Blue Ridge Community College offers FAA-approved aviation maintenance training programs designed to prepare students for certification and employment as A&P mechanics. Located at Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport in Weyers Cave, Virginia, these programs combine classroom instruction with extensive hands-on training in real-world aircraft systems.
Quick Facts
- Length: 16 Months to 24 Months
- Cost: $6,500 to $12,500
- Location: Weyers Cave, VA
- Website: https://www.brcc.edu/explore-programs/aviation/
Aviation Maintenance Programs Overview
| Program | Duration | Max Cost |
|---|---|---|
| AAS Aviation Maintenance Technology | 20–24 Mos | $12,240 |
| Airframe Maintenance Certificate | 12–16 Mos | $7,600 |
| Powerplant Maintenance Certificate | 12–16 Mos | $7,600 |
All aviation maintenance programs cover FAA-required subjects including basic electricity, materials and processes, aircraft drawings, Federal Aviation Regulations, airframe inspections, turbine and reciprocating engines, and fuel systems. Students receive practical training in aircraft maintenance tasks using real-world equipment in BRCC’s aviation hangar.
AAS in Aviation Maintenance Technology
Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) offers an FAA-approved Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Aviation Maintenance Technology designed to prepare students for certification as aviation mechanics.
Curriculum
Students gain technical expertise in aircraft structures, propulsion systems, fuel and electrical systems, and complete both airframe and powerplant capstone inspections. Graduates qualify to take the FAA Written, Oral, and Practical exams for the A&P certificate.
Coursework includes the following:
- AMT 103. Basic Electricity Covers foundational electrical theory for aviation maintenance, including Ohm’s law, circuits, diagrams, and electrical components.
- AMT 104. Aviation Science for Mechanics Lab I Explores applications in mechanics, fluid and heat dynamics, aerodynamics, and basic aircraft servicing procedures.
- AMT 105. Aviation Science for Mechanics Introduces aircraft fluid lines, cleaning methods, corrosion control, weight and balance computations, and loading documentation.
- AMT 106. Aviation Science for Mechanics Lab II Applies skills in fluid line fabrication, corrosion prevention, aircraft weighing, and related servicing procedures.
- AMT 107. Aircraft Drawing Teaches drafting techniques and interpretation of aircraft drawings, diagrams, and blueprints used in maintenance.
- AMT 109. Materials & Processes Covers aircraft hardware, precision tools, heat-treating basics, and non-destructive testing methods.
- AMT 110. Materials & Processes Lab Provides hands-on practice in identifying and applying hardware, measuring tools, and inspection techniques.
- AMT 111. Federal Aviation Regulations Reviews FAA rules for aircraft maintenance, documentation, mechanic privileges, and required recordkeeping.
- AMT 221. Non-Metallic Structures Studies inspection and repair of composite, bonded, and fabric-covered aircraft structures and finishes.
- AMT 222. Non-Metallic Structures & Covering Lab Applies techniques in repairing non-metallic structures and applying coverings, paints, and primers.
- AMT 223. Metallic Structures Introduces sheet metal repair and welding techniques including brazing, riveting, and fastener use.
- AMT 224. Metallic Structures & Finishes Lab Provides hands-on training in sheet metal fabrication, structural repair, and welding procedures.
- AMT 225. Assembly & Rigging Covers the function and setup of aircraft control surfaces, including jacking and balance procedures.
- AMT 226. Assembly and Rigging Lab Applies principles of aircraft rigging and control surface assembly through hands-on practice.
- AMT 227. Airframe Inspections Explores inspection types, legal responsibilities, and service return procedures for airframes.
- AMT 228. Airframe Inspections Lab Conducts hands-on airframe inspection practices including paperwork and service documentation.
- AMT 231. Aircraft Landing Gear Systems Covers operation, service, and troubleshooting of landing gear, braking, and hydraulic systems.
- AMT 232. Aircraft Landing Gear Systems Lab Provides practical experience with landing gear components, retraction systems, and hydraulic devices.
- AMT 233. Communication/Navigation & Control Systems Covers avionics, autopilot, environmental systems, and anti-ice system operation and maintenance.
- AMT 234. Communication/Navigation & Control Systems Lab Applies inspection and troubleshooting of avionics and aircraft environmental systems.
- AMT 241. Reciprocating Engines Introduces reciprocating engine types, overhauls, inspection, and common troubleshooting procedures.
- AMT 242. Reciprocating Engines Lab Hands-on training in engine disassembly, inspection, troubleshooting, and operational testing.
- AMT 243. Turbine Engines Covers turbine engine design, operation, subsystems, and maintenance principles.
- AMT 244. Turbine Engines Lab Provides hands-on turbine engine inspection, disassembly, and system performance evaluation.
- AMT 245. Powerplant Inspections Focuses on regulatory and procedural aspects of engine and propeller inspections.
- AMT 246. Powerplant Inspections Lab Applies engine and propeller inspection techniques and related maintenance documentation.
- AMT 251. Lubrication Systems & Propellers Studies lubrication system servicing and propeller types, controls, and operational theory.
- AMT 252. Lubrication Systems & Propellers Lab Performs lubrication system checks and propeller system maintenance on various engine types.
- AMT 253. Ignition & Starting Systems Covers ignition and starting system theory and diagnostic procedures for multiple engine types.
- AMT 254. Ignition & Starting System Lab Offers hands-on experience with ignition components, including testing and fault analysis.
- AMT 255. Fuel Metering Systems Studies fuel metering systems, fuel controls, supercharging, and engine cooling and exhaust systems.
- AMT 256. Fuel Metering Systems Lab Performs inspection, adjustment, and repair of metering, induction, and exhaust system components.
- AMT 261. Aircraft Electrical Systems Introduces AC/DC systems, wiring, batteries, controls, and power generation systems.
- AMT 262. Aircraft Electrical Systems Lab Provides lab-based experience servicing and troubleshooting aircraft electrical systems.
- AMT 263. Aircraft Fuel, Fire & Instrument Systems Covers inspection and maintenance of fuel, fire detection, and instrument systems.
- AMT 264. Aircraft Fuel, Fire, & Instrument Systems Lab Applies fuel system servicing, fire system testing, and instrument system troubleshooting techniques.
More curriculum details available here: https://catalog.brcc.edu/courses-az/amt/
Cost & Duration
The program includes 68 credit hours and takes approximately 20 to 24 months to complete. Estimated in-state tuition is $160–$180 per credit hour, making the A.A.S. degree cost approximately $10,880 to $12,240,
Airframe and Powerplant Certificate Options
BRCC also provides Airframe Maintenance and Powerplant Maintenance certificate programs.
Curriculum
The airframe certificate focuses on structural elements, metallic and composite systems, rigging, and inspections, while the powerplant certificate centers on reciprocating and turbine engines, fuel systems, ignition systems, and lubrication. Both programs include hands-on lab components and FAA-aligned coursework.
Cost & Duration
Each track requires 40–42 credit hours, typically completed in 12 to 16 months. Certificates cost around $6,400 to $7,600.
Distance Education Format
To increase accessibility, BRCC offers distance education options for the A.A.S. degree and both certificate programs. Students can complete about 50% of coursework online, with labs conducted in person at the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport facility in Weyers Cave, Virginia.
Remote assessments are available at approved proctored sites. While theory courses may be completed remotely, final capstone labs like AMT 227 and AMT 245 must be done on-site.
Financial Aid
BRCC offers aviation-specific scholarships, including the Dynamic Aviation Scholarship, awarded to students with financial need and high career potential. Internships with local aviation companies are also available.
Facilities
Classes are held at BRCC’s dedicated aviation classroom and hangar at the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport. Students may receive discounts on required tools.
Industry Partnerships
BRCC has a close partnership with Dynamic Aviation, where students are often offered employment before graduation. The program is FAA-certified under 14 CFR Part 147, allowing graduates to test for their A&P certifications.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must complete MTH 111 or a higher-level math course, pass airport security screening, and meet general admissions standards. International F-1 students may apply to the on-campus A.A.S. degree. All applicants must submit an Aviation Maintenance Technology Interest Form and pass a drug screening before beginning lab-based coursework.