Aviation Maintenance Technology
Start Your Aircraft Maintenance Training Today
Keeping a fleet of aircraft running like clockwork requires qualified professionals with the training, skill, and passion for aviation maintenance technology. Start your hands-on aircraft maintenance training today and graduate in about 17 months.
Do you have a knack for technical and mechanical details? Do you enjoy working with your hands and can see yourself on a team of technicians who keep the airways safe? Offered conveniently in Kern County, California Aeronautical University offers an aviation maintenance technology (AMT) program to prepare students for careers as airframe and powerplant (A&P) technicians.
Through the CAU AMT program, students will learn how to maintain and repair aircraft engines, propellers, power train systems, hydraulic systems, radio communications equipment, and much more.
This fast-paced, hands-on aviation program can be completed in about 17 months, with the option to earn an associate’s degree in just 5 additional months. Each graduate receives a personalized 263-piece Sonic Tools toolkit upon graduation, valued at $6,000.
Aviation Maintenance Technology Program Highlights
Accelerated Program
Offered in fast-paced, year-round classes, students can earn their AMT diploma in about 17 months and an Associate's Degree in about 22 months. On-campus student housing is available.
Financial Aid &
GI Bill®
The University offers financial aid, tuition reduction programs, and the GI Bill® to those who qualify.
Sonic Tools Partnership
Through CAU's partnership with Sonic Tools, each graduate receives a personalized 263-piece Sonic Tools toolkit upon graduation, valued at $6,000 per toolkit.
Graduate Services
The University's Graduate Services Department provides individualized career planning assistance to help students find employment upon graduating, including resume review, mock interviews and job lead development.
Now Enrolling for the October Class
Our Aircraft Maintenance Programs
Program Description
FAA Part 147 approved, the Aviation Maintenance Technology diploma program is designed to provide the necessary educational opportunities through hands-on training and academic study for a student to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to enter the industry as an entry-level airframe and powerplant (A&P) technician. A&P technicians are trained to inspect, troubleshoot, service and repair aircraft components and systems within applicable regulations.
In addition to the technical knowledge gained in the diploma program, students who choose to earn their Aviation Maintenance Technology degree will also gain skills in communication, decision-making, conflict resolution, and appropriate interpersonal interaction necessary to successfully carry out their FAA Mechanic privileges with inspectors, pilots, aircraft owners, and suppliers.
AMT Course List
Students can complete the AMT diploma program in about 17 months.
The CAU Aircraft and Aviation Maintenance Technology Diploma program covers the following courses:
- Aircraft Concepts and Practices
- Electrical Theory
- Materials and Processes
- General Aviation Maintenance
- Non-Metallic Aircraft Structures
- Metallic Aircraft Structures
- Advanced Airframe Technologies
- Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems
- Airframe Systems I
- Airframe Systems II
- Reciprocating Engine Theory and Maintenance
- Turbine Engine Theory and Maintenance
- Powerplant Systems I
- Powerplant Systems II
- Propellers and Auxiliary Power Units
Students can earn their Associate of Science Degree in just 5 additional months beyond the diploma program (22 months total).
The CAU Aviation Maintenance Technology Associate of Science Degree covers all courses in the diploma program, as well as the following 8 courses:
- English Composition
- Elementary Algebra
- Intermediate Algebra
- General Psychology
- Spanish 1
- Speech Communications
- Group Dynamics
- Introduction to Sociology
Aircraft Maintenance Lab
AMT students receive hands-on, in-person training in the University’s aircraft maintenance lab. Complete with electrical boxes and individual stations, students can practice their maintenance skills on the actual equipment that they may be using on the job.
The lab is located in the 32,000-sq-ft hangar of the University’s on-airport main campus. With on-campus student housing, dining facility, and other amenities, students can enjoy an immersive aviation experience at the main campus where they live, eat, and breathe aviation.
Certification
Graduates will be eligible to take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examinations. Upon successful completion of the written exams, the graduate will be eligible to take the oral and practical examinations to complete the requirements for the A&P certificate.
As an added benefit, CAU will pay for all 3 written tests needed for the A&P certificate, valued at $175 each (first attempt only).
We'd Love To Show You What CAU is All About!
Career Planning
After successfully passing the program and FAA exams, the Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic may enter a number of employment areas, such as:
- general aviation
- fixed-base operation
- executive aircraft services
- major airlines
- aircraft contractors
- modification operations
- manufacturers as A&P mechanics and technicians
- other non-aviation specific positions working as a technician
Our AMT graduates have been successfully employed by:
- Northrop Grumman
- Kern County Sheriff’s Office - Air Support Unit
- SkyWest Airlines
- Airman Flight Training
- National Test Pilot School / Flight Research
- FieldCore
CAU's Partnership With Sonic Tools
Understanding the importance of an aviation mechanic’s tools and toolbox, CAU developed a partnership with Sonic Tools that provides aspiring aviation mechanics with the tools needed for them to excel in their future careers.
Through the partnership, each graduate of the Aviation Maintenance Technology program will receive a personalized 263-piece Sonic Tools toolkit upon graduation, valued at $6,000 per toolkit.
Since many employers expect their technicians to supply their own tools on the job and a quality toolkit is a significant investment that might delay employment, CAU students will be well-prepared for their careers as soon as they graduate.
The professional, precision-engineered Sonic Tools toolkit includes:
- 7 shallow and 1 deep drawer with anti-tilt mechanism
- Screwdriver and Utility Set
- Combo Set 1/4, 3/8, 1/2”
- Wrench Set (SAE)
- Plier and Punch Set
- Rolling and locking capability
“At CAU, we feel it’s important to equip our students with the knowledge and tools needed for successful careers. For our aircraft maintenance tech students, that means having the tools to perform the job as soon as they’re ready for gainful employment,” said Matthew Johnston, President of CAU.
Located in Bakersfield
The aircraft maintenance program is offered at the University’s main campus in Bakersfield. Conveniently located at Meadows Field Airport, California Aeronautical University’s purpose-built flight facilities offer an immersive aviation experience where students live, eat, and breathe aviation.
Maintenance students train in the University's on-campus 32,000 square-foot hangar. On-campus student housing available.
Learn more about the Bakersfield, California aviation campus.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Skip to content