Aviation Maintenance Technology Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) programs prepare students to keep airplanes in a safe condition to fly. Students perform production installations, maintain and alter aircraft structures, systems, and subsystems. They also service, repair, and overhaul aircraft components and systems such as airframes, engines, electrical, hydraulic systems, and propellers. SSC's instruction is FAA certified and students may sit for their FAA general knowledge test, Airframe exam, and Powerplant exam upon completion of their coursework. These exams are needed to earn industry-required FAA licenses.

First Quarter Starts: 

• Fall and Spring    

First quarter start means this is the only quarter that new students can begin the program. The program does not accept new students in Summer or Winter Quarters.   

Class Times:   

• Morning Cohort: Tues through Fri 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in-person classes
• Afternoon/Evening Cohort: Tues through Fri 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. in-person classes  

Once you select a cohort, you cannot switch to a different cohort . 

• Aviation Maintenance Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) (130 units, roughly 2 years to complete)
• Aviation Maintenance Technology Associate of Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T)
• Aviation Airframe Tech Certificate
• Aviation Powerplant Tech Certificate 

Each certificate is at least 100 units, meaning these will take a minimum of 2 years to complete one certificate.  

The typical industry standard for Aviation Maintenance is to be FAA certified in BOTH Airframe and Powerplant. 

One difference between the AAS vs. AAS-T degrees are: AAS-T is more credits as it involves taking transfer eligible English, Human Relations, Math, and an elective course. Another difference is the AAS-T is suggested as an option for people who might want to earn a Bachelor’s degree in the future which can open up more career options with a higher level of education later on while the AAS prepare people to enter directly into the work force for their field.

It is highly recommended that interested students complete English 107 and meet Math 110 eligibility prior to enrollment; These classes prepare students for the academic rigor and degree completion of the program. 

You can view full time sample schedules for our AMT certificate and degree programs. Select “View More Info” for a degree or certificate from the Aviation Maintenance Technology website to view the schedules.

Estimated cost of tools is $875. You will receive a comprehensive tool list in your first quarter.

Workforce is a grant funding source that can help cover the cost of tools for eligible students. Check in with South’s Workforce team to see if you are eligible.

You’ll be prepared to take three exams: General, Airframe, Powerplant  

Each exam costs $175/per test.   

While in the AMT degree program at South, students will receive certificates of completion that make them eligible to take each of the exams. Students can take the exams immediately after gaining eligibility, or they can wait to take the general and air frame exams together.  

It is highly recommended you:   

• Complete the Steps to Enroll process, it is recommended to start the Steps to Enroll process at least 3 months prior to the quarter you are trying to enroll as processing for Financial Aid can take time to complete. 
• Enroll into a class at South for your general education classes (if you still need to complete them). South has different enrollment dates, which determines when you are able to register for classes, based on if you are a Veteran, a returning student (at South), or a new student (to South).  
• The order of enrollment dates in order of when they open: Veteran, returning student, new student. Veterans can register first. Then, returning students can register. Lastly, new students can register. Being coded as a returning student allows you to register earlier, which gives you a better chance of being able to register for an open spot in Fall or Summer for Aviation courses when the new cohorts begin.   
• The only way to have a returning student enrollment status is to have previously been enrolled at South and completed a course which is why we suggest prospective Aviation students to take their general education courses first so they can receive this returning student enrollment status which will allow them to have a better opportunity to register for Aviation in either Fall or Spring when the new cohorts begin.   
• It is highly recommended that interested students complete Math 110 placement and English 107 prior to enrollment; these classes prepare students for the academic rigor and degree completion of the program. 

Both certificate options (Aviation Airframe Tech Certificate or the Aviation Powerplant Tech Certificate) are at least 100 units, meaning these will take a minimum of 2 years to complete one certificate. The degree options (AAS or AAS-T) are at least 128 units, meaning these will take a minimum of 2 years to complete.

South also informs students that employers in the field prefer candidates who are FAA certified in both Airframe and Powerplant. The degree path is recommended because it is comprehensive and prepares students for both FAA certification exams.

You are unable to change your cohort (morning or afternoon-evening) once you've picked one. There is little flexibility based on instructor discretion, and you should do your best to be on time to class.

Yes, you can enroll and complete the program and take the FAA exams regardless of your citizenship status. However, employment is not guaranteed after completion of the program as non-citizens need a work visa to be able to work in the US legally.

The employer or organization will provide the student with a voucher. The student should email the voucher to SouthSeattleVouchers@seattlecolleges.edu. Invoicing and billing are then done by Seattle Colleges District Student Financials.

• Veterans at South, if eligible, are able to receive a 50% tuition reduction. View eligibility requirements to learn more.
• Veterans and their dependents are eligible for a Veteran enrollment date which allows them to register for classes the Friday before Returning Student registration opens regardless if they're using GI Bill or Vocational Rehab benefits.  All Veterans and dependents interested in this benefit need to connect with South’s VA Certifying Official to be granted this registration status. Veterans should connect with South’s VA Certifying Official at SouthVeterans@seattlecolleges.edu or 206.934.6705. 

All enrollment steps are outlined on the Steps to Enroll page. You are able to self-navigate through these enrollment steps, but if you have questions please schedule a 1:1 appointment either on Zoom or in-person with a Welcome Center staff member.

Visit the Welcome Center website to complete our Intake Survey to schedule a future appointment.