Aerospace Technology Program Overview

UDC-CC’s Aerospace Technology Program offers two related paths of training in aviation: the Aircraft Mechanic’s Certification and the Aviation Maintenance Technology Program (Associate’s Degree).  Both of these aviation activities are centered at UDC-CC‘s aviation facilities (Hangar #2) at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, just south of the old main terminal (Terminal A), next to the taxi parking garage.

Aircraft Mechanic’s Certification

This course of study requires successful completion of 40 academic credit hours (eight courses of five credits each), and is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide training for certification as an Aircraft Mechanic, with Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) rating. This program meets the requirements of Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) part 147, and includes about 1900 hours of comprehensive lecture and laboratory instruction and experience. The overall instructional program is conducted in accordance with the provisions of the FAR, with FAA monitoring the instructional quality, technology incorporation, and administrative activities of the Program.

The FAA monitors student exam performance, attendance, and overall quality of performance. The Program provides diverse training for the student to obtain initial job entry-level skills in the aircraft maintenance industry. Training includes developing knowledge and work skills in 45 areas, including: A&P privileges and regulations, hydraulics, electricity, electronics, metal structures, environmental systems, welding, instrumentation, composite materials, turbine and reciprocating engines, propellers, and related systems. The Program faculty endeavors to provide students with a viable combination of knowledge of contemporary aircraft systems, and the skills, knowledge, and attitude of a craftsman-technician. The UDC-CC Certificate of Completion entitles the student to take the FAA administered exams for the A&P Certification. An average student completes the Certificate program in four semesters (approximately two years). To earn the A&P certificate, students must pass four examinations: three written, one oral, and one practical, administered by the FAA. Currently, these written exams may be taken at the UDC-CC airport hanger #2 CATS Testing Center.

Aviation Maintenance Technology (AVMT) Associate’s Degree Program

In conjunction with the Certificate Program, a student may take 32 additional credits of instruction and earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Aviation Maintenance Technology. These additional courses are general education subjects such as technical math, English, physics, geography, graphics, and computer programming, and they are taught on UDC-CC’s campus.

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate proficient, entry-level aviation maintenance skills.
• Exemplify proficiency in emphasis area skills: airframe or power plant.
• Exhibit knowledge of aircraft engines, structures, and systems, as well as appropriate FAA regulations.
• Illustrate knowledge of industry information: current status, segments and opportunities.
• Demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work with others.

View Program of Study »

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