This is a non-credit program. Enrollment in PCC is not required.
Pueblo Corporate College
Gorsich Advanced Technology Center, Room 201B
719-549-3320
technology@pueblocc.edu
Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT)
Is this program right for me?
People who do well in an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT)/Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) career like working with their hands and understanding how machines work. They are curious, practical problem-solvers who enjoy taking things apart, fixing them, and putting them back together the right way. Successful technicians are detail-oriented, patient, and safety-minded—they follow instructions and checklists carefully, double-check their work, and understand that the quality of their work affects real people and real flights.
In terms of interests and school subjects, strong fits often enjoy classes like math, science (especially physics), and any hands-on courses such as shop, automotive, welding, robotics, or engineering technology. Reading and writing skills also matter, because technicians read manuals, follow procedures, and complete maintenance records. Whether you’re a high school student or an adult learner, if you like solving mechanical problems, working on engines or equipment, staying organized, and being part of a team that takes pride in doing precise, reliable work, a Part 147 AMT/A&P program could be a great pathway for you.
What will I learn?
PCC’s Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT)/Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) program prepares students to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair aircraft safely and professionally. The program emphasizes real-world, hands-on training in aircraft systems and structures, aligned with FAA Part 147 requirements. Students learn to inspect, service, and repair airframes and powerplants while building strong habits in safety, documentation, and teamwork.
Key areas of emphasis include:
- General: basic electricity, materials and processes, ground operations, regulations, and maintenance practices
- Airframe: structures, sheet metal, hydraulics/pneumatics, landing gear, flight controls, environmental and electrical systems
- Powerplant: reciprocating and turbine engines, fuel and ignition systems, propellers, engine inspection and troubleshooting
Upon successful completion of the program, students earn a Certificate of Completion. The certificate, along with documented training hours, qualifies participants to sit for the FAA Airframe and/or Powerplant certification exams. Graduates will gain the knowledge and competencies required to perform as entry-level Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMTs). They will be able to read and use maintenance manuals, interpret technical drawings and wiring diagrams, follow FAA regulations, and apply standard troubleshooting methods to real aircraft systems.
PCC’s program is distinctive because it is competency-based rather than strictly time-based. Instead of advancing only after a set number of hours, students progress as they demonstrate mastery of each required skill and knowledge area. Motivated learners can move more quickly through material they grasp well, potentially completing the program faster than at traditional time-based schools, while still meeting all required standards.
Sample Syllabus:
- Aviation maintenance regulations and documentation
- Basic safety, human factors, and safety culture
- Tools, measuring devices, and shop practices
- Basic electricity and circuits
- Corrosion control, cleaning, and materials/fasteners
- Aircraft structures, sheet metal layout, cutting, and riveting
- Non-metallic structures and basic composites
- Inspection methods and structural repair practices
- Landing gear systems, wheels, tires, and brakes
- Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
- Environmental systems (heating, cooling, pressurization)
- Airframe electrical systems, wiring practices, connectors
- Lighting, indication, and basic avionics interfaces (introductory)
- Flight controls and rigging fundamentals
- Ice and rain protection systems
- Reciprocating engine construction and operating principles
- Engine lubrication and cooling systems
- Fuel, induction, and ignition systems
- Exhaust and propeller basics
- Engine inspections, troubleshooting, and run-up procedures
- Turbine engine theory and components
- Turbine fuel and control systems
- Engine instrumentation and monitoring
- Propellers and governors
- Engine removal/installation and performance checks
- Integrated troubleshooting scenarios across airframe and powerplant
- Logbook entries and maintenance records
- Review of FAA regulations applicable to AMTs
- FAA A&P written, oral, and practical exam preparation
- Final competency demonstrations and sign-offs
Career Information
An Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) / Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) program prepares students for careers that focus on keeping aircraft safe, reliable, and airworthy. Most graduates start as aircraft mechanics or aviation maintenance technicians working for airlines, regional carriers, repair stations (MROs), corporate flight departments, or general aviation shops. With experience, they can move into roles such as lead technician, inspector, maintenance supervisor, or shop manager. Some also branch into related areas like avionics support (working alongside avionics techs), manufacturing/overhaul facilities, or eventually into training and management.
Typical career paths include:
- Aircraft / Aviation Maintenance Technician (A&P mechanic)
- Airframe mechanic or Powerplant mechanic (if holding one rating first)
- Repair station / MRO technician (overhaul, structures, engines, components)
- Corporate / business aviation mechanic
- Helicopter maintenance technician
- Maintenance lead, inspector, or quality control technician (with experience)
According to wage data for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians in Colorado from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual wage is around $75,000 (roughly $36/hour), with typical ranges from about $47,000 at the entry level to $98,000+ for highly experienced technicians, depending on employer and region 1920. Other sources such as Glassdoor and CareerExplorer show similar averages in the $72,000–$76,000 range for Colorado aircraft mechanics 418. These figures give a realistic picture of the earning potential for graduates of an AMT/A&P program in Colorado.
Our Experienced Faculty
Our AMT program is led by a seasoned team spanning military, commercial, general aviation, private business jets, aerospace manufacturing, and airport operations. The staff collectively hold FAA A&P credentials, with a senior consultant bringing 47 years specializing in private jets. Experience includes leading maintenance for fleets of 20+ aircraft, managing 300–400 personnel across multiple work centers, and executing thousands of flight hours with rigorous quality assurance and zero-discrepancy audits. Core technical strengths cover airframe and powerplant maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting of turbine and piston engines, hydraulics,
avionics/electronics, and ground operations and fueling. The team’s background also includes aircraft restoration to flying status (e.g., WWII platforms), CMMS-driven planning and scheduling, and cross-functional operations management that has measurably increased mission-capable rates.
Beyond hands-on expertise, the staff bring deep safety, compliance, and training credentials. They have developed and audited QA programs, maintained 100% safety readiness for flight operations, and instructed large cohorts—training 400+ personnel on maintenance best practices, technical orders, and safety procedures. Complementary capabilities in electrical and facilities engineering (including licensed master-level work) strengthen our shop infrastructure and reliability programs. Together, this blend of senior A&P instruction, large-team leadership, QA/SMS rigor, and facilities know-how provides students with a comprehensive, real-world learning environment aligned with industry standards.