Aviation Maintenance Technology
Aviation Maintenance Technicians, also known as aircraft (A&P) mechanics, are responsible for keeping aircraft in peak condition. They perform regularly scheduled inspections and maintenance, as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Besides routine maintenance and inspections, work for Aviation Maintenance Technicians involves repairs, replacement of parts, use of precision tools, troubleshooting for potential problems and finally testing of equipment following repairs to ensure that work has been done properly and within prescribed safety limits. At large facilities or in aircraft assembly plants, many technicians specialize in preventative maintenance and in specific parts of the maintenance process. At smaller facilities, technicians are required to work on many types of aircraft and must be able to do all phases of the maintenance process. Typically, technicians are FAA certified, which requires a certain number of hands-on hours as well as classroom hours in a program such as the one offered by EvCC. EvCCs Aviation Maintenance Technology program has been operating on Paine Field more than 40 years and is FAA Part 147 approved, under FAA Air Agency Certificate EU9T125R. The program provides the background knowledge and practical shop experience to qualify for an FAA Aircraft Maintenance Technician Certificate, with the Airframe and Powerplant rating. The curriculum meets or exceeds the minimum number of hours required by CFR Part 147 for airframe and powerplant mechanics.The Aviation Maintenance Technician Program is located at Paine Field, Everett, Washington. The program is eight quarters and follows the college academic calendar year, including summer quarters with classes and labs meeting daily. Students enter the program in Fall Quarter. If a student has an Airframe license, they may be able to enter Winter Quarter on a space available basis. Classes in Airframe and Powerplant Technology provide experience in such areas as engine and accessory overhaul and operation, airframe repair, maintenance and inspection procedures.