It takes a team of highly skilled aircraft technicians on the ground to keep America’s top pilots in the air. Our Aviation Systems Technology (AST) program will provide you with hands-on training in a wide variety of military and civilian aircraft. You’ll become familiar with a complete array of aircraft systems, from nose to tail.
As you progress, you will become eligible to test for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications in both Airframe and Powerplant (A&P). The A&P certification can be a very valuable credential to have when seeking employment in military or civilian aviation. Our program prepares you for the written, oral, and practical A&P examinations administered by the FAA. The program takes four semesters plus two summer school sessions to complete. Let your career take flight today.
The AST program also offers diploma options.
Aviation Systems Technology Training for Military
Craven Community College has a specialized training program for students who have prior military aircraft maintenance experience. Through our Workforce Development program, students can take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) General/Airframe and FAA General/Powerplant certification exams.
Skills You’ll Learn
The Aviation Systems Technology program is focused on job-related skills in the following areas:
- Inspecting airframe and powerplant components, systems, and structures as allowed by FAA authority
- Repairing airframe and powerplant components, systems, and structures within the prescribed limits as allowed by FAA authority
- Demonstrating proper documentation of maintenance, servicing, and repair records as required by FAA standards and authority
Career Opportunities
There are many employment opportunities for Aviation Systems Technology graduates, including:
- Air carriers
- Aircraft manufacturers
- Fixed base operators
- Flight schools
- Government aviation operations
- Repair stations
- View more career opportunities
Degree requirements
92 Credit Hours
The following suggested schedule is based on full-time enrollment. For information about prerequisites and corequisites, please refer to the catalog.
Courses in this program
Semester Credit Hours: 19. WBL-112 or WBL-113 may be substituted for CIS-110.
| Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
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| AVI-110 | 15 | ||
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This course introduces general subjects related to all aspects of aircraft maintenance. Topics include mechanic privileges/limitations; math and physics; basic electricity; aircraft drawings; maintenance forms; fluid lines/fittings; weight and balance; corrosion control; and ground operations. Upon completion, students should be prepared to pass the FAA knowledge, oral, and practical exams for the general portion of the mechanic's certificate with either the airframe or powerplant ratings.
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| ACA-111 | 1 | ||
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This course introduces the college's physical, academic, and social environment and promotes the personal development essential for success. Topics include campus facilities and resources; policies, procedures, and programs; study skills; and life management issues such as health, self-esteem, motivation, goal-setting, diversity, and communication. Upon completion, students should be able to function effectively within the college environment to meet their educational objectives.
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| CIS-110 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces computer concepts including fundamental functions and operations of the computer. Topics include identification of hardware components, basic computer operations, security issues, and use of software applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers and use the computer to solve problems.
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Semester Credit Hours: 15
| Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVI-120 | 12 | ||
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This course covers airframe structures, systems, and components with an emphasis on the different types of aircraft construction and repair methods. Topics include aircraft non-metallic (composite), sheet metal, and wood structures; welding; covering and finishes (dope and fabric); assembly and rigging; and communication and navigation systems. Students should gain the knowledge and skills in these areas to prepare them for the airframe rating for the FAA mechanic's certificate.
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| ENG-111 | 3 | ||
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This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English.
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Semester Credit Hours: 9
| Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVI-130 | 9 | ||
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This course deals entirely with airframe systems and components. Topics include aircraft, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, landing gear, position, warning, and fuel systems. Upon completion of the course, the student should be prepared to pass the applicable portions of the knowledge, oral, and practical tests of the airframe rating for the FAA mechanic's certificate.
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Semester Credit Hours: 19; Take ENG-112 or ENG-114
| Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVI-230 | 7 | ||
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In this final course of the airframe series, the emphasis is on systems and components, culminating with the airframe inspection portion of the course. In addition to the inspection aspects, instrument, cabin environmental control, fire, protection, and ice and rain control systems are covered. The student should be prepared to take the applicable portions of the written, oral, and practical examination for the airframe rating on the FAA mechanic's certificate.
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| AVI-240 | 6 | ||
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This first course in the powerplant series covers theoretical and practical aspects of the two major types of aircraft propulsion systems, piston and jet engines. Auxiliary power units are also covered, including their relationship to the systems they operate. Upon completion, the student should be knowledgeable of aircraft engines to include maintenance and operation at the level required by the FAA to qualify for a powerplant rating on a mechanic's certificate.
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| ENG-114 | 3 | ||
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This course, the second in a series of two, is designed to teach professional communication skills. Emphasis is placed on research, listening, critical reading and thinking, analysis, interpretation, and design used in oral and written presentations. Upon completion, students should be able to work individually and collaboratively to produce well-designed business and professional written and oral presentations.
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| ELE-002 | |||
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ELE-002 is a category of electives and not a specific course. Students must select from the approved Social/Behavioral Electives for General Education courses for AAS Programs listed below as indicated under degree requirements. Lecture, Lab, Clinical, and Credit Hours are determined by the course selected.
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| ENG-112 | 3 | ||
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This course, the second in a series of two, introduces research techniques, documentation, styles, and writing strategies. Emphasis is placed on analyzing information and ideas and incorporating research findings into documented writing and research projects. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate and synthesize information from primary and secondary sources using documentation appropriate to various disciplines.
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Semester Credit Hours: 18. It is recommended to take MAT-151 or MAT-171 for students wishing to transfer to the university system.
| Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAT-110 | 3 | ||
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This course provides an activity-based approach that develops measurement skills and mathematical literacy using technology to solve problems for non-math intensive programs. Topics include unit conversions and estimation within a variety of measurement systems; ratio and proportion; basic geometric concepts; financial literacy; and statistics including measures of central tendency, dispersion, and charting of data. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the use of mathematics and technology to solve practical problems, and to analyze and communicate results.
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| AVI-250 | 15 | ||
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This course emphasizes engine systems and components. Topics include engine instruments and fire protection, electrical, lubrication, fuel, ignition, starting, and fuel metering systems. Students completing this course should be capable of passing appropriate portions of the FAA knowledge, oral, and practical tests for the powerplant rating.
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Semester Credit Hours: 12
| Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
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| AVI-260 | 9 | ||
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This final course of the powerplant series covers engine systems and components; propellers and unducted fans; and induction, airflow, cooling, exhaust, and reverser systems. The course culminates with engine inspections. The student should be prepared to pass the applicable portions of the knowledge, oral, and practical exams for the powerplant rating at the completion of this course.
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| HUM-110 | 3 | ||
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This course considers technological change from historical, artistic, and philosophical perspectives and its effect on human needs and concerns. Emphasis is placed on the causes and consequences of technological change. Upon completion, students should be able to critically evaluate the implications of technology.
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