Alabama Aviation College, a division of Snead State Community College, offers comprehensive aviation maintenance training through two primary degree and certificate programs, housed in the Frank McDaniel Aviation Building near Albertville Municipal Airport. All programs prepare students for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) written, oral, and practical examinations required for aviation maintenance technician certification.
Quick Facts
- Length: 28 Months to 3 Months
- Cost: $9,000 to $11,000
- Location: Albertville, AL
- Website: https://snead.edu/career-technical-education/aviation
Aviation Maintenance Training Programs Overview
| Program | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airframe Technology AAS | ~30 months (2½ years) | $10,553 |
| Airframe Technology Certificate | ~28 months | $9,668 |
| Power Plant Technology AAS | ~30 months (2½ years) | $10,553 |
| Power Plant Certificate | ~25½ months | $8,827 |
Airframe Technology AAS
The Airframe Technology Associate degree program focuses on maintenance of aircraft frames, mechanical components, and electrical systems, requiring 61 credit hours and typically taking approximately 30 months to complete.
Curriculum
- AMT 101 – Basic Electricity
This foundational course covers both AC and DC circuits, electrical controls, measurements, and test equipment, alongside practical work on aircraft batteries and semiconductor basics. Students learn to diagnose and solve electrical measurement challenges, operate standard electrical testers, and maintain battery systems. - AMT 103 – Weight and Balance, Ground Handling and Servicing, Cleaning and Corrosion Control
Designed for new maintenance students, this class teaches aircraft weight-and-balance computations, safe ground handling and tie-down procedures, and cleaning and corrosion-prevention techniques. Graduates can accurately calculate weight distributions, secure aircraft during ground operations, and implement cleaning and anti-corrosion best practices. - AMT 104 – Technical Preparation
Bridging essential math, physics, and regulatory knowledge, this course prepares students to interpret FAA and manufacturer publications, complete maintenance forms, and understand mechanic privileges. Learners practice basic calculations, apply physical principles to maintenance tasks, and navigate technical manuals and legal guidelines. - AMT 105 – Materials and Processes
Focusing on aircraft hardware and material selection, this course introduces precision measuring, non-destructive testing, fluid-line fabrication, and corrosion-control methods. Students perform NDT inspections, use micrometers and calipers, assemble rigid and flexible lines, select proper fasteners and fuels, and read and create technical drawings. - AMT 110 – Non-Metallic Structures and Welding
This class addresses repair techniques for fabric, wood, composite, and steel airframe components, along with various welding methods. Upon completion, students can restore fabric coverings, bond composite panels, repair wooden structures, and execute steel welds and finish applications. - AMT 111 – Aircraft Sheet Metal Structures
Students learn professional sheet-metal repair practices, including layout, bending, and forming techniques, plus rivet and fastener installation. Hands-on exercises equip graduates to fabricate metal parts, install standard and specialty rivets, and inspect and mend damaged metal airframe panels. - AMT 112 – Airframe Systems I
Covering aircraft electrical, communication, and navigation systems, this course emphasizes theory and hands-on troubleshooting of generators, alternators, and starters. Students fabricate and route wiring, then inspect, adjust, and repair lighting, radio, and nav-equipment installations. - AMT 113 – Airframe Systems II
This class explores ice/rain protection, fire-safety, fuel delivery, cabin environmental controls, and basic instrumentation. Learners inspect, service, and troubleshoot de-icing boots, fire-extinguishing systems, fuel pumps, environmental packs, and cockpit instruments. - AMT 114 – Airframe Systems III
Focusing on hydraulic and pneumatic power, landing gear, brakes, and warning systems, students perform diagnostic testing, service component replacements, and system troubleshooting. Graduates can maintain hydraulic pumps, inspect landing gear and anti-skid brakes, and repair position-indicator and alert circuits. - AMT 115 – Airframe Systems IV
This course teaches structural assembly, rigging techniques, helicopter airframe fundamentals, and required inspection protocols. Upon completion, students can assemble and align control surfaces, perform rigging adjustments, inspect airframe integrity, and diagnose airframe-system defects.
More curriculum information here: https://snead.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2022-2024-Catalog-2023-Addendum-FINAL.pdf
Cost & Duration
The program costs $10,553 and takes about 2 1/2 years to complete.
The latest tuition information can be found on the Tuition & Fees page.
Airframe Technology Certificate
For students seeking faster entry into the workforce, the Airframe Technology Certificate requires 56 credit hours (approximately 28 months) and covers the same core technical competencies.
Cost & Duration
At the cost is $9,668.
Power Plant Technology AAS
The Power Plant Technology program specializes in aircraft engine maintenance and repair, also requiring 61 credit hours with the same 30-month duration.
Curriculum
Required courses include:
- AMP 220 – Reciprocating Engines and Theory
This course immerses students in the design and operation of piston-driven aircraft engines and the physics of fixed- and variable-pitch propellers. Learners explore engine construction, performance principles, and maintenance requirements, then apply those concepts through hands-on inspections, troubleshooting, and propeller removal and installation techniques. - AMP 221 – Turbine Engine Theory and Systems
Focusing on gas turbine fundamentals, this class covers engine development, core components, materials, and power-extraction processes. Students master aerodynamic and thermodynamic theory, then practice inspection procedures—such as 100-hour and borescope checks—to ensure safe, efficient turbine operation. - AMP 222 – Reciprocating Engine Inspections and Propellers
Centered on piston-engine diagnostics, this course trains students to inspect, service, and repair ignition, fuel, induction, lubrication, cooling, and exhaust systems. Emphasis on systematic troubleshooting culminates in students confidently restoring engine functionality and reinforcing their understanding of propeller fundamentals. - AMP 223 – Reciprocating Engines Overhaul
Students delve into engine instrumentation, electrical and ignition system theory, and rotary-wing aerodynamics as part of a comprehensive powerplant overhaul curriculum. The program emphasizes fault analysis, interpretation of instrument readings, and execution of airworthiness and conformity inspections on reciprocating engines and rotor systems. - AMP 224 – Turbine Engine Inspection and Overhaul
Combining theory with practice, this course examines gas turbine design, materials, and operating principles before guiding students through full hot-section disassembly and reassembly. Upon completion, learners can perform detailed borescope and 100-hour inspections and execute thorough turbine engine overhauls. - AMT 101 – Basic Electricity
This foundational class introduces AC/DC circuit theory, electrical controls, and measurement techniques, alongside hands-on practice with test equipment and aircraft batteries. Students learn to diagnose electrical faults, perform precise measurements, and maintain onboard power systems with confidence. - AMT 103 – Weight and Balance, Ground Handling and Servicing, Cleaning and Corrosion Control
Designed for newcomers, this course covers aircraft weight-and-balance calculations, safe ground handling and securing procedures, and best practices in cleaning and corrosion prevention. Graduates can accurately compute weight distributions, maneuver and stabilize aircraft on the ramp, and implement corrosion-control measures. - AMT 104 – Technical Preparation
Bridging math, physics, and regulatory knowledge, this class equips students to apply fundamental computations and physical principles to aviation maintenance. Participants also navigate FAA and manufacturer publications, complete maintenance documentation, and understand mechanic privileges and limitations. - AMT 105 – Materials and Processes
This course explores aircraft hardware and materials selection, precision measuring, and non-destructive testing techniques. Students fabricate and install fluid lines, identify appropriate fuels and cleaning agents, perform corrosion-control procedures, and read and interpret technical drawings used in maintenance operations.
Cost & Duration
Like the Airframe degree, the program costs $10,553 and takes about 2 1/2 years to complete.
Power Plant Certificate
The Power Plant Certificate offers a streamlined path requiring 51 credit hours (approximately 25.5 months) while covering the essential engine maintenance competencies needed for FAA certification.
Cost & Duration
At 51 credit hours, the cost is $8,827.
Flexible Options
The college offers dual enrollment opportunities for high school students in grades 10-12 with a minimum 2.5 GPA, allowing them to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously through foundational courses including Technical Preparation, Basic Electricity, and Materials and Processes.
Accreditation
The Aviation College operates under Snead State Community College’s accreditation and maintains FAA approval for all training programs, with curriculum designed to achieve a minimum 70% pass rate on FAA certification exams (exceeding the required 60%).
Industry Partnerships
The college has expanded its reach through partnerships, including an off-campus instructional site at the Southern Museum of Flight in Birmingham, serving inner-city high school students and providing workforce training for current aviation professionals.
Additionally, Snead State partners with the University of Alabama in Huntsville to provide transfer opportunities for students seeking to advance their aviation education beyond the associate degree level.