Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT)
FAA Part 147 Approved AMTS Program
Start Your Aircraft Maintenance Program Today
Keeping a fleet of aircraft running like clockwork requires qualified aviation maintenance 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.
Becoming an Aircraft Maintenance Technician
Do you like working with your hands and solving technical challenges? Are you interested in joining a booming industry that counts on people like you to keep our airways safe?
Consider a career in aircraft maintenance.
Located 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.
Part 147 approved, our students receive hands-on, real-world career training and are ready for the job as soon as they earn their A&P license. They even receive a personalized 263-piece Sonic Tools toolkit when they graduate– a vital component for being job-ready for maintenance positions.
What can you do with your AMT training? Our grads have been hired by Northrop Grumman, SkyWest Airlines, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, and more.
Ready for your career? Request a one-on-one meeting with a member of our admissions team to learn more about the program, including admissions requirements and deadlines.
Aviation Maintenance Program Highlights
Accelerated AMT Program
Offered in fast-paced, year-round classes, students can earn their AMT diploma in 17 months or an associate's degree in 22 months. On-campus student housing is available.
Financial Aid &
GI Bill®
The University offers federal 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.
Career-Focused
Graduates of this program are prepared for careers as A&P technicians and aircraft mechanics. They can start their careers at airlines, test pilot schools, aerospace and defense organizations, and a variety of other areas.
Now Enrolling for the October Class
AMT Employers
After successfully completing the Aviation Maintenance Technology program and passing FAA exams, a certified A&P Technician can enter several employment areas:
- general aviation, like a flight school or privately owned business
- fixed-base operation (FBOs) that provide a variety of air services to clients, including fueling and maintenance
- executive aircraft services and private charter companies
- major airlines or regional 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 gone on to work for top industry employers, including:
- Northrop Grumman
- Kern County Sheriff’s Office - Air Support Unit
- SkyWest Airlines
- Airman Flight Training
- National Test Pilot School / Flight Research
- FieldCore
The CAU Aircraft Maintenance Program
Program Description
FAA Part 147 approved, the Aviation Maintenance Technology program is designed to provide the necessary educational opportunities through hands-on, in-person 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 associate's 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
The CAU aircraft and aviation maintenance technology diploma program includes 75 instructional weeks, 90 credits, and 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
With 90 instructional weeks and 122 credits, students can earn their Associate of Science Degree in just 5 additional months beyond the diploma program (22 months total) and is ideal for someone seeking leadership mobility.
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, allowing them to grow confident and competent in their work.
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.
Career-Focused AMT Training
As a career-focused university, our goal is for our students to be prepared for successful careers in their chosen field. 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.
Plus, CAU actively invites leading employers to campus to meet our AMT students and discuss job openings with them. These events offer invaluable networking opportunities, allowing students to connect directly with industry professionals, gain insight into the company, and learn about potential career pathways. Below are some of the networking events we've arranged for our students recently:
- Aviation Career Day
- Employer visits:
- Northrop Grumman | Multinational aerospace and defense company
- 412th Maintenance Group | The largest group on Edwards Air Force Base
- SkyWest Airlines | Flies for Alaska, American, Delta, and United
- Piedmont Airlines | Subsidiary of American Airlines
- Scaled Composites | Aerospace manufacturing company
- Stratolaunch | The Future of Hypersonic Testing
We'd Love To Show You What CAU is All About!
Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) 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).
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, California
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.
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