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Aircraft Technology Degree - Online and Campus Programs

Taking Off in an Aircraft Maintenance Technology Career

Aircraft technicians are essential to maintaining the good safety record of America's air fleet. They keep jets, propeller planes, and helicopters running, identify problems, and make repairs. The job requires knowledge of technology, mechanical ability, attention to detail, and physical toughness. On any given day as an aviation technician, you might find yourself out on the tarmac checking the functioning of gauges and landing gear, or in a hangar, hoisting a jet engine out of its housing to make critical repairs.

How to Get Ready for a Career in Aircraft Technology

To prepare for a career in aviation technology, you should plan on completing one of around 170 aircraft technology degree programs certified by the FAA. These aircraft technology programs last one to two years. In aircraft technology classes, aviation technicians learn how to fix and maintain the power plant, which includes the engine, and the airframe, which is the physical structure of the airplane. Topics covered in aircraft technology classes include:

Fundamentals of aviation
Airframe electrical systems
Power plant fuel systems.

Some experts in aircraft technologies got their start in military aircraft technology, but military aircraft technology experience usually is not a replacement for an aircraft technology degree. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that job growth for aircraft maintenance technology and aviation technology should be about as fast as average for the decade ending in 2018. According to the BLS, the median hourly wage in 2008 for those working in aircraft technologies was $24.71.

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San Joaquin Valley College

San Joaquin Valley College is an accredited private junior college committed to the professional success of its students and graduates.
Founded in 1977, SJVC has campuses located throughout California-including an Online division and offers a variety of accelerated Certificate and Associate of Science degree programs in the business, medical and technical fields.

Students benefit from a balance of classroom instruction and real-world experience, learning the skills they need to go straight to work in todays competitive job market.

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