Aviation Maintenance Technology

The wild blue...

Are you detail oriented? Do you enjoy understanding how machines work? A career in Aviation Maintenance could be what you are looking for. It is a great responsibility to keep airplanes in a safe condition to fly.

Our hangar sits at the edge of the Helena Regional Airport and our instructors provide quality, meaningful instruction – both hands-on and in the classroom. Successful completion of the program prepares and qualifies students for the Federal Aviation Administration’s tests to obtain an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic license. With this training, a technician will be prepared for employment in many different occupations in the aviation industry including: fixed base operations, repair stations, commuter airlines, air cargo, aircraft restoration, flight schools and aerial firefighting, to name a few.
Complete program and go right into a career as an aviation maintenance technician or use your degree as a stepping stone to a career in aerospace engineering.

What you’ll learn

The mission of the Aviation Maintenance Technology program at Helena College is to provide entry-level technicians who are trained in the fundamentals of aircraft maintenance with respect to general aviation and the light utility helicopter industry. Satisfactory completion of the program prepares and qualifies students for the Federal Aviation Administration tests to obtain an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic license. Completion of the program will also give the student the necessary job skills to gain employment in the aircraft industry. The Aviation Maintenance Technology program is approved and licensed by the FAA and requires five semesters of study to complete the course.

Upon successful completion of this program, a student will be able to:

• Read and interpret Federal Aviation Regulations, aircraft service manuals, directives and bulletins to properly complete aircraft maintenance and repairs
• Prepare logbook entries and prepare proper documentation for the repairs completed on an aircraft

• Complete proper jacking procedures, ground handling and servicing on aircraft
• Prepare weight and balance computations and properly prepare the required documentation
• Evaluate sheet metal, composite structure, fabric covering and structural damage and prepared and complete the required repairs in accordance with approved repair procedures
• Complete repair and maintenance on various airframe components and systems
• Complete repair and maintenance on aircraft reciprocating and turbine engines
• Return an aircraft to service after maintenance and repair
• Inspect, remove and install non-repairable items such as propellers and aircraft instruments

Program cost

Students should budget for the following costs:

• Tuition and fees which are based on the number of registered credit hours, and are paid each semester.
• The aviation program has a program fee of $50 per semester as well as fees attached to some courses. These fees cover shop materials and supplies and are paid each semester.
• Textbooks, tools (see required tool list below), and work shirts are also required.

Aviation Maintenance Technology A.A.S.