Associate Degree in Aviation Mechanics

The always challenging and changing field of aviation mechanics requires advanced mechanical skills, grace under pressure, patience,and advanced problem solving skills. An associate degree in aviation mechanics is without a doubtthe first step on the path to this career field.

An Associate Degree in Automotive Maintenance Technology overview

An associate degree program in automotive maintenance technology is designed to provide students with the technical skills and knowledge to perform routine maintenance, repair, and diagnose on all models and makes of automobiles. The degree focuses on both hands-on practice and classroom instruction. By the time students are graduated from the degree program, they will be perfectly qualified for entry level positions in independent auto repair shops, fleet services, transmission shops, or car dealerships.

Typical Courses

Additionally to preparing students to enter the workforce, the curriculum for an A.A.S. in aviation maintenance technology is also going to prepare graduates to pass the exam for ASE certification, required by the majority of employers. Courses are listed below:

• Braking Systems
• Automotive Electrical Systems
• Automatic Transmissions
• Automotive Heating and Cooling
• Manual Transmissions
• Engines and Engine Performance
• Automotive Service Procedures
• Steering, Alignment, and Suspension

Additionally, a large amount programs requires either an internship or some other kind of prior to graduation field experience.

Obtained Skills

Students will learn the following skills during obtaining a degree in automotive maintenance technology:

• Communication skills
• Customer service
• Making repair estimates
• Diagnosing and repairing brake problems
• Solving automotive problems
• Taking precise measurements of engines and other components
• Repairing and diagnosing transmission, mechanical, and electrical problems

Career and Salary Related Information

An associate’s degree in automotive maintenance technology is designed to  prepare students to take the ASE certification exam as well as to obtain employment in a wide range of settings. As aviation technology is becoming more and more complex, familiarity with the newest features in the industry and formal training are going to be very important. Formally trained candidates are actively looked for by employers.

According to www.acinet.org, the median salary for an automotive technician is $33,800. Those technicians working for auto dealerships and local governments tend to earn more than those working in other settings. Typically, technicians working at dealerships earn a commission for their work additionally to a guaranteed salary every week.

Since employers report having difficulty in finding qualified employees, the outlook for candidates with formal training in automotive maintenance technology is very optimistic. This field, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, is expected to have firm average growth as the amount of multi-car families increases. Employing companies will also need to fill the void left by retiring mechanics and technicians.

Colleges Offering Associate Degree in Aviation Mechanics

Colleges are usually offering two programs in aviation mechanics: a certificate in aviation mechanics and an associate’s degree in aviation maintenance. The student should make sure that the Federal Aviation Administration recognizes the program they have chosen. Students must complete a minimum number of training hours involving practical and theoretical learning for certificate programs. An associate’s degree requires two years of full-time study. Several colleges in the area offer approved programs, while Los Angeles has only one FAA-approved aviation mechanics program.

West Los Angeles College

West Los Angeles College is offering certificates in aviation for airframe maintenance technicians and aircraft power plant technicians and an associate’s degree for aviation maintenance technicians. The certificate programs is created to prepare students to pass the FAA’s power plant and airframe mechanic certification exam. The college’s aviation maintenance training program began in 1947 at the Los Angeles Airport College Center. The program features evening-only classes as of 2011.

San Bernardino Valley College

Being the part of the aeronautics department, the power plant and airframe program at San Bernardino Valley College is created to prepare students to complete one of four certificates: avionics; airframe and power plant; power plant; or airframe. The program includes an associate of science degree in power plant and airframe technology on the way to a certificate. Students learn via practical experience with engines and aircraft systems as well as theoretical instruction. Graduated mechanics who complete the program are going to be be ready to earn an FAA certificate in airframe and power plant, power plant, or airframe maintenance.