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.
  • Course and program fees which cover shop materials and supplies and are paid each semester. These will vary based on the program and registered courses.
  • Textbooks, tools (see required tool list below), and work shirts are also required.

Aviation Maintenance Technology A.A.S.

First Year Fall Semester - General
Course # Title
AVMT100 Introduction to Aviation Maintenance/Mathematics and Basic Physics
AVMT105 Basic Electricity
AVMT110 Aircraft Drawings/Weight and Balance
AVMT115 Materials and Processes/Fluid Lines and Fittings/Cleaning and Corrosion Control
AVMT120 Ground Operation and Servicing
AVMT125 Maintenance Publications/Forms & Records/Mechanic Privileges & Limitations
AVMT130 Basic Aerodynamics
M111T Technical Mathematics
First Year Spring Semester - Airframe
Course # Title
AVMT135 Assembly & Rigging/Airframe Inspection
AVMT140 Sheet Metal
AVMT145 Composites and Plastics
AVMT150 Wood Structures
AVMT175 Aircraft Electric Systems
AVMT187 Aircraft Instrumental Systems/Comm and Nav Systems
COMX106 Communications in a Dynamic Workplace
First Year Summer Semester - Airframe
Course # Title
AVMT155 Aircraft Covering and Finishes
AVMT160 Aircraft Welding
AVMT165 Hydraulic and Pneumatic Power Systems
AVMT170 Aircraft Landing Gear Systems/Positions
AVMT180 Aircraft Fuel Sys/Fire Protection/Ice and Rain Control Systems
AVMT185 Cabin Atmosphere Control Systems
Second Year Fall Semester - Powerplant
Course # Title
AVMT225 Reciprocating Engine Systems
AVMT230 Reciprocating Engine Overhaul
AVMT240 Engine Instrument Systems
AVMT250 Engine Fire Protection Systems
Second Year Spring Semester - Powerplant
Course # Title
AVMT235 Turbine Engines and Systems 1
AVMT237 Turbine Engines and Systems 2
AVMT245 Engine Electrical Systems/Auxiliary Power Unit
AVMT255 Propellers and Unducted Fans

Aviation Maintenance Technology Tool Set

$2,000 - $3,000 (Approximately)

Students need to get their tools as soon as possible. The following are the minimum tools required for the aviation maintenance student.

  1. Tool Storage (lockable toolbox etc.)
  2. ¼ Drive Bit Adapter (Screw Driver Bit Adapter)
  3. OSHA Approved Respirator with Organic Vapor Cartridge
  4. Screw Driver Set (Philips and common)
  5. Fresh Air Breathing Mask SAS 9813-70 or 71
  6. Screw Driver Bits with extra #2 Phillip Bits
  7. Dust Mask
  8. Pick Set (straight and 90°)
  9. Safety Glasses/Safety Goggles
  10. Feeler Gauges (.008”-.035”)
  11. Hearing Protection (Muff Type)
  12. Gasket Scraper (Razor Blade type preferred)
  13. Leather Gloves Mechanics/Welding
  14. Standard Allen Wrench Set (Hex Key)
  15. 4 gb or larger thumb drive
  16. Hacksaw with spare Blades
  17. Calculator
  18. Automatic Center Punch
  19. 3 Fine Point Sharpie Markers
  20. Tire Air Gauge
  21. Digital Multi Meter
  22. Tire Valve Core Remover
  23. Flash Light
  24. Tire Air Chuck
  25. Inspection Mirror
  1. Air Blower Nozzle (Air Gun, rubber tip preferred)
  2. 6” Steel Ruler
  3. 8’’ Flat Mill File (optional)
  4. Sliding Combination Square (12”)
  5. 8’’ Round “Rat Tail File” (optional)
  6. Diagonal Side Cutters
  7. 8” or 10” Curved Vixen File (optional)
  8. Small Flush Cut, Diagonal Side Cutters
  9. File Handle (if not supplied with files)
  10. Wire Terminal Crimper (Aviation Grade Ratcheting Type)
  11. Needle File Kit
  12. Wire Strippers (Aviation Grade)
  13. 45 Punch Set (center punch, small chisel, assorted flat)
  14. Pliers Set- Needle Nose, Straight Jaw, Channel Lock and Duck Bill Pliers
  15. 16 oz. Ball Peen Hammer
  16. 6 or 8” Safety Wire Pliers Reversible
  17. 16 oz. Soft faced Mallet (dead blow preferred)
  18. Snap Ring Pliers (.038”, .047”, .070” tip size)
  19. Dial Caliper (6” non-digital)
  20. 10’’ Crescent Wrench
  21. Pencil Soldering Iron (pointed tip) (Optional butane)
  22. Box End/Open End Wrench Set (Combination Wrench) ¼” to 1” including 11/32’’
  23. 3/8’’ drive, 6-Point Socket Set with Ratchet and Extensions
  24. 1/4’’ drive, 12 Point Socket Set (Deep and Shallow) with Ratchet, Extensions and Universal Adapter (Fire Tooth Ratchet preferred)
  25. 3 Uniform Shirts
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