Associate Science in Powerplant Technician
Alameda, USA
Associate of Applied Science
DURATION
5 semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 13,410
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
The Powerplant Certificates of Achievement curricula include theory and practical experience in construction, inspection, overhaul, repair, and maintenance of aircraft structures, systems, and powerplants. The program is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. Upon completion of each course with a minimum grade of “C,” the student will be eligible to apply for the FAA examination for the Airframe and Powerplant license.
The aviation program is offered at the College of Alameda aviation facility located at the north end of the Oakland International Airport. Our state-of-the-art facility includes five aircraft, aircraft system mockup trainers, and a computer lab. This is a two-year evening-only program each class runs five days a week, 3 hours a night.
Evening Program
There is an evening program for the Airframe in which each class is semester-long and five nights a week. There is a lecture course and a laboratory course offered each night. By enrolling in both courses the student may complete the program in two years. If the student has a time constraint only one class may be taken each night with a corresponding addition of time required to complete the program. Regular attendance is mandatory for AMT students. Students are required to clock in and out for courses and must meet minimum time requirements for each class, and pass all examinations with a minimum of 70% (‘C’) to receive credit for the course since the course is FAA approved and meets FAA regulations. Students should only enroll if they can meet the published schedule. Students will need to accumulate approximately $400 worth of tools and equipment during the program. In addition, students will be required to purchase textbooks and other publications.
What you will learn
- You will learn how to inspect and maintain aircraft to ensure that the plane will fly safely.
- You will learn theory and practical experience in constructing aircraft.
- You will gain hands-on experience and develop the skills needed to repair aircraft.
Scholarships provide students with opportunities to attend college, advance their knowledge and skills for career readiness and help them prepare for both academic opportunities and financial challenges after transfer. This website provides information and resources to assist students in how to begin their search for scholarship opportunities. Note that requirements and deadlines vary among every scholarship.
College of Alameda Promise
The College of Alameda (COA) Promise is a pathway for Alameda high school graduates to access a quality college education. Eligible students will receive a year of college without fees.
Peralta Foundation Scholarships
Each semester, the Peralta Colleges Foundation is committed to providing students with access to post-secondary education and persistence services so they can complete college prepared for a successful career. The Peralta Promise enables qualifying students to attend their first semester at one of the Peralta Colleges – Laney College, Merritt College, College of Alameda, or Berkeley City College – for free!
External Scholarships
Here is a list of general scholarships that are available for community college students. Not every scholarship has a citizenship requirement. Review the following scholarships for your eligibility.
Recommended Course Sequence
Fall 1
- AMT 56 Basic Science of Aviation Maintenance Technology -- 6.5
- AMT 56L Basic Science of Aviation Maintenance Technology -- 3
- MATH 202 Geometry -- 3 to 6
or
- MATH 13 Introduction to Statistics (+213 Support Course) -- 3 to 6
- ENGL 1A Composition and Reading -- 4 or 5
or
- ENGL 1AS Composition and Reading (w/ support) -- 4 or 5
Total Number of Units: 16.5-20.5
Spring 1
- AMT 58 Survey of Aviation Maintenance Technology 6.5
- AMT 58L Survey of Aviation Maintenance Technology 3
- AMT 70 Theory of Powerplants I 5
- AMT 70L Theory of Powerplants I 2.5
Total Number of Units: 17
Summer 1
- ENGL 31 Survey of African-American Literature -- 3
or
- SOC 5 Minority Groups -- 3
- GEOG 1 Physical Geography -- 3 or 4
or
- PHYS 10 Introduction to Physics -- 3 or 4
Total Number of Units: 6-7
Fall 2
- AMT 74 Theory of Powerplants II -- 5
- AMT 74L Theory of Powerplants II -- 2.5
- AMT 76 Theory of Advanced Powerplants I -- 5
- AMT 76L Theory of Advanced Powerplants I -- 3
- LIS 85 Introduction to Information Resources --
or
- LIS 74 Information Seeking Behavior -- 2 or 3
Total Number of Units: 17.5-18.5
Spring 2
- AMT 78 Theory of Advanced Powerplants II -- 5
- AMT 78L Theory of Advanced Powerplants II -- 3
- BUS 5 Human Relations in Business -- 3
or
- GEOG 2 Cultural Geography -- 3
- ANTHR 7 Magic, Religion, and Witchcraft -- 3
or
- HUMAN 3 Future Studies -- 3
- COMM 4 Dynamics of Group Discussion -- 3
or
- COMM 6 Intercultural Communications -- 3
Total Number of Units: 17
Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
- Students will interpret and assess aircraft systems as to airworthy conditions. The student will demonstrate an ability to maintain these aircraft systems. The student will apply their knowledge of systems to evaluate FAA publications as to airworthy standards. Maintenance record recording will be completed to FAA standards.
- Personal Development and Management: Prepare for personal, educational, and/or career goals.
- Communication: Perceive, understand, and engage in verbal and nonverbal communication.
- Responsibility: Understand and demonstrate personal, civic, social, environmental responsibility and cooperation in order to become a productive local and global citizen.
What can I do with a degree in Aviation Maintenance
You will be eligible to sit for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) licensing exams. Passing the coursework and the appropriate exams will qualify you for an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic License as well as a General Radiotelephone License.
Career options include
- Aviation Mechanic or Technician Aircraft Engineer
- Working in the aerospace field perhaps on satellites
- Working in aviation-related fields on aircraft parts and services, aircraft development
- Working in other industries maintaining and preparing cars, trucks, elevators, and light rails as BARTAdditionally, students may also continue their studies in Aviation Maintenance Technology and transfer to a 4-year college or university. All credits earned in the AMT program at the College of Alameda are transferable to San Jose State University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.