersecurity for Non-IT Majors (CSC229)
Aviation Center
Facilities

Aviation Center

Gain hands-on experience working on a fleet of College-owned aircraft in a licensed repair facility for private aircraft - preparing you for your FAA Mechanical License.

Maker Profiles
Tour Schedule

Seeing is believing.

Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.

Mar 1

Undergraduate Open House

Saturday, March 19 AM - 3 PM

Register

Apr 6

Undergraduate Open House

Sunday, April 69 AM - 3 PM

Register

More tour dates are on the way.

But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Need a different date?

Let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Contact

Admissions Office

Industry Partners

Work with experts to become an expert

Penn College's strong partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.

Lycoming logo
Member of Helicopter Association of International
Women in Aviation logo
SkyWest Airlines
Student Life

Stay active in and out of the classroom

PCT RC Club

PCT RC Club

Introduce the dynamics of aeronautics by applying theory to real life projects. These projects include RC builds; small and large scale, rocketry or anything that is designed to fly through the air.

Student Organizations at Penn College

Student Organizations at Penn College

Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.

Penn College News
11.18.2024

Dreams soar, thanks to scholarships

On the second day of "Give Thanks, Paw It Forward," the gratitude campaign highlighting Penn College students' appreciation for the support they've received during their academic journeys, Lauren D. Peck's inspiring story takes flight. A member of the Air National Guard, this aviation maintenance technology student from South Williamsport is eager to discuss the transformative impact of giving.

10.20.2024

October's recruitment harvest continues

The October harvest of internship and job opportunities continues for Pennsylvania College of Technology students. Through the end of the month, five program-specific Recruitment Days are on tap, offering exciting possibilities to discuss internships and full- and part-time jobs.

10.08.2024

President Reed addresses state aviation conference

Michael J. Reed, president of Pennsylvania College of Technology, addressed the Opening General Session of the 44th annual conference of the Aviation Council of Pennsylvania, held Tuesday at the Holiday Inn Williamsport. Delivering the keynote address at the session was Michael B. Carroll, state secretary of transportation.

Gain global experience
Study Abroad

Gain global experience

See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.

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Internship

Your knowledge in practice

Internships are key for career preparation. Apply your knowledge to the workplace and learn about the industry first-hand.

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Our Leadership

Faculty Story

Aviation instructor sails to World Gliding Championships

Using the power of the atmosphere, glider pilot Michael R. Robison, a Penn College aviation instructor, soars among world-class competitors.

LEARN MORE

More Information

Certification: Federal Aviation Administration, approved under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 147.

The following grading system is applied to all AVI-designated courses. There is no rounding of grades.

A = 90 – 100
B = 80 – 89.99
C = 72 – 79.99
D = 70 – 71.99
F = 69.99 and below

View general transfer information

View the Aviation Technology Tool List

Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store.

Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.

Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.

  • Mr. James Brady, '85, Senior Manager, Quality Control, United Airlines
  • Mr. Christopher Burns, Director, Maintenance, Polari's Aviation Solution
  • Mr. Bradley T Cole, '07, '09, Supervisor, Maintenance, Corning Incorporated
  • Mr. Linh Do, '09, Aircraft Maintenance Lead Air Transportation Department, Air Products
  • Mr. Robert Evans, Training & Safety Director, Compliance Officer, Sterling Helicopter
  • Mr. Darrell Frey, President/CEO, New World Aviation
  • Mr. Christopher Gayman, '09, '10, Supervisor of Product Support, Lycoming Engines
  • Mr. Jeffery Gazey, '02, Director, Aviation Maintenance, Geisinger Health System
  • Mr. Joel A Glover, Director, Maintenance, Advanced Lancaster LP
  • Mr. Franklin A Hartman, '85, Delivery Manager, Airbus Airlines, Final Assembly Line
  • Mr. William Hertz, '95, CASS Manager, Jet Aviation Flight Services, Inc.
  • Mr. Brian Katherman, '10, Manager Aviation Support, The Hershey Company
  • Mr. George F McKinney, Sr., Vice President, Air-Parts of Lock Haven, Inc.
  • Mr. Kevin Pannebakker, '12, Aircraft Mechanic, Classic Services, Inc.
  • Mr. Aaron Phillips, '06, Aircraft Technician, Pfizer Inc.
  • Mr. Douglas R Phillips, '12, Maintenance Manager, Executive Jet Management
  • Mr. William Snyder, '70, Federal Aviation Administration, Retired
  • Mr. S. Michael Vennie, Senior Director Technical Operations, Bighorn Airways, Inc.
  • Mr. Andrew D Zook, '02, '07, Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor, Air Products and Chemicals
  • Career Fair Connections

    Career Fair Connections

    Penn College graduates are in high demand. Employer participation at the Career Fair is proof. Attracting 400+ organizations, this popular event is hosted twice per year and introduces students to all types of businesses from startups to Fortune 500 companies. 

    Learn More About Career Fair