Aviation Maintenance Technology
About this program
Today’s aircraft are sophisticated and complex. Tomorrow’s will be even more. At Penn College, you’ll learn the technical skills to repair the aircraft we have now, plus those we’ll see in the future. And our hands-on approach to learning means lots of hours in the lab. Testing and troubleshooting theories. Learning how to fix integrated mechanical and electronic systems. All this training pays off when it comes time to take your FAA Mechanical License test and launch the career of your dreams.
Careers
- Aviation technician with major airlines
- Commuter airlines
- Fixed-base operators
- Aerospace subcontractors
- Aircraft manufacturers
- The Federal Aviation Administration
- 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)
- Information, Technology & Society (CSC124) or
- Cybersecurity for Non-IT Majors (CSC229)
- 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)
- Avionics & Radio Communications (AVC315)
- Avionics & Radio Communication Applications (AVC316)
- Dependent & Autonomous Navigation Systems (AVC325)
- Dependent Navigation Systems Applications (AVC326)
- Human Error in Aviation Technology (AVC322)
- Proven Aviation Credential (AVC304)
- Avionics Auxiliary Systems (AVC405)
- Avionics Auxiliary Systems Applications (AVC406)
- Senior Project Proposal (AVC493)
- Avionics Integration Management (AVC450)
- Networking I (EET145)
- Aviation Capstone Internship (AVI492) or
- Aviation Capstone Project (AVC497)
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.
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.
- Information, Technology & Society (CSC124) or
- Cybersecurity for Non-IT Majors (CSC229)
- College Algebra & Trigonometry I (MTH181)
- English Composition I (ENL111)
- English Composition II (ENL121) or
- Technical & Professional Communication (ENL201)
- Speech Elective (SPC)
- Statistics for STEM Fields with Computer Applications (MTH161)
Next steps...
You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.
Featured Video
Your Class in 60 Seconds
Dive into what it takes to be an aviation technician with this snapshot of the AVI135 Basic Electricity II course. Hour by hour, through hands-on activities and engaging classroom discussions, ideas that were mere concepts solidify into reality. In state-of-the-art labs, students train with equipment used by the pros. They even build their own pocket-sized oscilloscopes to visualize electrical signals.
Maker Profiles
Student
Kate Ruggiero
Aviation
She’s blazing her way in a field that’s not typically dominated by women. But that’s not going to stop her. Nothing will.
Student
David Coder
Aviation
A passion for flight leads David toward a degree in aviation maintenance technology.
Faculty
Matthew Krepps
Aviation
From the moment he looked under the hood of his first car at age 16, Matt was hooked.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Related Programs
Follow your passion
Student Life
Stay active in and out of the classroom
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
Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.
Penn College News
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Spring 2025 magazine features feats
Friday, February 28, 2025
Aviation students see 'Constellation' of opportunities
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
College, Lycoming Engines host state labor & industry secretary
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.
Internship
Your knowledge in practice
Internships are key for career preparation. Apply your knowledge to the workplace and learn about the industry first-hand.
More Information
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
Penn College students who complete the certificate in Aviation Maintenance Technician can apply 61 credits toward the Aviation Maintenance Technology degree. Penn College students who earn the associate’s degree in Aviation Technology can apply 79 credits toward the Aviation Maintenance Technology degree. Students from other institutions with an aviation-related degree or certificate will have their transcripts evaluated by Penn College officials prior to acceptance into the major. This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see https://www.pct.edu/admissions/transfer/transferring-credits). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.
View the Aviation Maintenance 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. Trevor Schaeffer, 2017, Aircraft Crew Chief, Pfizer, Inc.
- 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