Aviation Maintenance: Certificate

Make your future soar.

This program helps you turn your field experience into industry-certified credentials.

Program Description

If you already have experience in aircraft mechanics, this program is for you.

Technical College of the Lowcountry’s Aviation Maintenance Certificate is a 17-credit-hour program that prepares experienced aircraft mechanics to attain their FAA Mechanic’s License.

The program is comprised of 5 classes – a hybrid of online, classroom and in-shop practical application – that can be completed in as little as one semester. Courses include airframe and power plant technology (A&P), an introduction to aviation, and materials and tools.

Aircraft mechanics have endless employment opportunities here and across the country. Major aviation giants – including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Gulfstream – are located right in our backyard. The S.C. annual mean wage for aircraft mechanics and technicians is $53,760, according to 2015 reports from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.

It’s time to land a perfect career.

Certify Your Skills

TCL’s Aviation Maintenance Certificate prepares aircraft mechanics for their FAA Mechanic’s License.

Accreditation & Accolades

Technical College of the Lowcountry is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award Associate Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Technical College of the Lowcountry.

See the Curriculum →

Quick Facts

Quick Fact 1

The S.C. annual mean wage for aircraft mechanics and technicians is $53,760.

Quick Fact 2

The 17-credit-hour program is designed for experienced aircraft mechanics.

Quick Fact 3

Graduates will be prepared for FAA A&P Mechanic’s Licensing.

What People Are Saying

"If not for this program, I would have never strived to become an A&P.”

Josh Butler Graduate

FAQs & Additional Information

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Important Additional Admission Requirements

This certificate program is designed for individuals with documented aviation maintenance experience who are eligible to apply for an FAA Mechanic’s License per Section 65.77 of FAA Order 8300.10 Volume 2, Chapter 22 This course is not FAA Part 147 approved and instructor permission is required for registration.

What does this program cost?*

Tuition: 17 credits x $170 per credit = $2,890.

Remember, this is before S.C. Lottery Tuition Assistance and other financial aid, which could drop your costs by more than half. In fact, after financial aid, many TCL students attend for free.

*Based on Fall 2016 in-state, in-service-area tuition. Your actual cost may differ. Qualifications vary.

Career & Education Opportunities:

Industrial Technology General Associates Degree – as a continuation after the Certificate

• A&P Mechanic
• Aviation Mechanic Instructor

Is this program for you?

Yes, if you are eligible to qualify for an FAA 8610-2 – see qualifications below:

• You must have documented proof of practical experience working on airframes and/or power plants, military or civilian.
• A letter of recommendation from the A & P mechanic you worked under detailing the work you have preformed will be required as proof for civilian experience.
• If you have military experience you will be required to present the FAA with documentation such as military records showing that you have held one of the required military job codes.
• If your experience is civilian, you must have 18 months of practical (hands-on) experience working on airframes and or powerplants. A letter of recommendation from the A & P mechanic you worked under detailing the work you have performed will be required as proof.
• If you have 30 months of practical experience concurrently working on both airframes and powerplants, then you may qualify for both ratings. A letter of recommendation from the A & P mechanic you worked under detailing the work you have performed will be required as proof for civilian experience.

Other Resources

Gainful Employment: Learn more about the Aviation Maintenance Certificate.