The aviation program within ESCC is referred to Alabama Aviation College. It prepares students to become FAA-certified A&P mechanics. Graduates are equipped to work in diverse aviation sectors including aerospace manufacturing with companies like Boeing and Airbus and more. Additionally, the college is a member of the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC), ensuring its curriculum meets industry standards and graduates are eligible for national recognition and awards.
Quick Facts
- Length: 12 Months to 34 Months
- Cost: $9,000 to $26,000
- Location: Andalusia & Ozark, AL
- Website: https://escc.edu/programs/aviation-maintenance/
Aviation Maintenance Tech Programs Overview
| Program | Duration | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Aviation Maintenance AAS | 26 months | $26,000 |
| Powerplant Technology AAS | 24 months | $24,000 |
| Airframe Technology AAS | 19 months | ≈$21,000 |
| Powerplant Technology Certificate | 12 months | $9,100 |
| Airframe Technology Certificate | 13 months | $10,150 |
Aviation Maintenance AAS
The Aviation Maintenance Associate in Applied Science trains students to become FAA-certified Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanics by covering everything from airframe structures to powerplant systems. Graduates earn an AAS and are eligible for the FAA written, oral, and practical examinations.
Curriculum
Coursework spans five general education areas and ten technical core courses such as Basic Electricity (AMT 101), Materials & Processes (AMT 105), and both Reciprocating and Turbine Engine Overhaul (AMP 223, AMP 224).
General education components cover composition, humanities, math, and social sciences to ensure a well-rounded technical professional.
Cost & Duration
At in-state tuition of $168 per credit (plus a $35/credit A&P fee), total tuition is roughly $26,000; out-of-state students pay $295 per credit (plus A&P fees). The program is a 129-credit program that takes approximately 26 months full-time to complete
Powerplant Technology AAS
The Powerplant Technology AAS prepares students to specialize in the operation, repair, and overhaul of aircraft engines. Graduates are ready for aerospace manufacturing and MRO roles at companies like Boeing or military bases such as Maxwell AFB, and they sit for the FAA Powerplant endorsement exams.
Curriculum
Core courses include:
- AMT 101 Basic Electricity
This core course covers the fundamentals of both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) electrical circuits, electrical measurements and test equipment, aircraft battery servicing, basic electronics, and semiconductor devices. Students learn to solve electrical measurement problems, operate standard test gear, and maintain aircraft batteries to industry standards. - AMT 103 Weight and Balance, Ground Handling and Servicing, Cleaning and Corrosion Control
Focusing on the essentials of aircraft weight and balance, ground operations, servicing procedures, and corrosion management, this course equips students with the skills to assess load distribution risks, conduct safe ground handling, perform corrosion inspections, and apply appropriate treatment methods. - AMT 104 Technical Preparation
An introductory overview for aviation maintenance students, this course emphasizes pre-maintenance planning, including interpreting technical manuals, understanding maintenance documentation, and mastering workshop safety protocols to prepare for hands-on airframe and powerplant tasks. - AMT 105 Materials and Processes
Students explore aircraft materials, hardware selection, precision measurement, nondestructive testing techniques, and reading and interpreting aviation drawings. Upon completion, they can perform nondestructive inspections, use calipers and micrometers, fabricate fluid lines, and interpret technical schematics. - AMP 220 Reciprocating Engines and Theory
This core course examines the theory, construction, and operation of piston-driven aircraft engines and propeller dynamics. Graduates will understand maintenance, inspection, and repair requirements for reciprocating engines, grasp propeller fundamentals, and competently remove, troubleshoot, and reinstall propellers. - AMP 221 Turbine Engine Theory and Systems
Students gain a comprehensive introduction to turbine propulsion, covering development history, component functions, materials, and power extraction principles. Graduates can explain gas-turbine theory, differentiate among turbojet, turbofan, and other engine types, and apply proper rigging, start-up, and troubleshooting procedures. - AMP 222 Reciprocating Engine Inspections and Propellers
This course delves into engine instrumentation, electrical and ignition systems, and powerplant airworthiness inspections. Emphasis on fault analysis, instrument interpretation, and conformity inspections prepares students to diagnose system failures and perform complete propeller removal, repair, and reinstallation. - AMP 223 Reciprocating Engine Overhaul
Focusing on the complete teardown and rebuild of piston engines, this course covers disassembly, cleaning, dimensional inspection, reassembly, control rigging, and block testing in line with FAA and manufacturer standards. Graduates are capable of performing full reciprocating engine overhauls. - AMP 224 Turbine Engine Inspection and Overhaul
Students study turbine engine auxiliary systems—starter, ignition, anti-ice, fire detection/extinguishing—and learn to remove, install, and bench-test engines. The course culminates in a hot-section inspection, teaching disassembly, inspection, repair techniques, and proper reassembly for operational readiness.
Cost & Duration
Tuition mirrors the Aviation Maintenance AAS at $168/credit in-state (plus A&P fees), bringing total costs to around $12,000–$13,000 per year. It can be completed in about 24 months (roughly 60 credits).
Airframe Technology (AAS)
The Airframe Technology AAS dives into aircraft structure, aerodynamics, and systems with courses like Aircraft Sheetmetal & Welding (AMT 111) and Airframe Systems I–IV (AMT 112–115). Graduates earn an AAS and qualify for FAA Airframe certification exams, preparing them for roles in MRO, general aviation, and aerospace manufacturing.
Curriculum
Coursework includes:
- AMT 101 Basic Electricity
This core course explores both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) circuit theory and controls, electrical measurement techniques, and use of test equipment. Students study aircraft batteries, fundamental electronics, and semiconductor devices, gaining the ability to perform electrical measurements, operate standard test gear, and service aircraft batteries safely and accurately. - AMT 103 Weight and Balance, Ground Handling and Servicing, Cleaning and Corrosion Control
Focusing on foundational aviation maintenance skills, this course covers aircraft weight and balance calculations, safe ground handling and servicing procedures, and corrosion theory and treatment. Upon completion, students can evaluate balance risks, conduct proper servicing operations, and inspect and mitigate corrosion on airframes. - AMT 104 Technical Preparation
Designed for new aviation maintenance students, this preparatory course introduces the conventions of technical documentation, maintenance planning practices, and workshop safety protocols. Graduates will be proficient in navigating maintenance manuals, interpreting service bulletins, and implementing standard operating procedures in the hangar environment. - AMT 105 Materials and Processes
This course examines aircraft materials, hardware selection, precision measurement tools, and nondestructive testing methods. Students learn to identify and select appropriate hardware, perform inspections, fabricate rigid and flexible fluid lines, and read, create, and interpret aircraft drawings with precision. - AMT 110 Non-metallic Structures
Students study repair techniques for fabric, wood, and composite aircraft structures. Emphasis on inspection and restoration enables graduates to mend fabric coverings, apply finishing materials, execute wood repairs, and perform composite layups, as well as inspect and maintain non-metallic components like windows and upholstery. - AMT 111 Aircraft Sheetmetal Structures and Welding
This core course teaches conventional sheet-metal repair methods, including proper use of hand and power tools, rivet installation, and metal forming. Upon completion, students can bend and shape sheet metal, install special fasteners, and inspect and restore damaged structures to airworthiness standards. - AMT 112 Airframe Systems I
A core introduction to aircraft electrical, communication, and navigation systems, this course covers theory, inspection, installation, and troubleshooting of AC/DC systems. Graduates understand generator, alternator, and starter operation, can fabricate wiring harnesses, and maintain lighting, radio, and navigation equipment. - AMT 113 Airframe Systems II
This core course delves into ice and rain removal, fire-protection systems, cabin environmental controls, fuel systems, and instrumentation. Students develop the skills to inspect, service, and troubleshoot each system and gain a working knowledge of their operational principles. - AMT 114 Airframe Systems III
Focusing on hydraulic and pneumatic operations, landing gear assemblies, and warning systems, this core course trains students in testing, inspecting, and servicing pumps, actuators, wheel/brake systems, and anti-skid controls. Graduates can troubleshoot power systems and ensure proper gear extension and retraction. - AMT 115 Airframe Systems IV
In this capstone core course, students learn aircraft structural assembly, rigging techniques, helicopter maintenance basics, and required inspection protocols. Upon finish, they can assemble and rig control surfaces, evaluate airframe integrity, and troubleshoot structural system components.
Cost & Duration
- $12,000–$13,000 per academic year
- 19 months full-time (65–67 credits)
Powerplant Technology Certificate
This 45-credit certificate program (about 12 months full-time) focuses exclusively on engine systems—both reciprocating and turbine—through five core courses (AMT 101, AMT 103–105, AMP 220–224).
Students refine troubleshooting and regulatory compliance skills to maintain safe, FAA-certified powerplants in both civilian and military aviation settings.
Certificate holders are eligible for the same FAA written, oral, and practical Powerplant exams as AAS graduates.
Airframe Technology Certificate
The Airframe Technology Certificate covers Basic Electricity (AMT 101), Weight & Balance (AMT 103), and comprehensive airframe systems courses (AMT 110–115).
Designed for students seeking rapid entry into airframe maintenance, it readies them for FAA Airframe exams with hands-on labs and structural repair workshops.
Cost & Duration
- $9,000
- 13 months full-time (50-credits)
Accreditation
All programs are offered by the Alabama Aviation College (a unit of Enterprise State Community College), which holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees and certificates.
Facilities
Each campus—Ozark and Andalusia—features state-of-the-art hangars, FAA-approved labs, and dual-enrollment options for high school students.
Ozark Hangars & Labs
- Brown Building Hangar: A historic 1960-era maintenance hangar retrofitted in 2022 with modern climate control, high-bay lighting, and multiple workstations for full-aircraft inspections.
- Composites & Avionics Lab: Houses dedicated bays for carbon-fiber repair, nondestructive testing, and wiring benches equipped with FAA-approved avionics test panels.
- Powerplant Shop: Contains both reciprocating and turbine engine test cells, digital engine analyzers, and tooling for overhaul and teardown exercises.
Andalusia Campus
- Assembly Hangar: A 20,000 sq ft steel-frame facility with integrated classrooms, rapid-prototype 3D printers for custom parts, and sectional fuselage mockups.
- Hydraulics & Systems Lab: Includes live-flow hydraulic benches, environmental chamber for corrosion control, and a static rig for landing gear maintenance drills.