College of Technology - Building Unlimited Career Opportunities
100% of our 2009 graduates were employed in related jobs.
Aircraft Maintenance Program Information
Program Options & Length:
- Program begins in August
- Program length is 2 1/2 to 5 semesters
- Admits 22 students each year
- Typical classroom hours are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5 days per week
- Summer Session - mandatory
Program Description
The field of Aircraft Maintenance has a huge, largely unfilled demand. Aircraft Technicians perform all types of maintenance on airplanes, helicopters, gliders and balloons. They inspect, maintain and repair airframes, power plants, and the respective systems and components of various makes and models of aircraft. Technicians may overhaul and alter aircraft in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations and guidelines. Technicians need a high degree of interpersonal skills as they interact regularly with aircraft owners and other maintenance personnel.
Based on regular scheduling, mechanics inspect the engines, landing gear, controls, instruments, structure and other parts of the plane and perform necessary repairs and adjustments. They are trained to disassemble the engine and check the parts for wear using sensitive measurement instruments. Worn or defective parts are repaired or replaced. Technicians may also repair aircraft fabric and sheet metal surfaces; measure the tension of control cables; or check for rust, distortion, and cracks in the fuselage and wings. They perform the maintenance or repairs as needed according to detailed Federal or Manufacturer's specifications. All inspections, maintenance and repairs are documented in the planes aircraft maintenance records.
Technicians are schooled in airframe related welding, aircraft structural design, hardware, electrical, hydraulic, as well as heating and air conditioning systems. Engine education encompasses both reciprocating and turbine design and operation.
Certificates & Degrees
- Technical Certificate Airframe
- Advanced Technical Certificate Powerplant (includes Airframe)
- Associate of Applied Science Degree Airframe and Powerplant
Admission Steps
- Complete an application for admission and pay fees online. Be sure to click on the Professional Technical Application and select your program choice. * If you are applying for the Associate Degree Registered Nurse program, the Respiratory Therapy program or a bachelor's degree offered through the College of Technology, go to the Undergraduate Application.
- High school graduation or GED is required. Submit an official copy of your high school transcript or GED scores (Not required if you have submitted proof of 14 or more academic credits from an accredited institution of higher education).
- Submit an official college transcript from each accredited institution of higher education that you have attended.
- Either COMPASS or ACT scores.
- Complete the COMPASS placement test. This test enables us to place
you in the appropriate classes to enhance your success in college.
or - Submit ACT scores, (valid for seven years from date of testing).
- Complete the COMPASS placement test. This test enables us to place
you in the appropriate classes to enhance your success in college.
- Meet with one of the College of Technology advisors to finalize your acceptance. To make an appointment, call (208)282-2622.
- Apply for Financial Aid if needed. Questions — call (208)282-2756.
Note: Some programs have additional admission criteria. Contact Student Services at 208-282-2622 for assistance.
Career Opportunities
100% of 2009 graduates were employed in related jobs
- National and regional airlines
- Airports, flying fields and aircraft servicers
- Aerospace product and parts manufacturers
- Federal Government Agencies
- Charter airlines
- Median income in Idaho is $40,250 and nationally, $47,310 in this field*
- About 450 aircraft mechanics work in this occupation in Idaho*
* Idaho Career Information Systems data
All AAS degrees will articulate into the Bachelor of Applied Technology.
Cost of Attendance
Fees apply to the current Idaho State University fee schedule which includes mandatory student health insurance. Students with existing health insurance coverage may waive student health insurance. Waivers are available at http://www.isu.edu/stuhlth/insurance/.
Additional program, equipment, and book costs are listed here.
Paying for College
You may apply for financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans to help finance your college education. When you pay registration fees, you are a student of Idaho State University with the privileges and responsibilities of a college student.
Affirmative Action, ADA & Equal Employment Opportunity at ISU
Idaho State University subscribes to the principles and laws of the State of Idaho and the federal government, including applicable executive orders
pertaining to civil rights. All rights, privileges, and activities of the University are made available without regard to race, creed, color, sex, age, disability, national origin or veteran status. The University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Evidence of practices that are not consistent with such a policy should be reported to:
Joyce Hammond-Perry J.D.
Affirmative Action Director
Rendezvous Complex 157 Stop 8315
(208) 282-3973
ADA Policy Statement
Idaho State University is committed to equal opportunity in education for all students, including those with documented disabilities. If you have a diagnosed disability or if you believe that you have a disability that might require reasonable accomodation, please contact:
Dennis J. Toney,
ADA Disabilities and Resource Center Director
Graveley Hall 123 Box 8121
E-mail tonedenn@isu.edu
208-282-3599
