Airframe Technology Training and Education Program Overviews

Airframe technicians and mechanics inspect, repair and maintain aircrafts. Airframe technicians should hold a mechanic certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration. To qualify for the certificate, individuals must first meet the minimum educational prerequisites, which can be provided within an Associate of Applied Science in Airframe Technology degree program.

View 4 Popular Schools »

Associate of Applied Science in Airframe Technology

Aspiring airframe technicians who are looking to enroll in an associate's degree program must first find one that is accredited by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Approved 2-year degree programs provide students with an educational foundation in aircraft technology that teaches them the practical and technical skills necessary to work as a technician in the field.

The curriculum included within a 2-year associate degree program in aircraft technology covers basic mechanic processes such as welding, rigging, assembling and finishing. Students learn how to apply these skills to aircrafts in order to maintain, repair and calibrate aircraft electrical systems, navigational systems, hydraulic systems, landing gear systems, positioning systems and control systems.

Education Prerequisites

Community, technical and vocational colleges are the schools most likely to offer approved associate degree programs in airframe technology. Such schools only admit students who have proof of a high school education or its equivalent. Some schools also require students to complete mathematics and English language placement tests before they can begin core classes.

Program Coursework

Associate degree programs in airframe technology are comprised of both classroom lectures and practical laboratory sessions. Some specific examples include:

  • Ground operation
  • Ground service and cleaning
  • Materials and processes
  • Maintenance forms and regulations
  • Aviation physics
  • Aircraft electrical systems
  • Welding
  • Airframe inspection
  • Airframe repair

Employment Outlook and Salary Info

Air transportation industries were the largest employers of airframe technicians and mechanics in 2009, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). In that year, airframe technicians held a total of more than 112,000 jobs and earned a median annual salary topping $52,000.

Certification Options

The FAA must certify all airframe technicians and mechanics before they are allowed to work on aircrafts. Those who are not certified must work under the direct supervision of a certified mechanic at all times. Individuals must have at least 18 months of professional experience before they can apply for an airframe mechanic certificate from the FAA. In many cases, the completion of an associate degree program can be substituted for those work months.

Show me popular schools

Related to Airframe Technology Training and Education Program Overviews

  • Related
  • Recently Updated
  • Popular
Associate in Airframe and Powerplant Technology: Degree Overview

Associate degree programs in airframe and powerplant (A&P) technology prepare students to inspect, maintain and repair...

Too Much Technology?

Computers, smart phones and other gadgets are ubiquitous in our lives. Ever-easier to carry around with us, it's a...

Don't Pay for Technology: 25 Freebies for Students

In today's economic climate, paying for technology isn't prudent, and for some students, it isn't even an option....

10 Sources for Free Online Technology Courses

Free online courses in technology are offered by real schools. Learn which technology courses are available, what...

Top Schools for Communication Technology Programs

4 Popular Schools

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    • Associate
        • CCAF - Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative Program (AUABC)

    Which subject are you interested in?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    What is your preferred start date?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be 17 years of age or older
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    What is your highest level of education?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be 18 years of age or older
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    What is your highest level of education?

Other Schools:

  • School locations:
    • Illinois (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Southern Illinois University include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
        • Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance
        • Automotive Mechanics
        • Avionics Repair and Maintenance
  • School locations:
    • Utah (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Utah State University include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, Master
      • Non-Degree: Coursework
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Precision Metal Working
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
        • Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance
        • Avionics Repair and Maintenance
  • School locations:
    • Alaska (2 campuses)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Alaska include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, Master
      • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Construction Management and Trades
      • Electrical Repair and Maintenance
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
        • Aircraft Powerplant Tech
        • Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance
        • Automotive Mechanics
        • Diesel Mechanics
  • School locations:
    • Kansas (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Kansas State University include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
        • Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance
  • School locations:
    • Wisconsin (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Milwaukee Area Technical College include:
      • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
      • Undergraduate: Associate
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Construction Management and Trades
      • Electrical Repair and Maintenance
      • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
      • Heavy Equipment Maintenance
      • Precision Metal Working
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
        • Aircraft Powerplant Tech
        • Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance
        • Autobody Repair
        • Automotive Mechanics
        • Diesel Mechanics

Other Related Schools:

  • School locations:
    • Rhode Island (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
      • Non-Degree: Coursework
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Construction Management and Trades
      • Electrical Repair and Maintenance
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
        • Autobody Repair
        • Automotive Mechanics
        • Marine Watercraft Repair and Maintenance

Popular Schools

Avg. Wages For Related Jobs

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics