Our Aviation Systems Technology (AST) - Airframe 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. Emphasis is placed on general aviation and airframe maintenance.
The AST program also offers a degree and other 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 components, systems, and structures as allowed by FAA authority
- Repairing airframe 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
Diploma requirements
50 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
Take ACA-111 OR ACA-122. Semester Credit Hours: 16
| 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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| ACA-122 | 1 | ||
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This course provides information and strategies necessary to develop clear academic and professional goals beyond the community college experience. Topics include the CAA, college policies and culture, career exploration, gathering information on senior institutions, strategic planning, critical thinking, and communications skills for a successful academic transition. Upon completion, students should be able to develop an academic plan to transition successfully to senior institutions.
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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: 10
| 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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| ELE-001 | |||
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ELE-001 is a category of electives and not a specific course. Students must select from the approved Humanities/Fine Arts 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. ART-111, ART-114, ART-115, ENG-231, ENG-232, ENG-241, ENG-242, HUM-110, HUM-115, HUM-211, HUM-212, MUS-110, MUS-112, MUS-113, PHI-215, PHI-240, REL-110
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