Virginia’s strategic location as a major aviation hub, home to Washington Dulles International Airport, Norfolk International Airport, and numerous military installations, creates exceptional demand for skilled aviation maintenance technicians. The state offers several pathways to launch your aviation career, from affordable community college programs to comprehensive degree options designed to prepare students for FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification.
Below are the top 5 schools in the state, including DC.
AIM Aviation Mechanic Programs
Norfolk, Bull Run (near DC) | $55,000 | 21 Months
Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) offers FAA-approved aviation maintenance programs at its Virginia campuses in Norfolk and Northern Virginia. These programs provide hands-on training in aircraft systems, powerplants, structures, and avionics, preparing students for A&P certification and a wide range of aviation careers. Norfolk’s campus features 70,000 square feet of training space, two aircraft hangars, and experienced faculty—many of whom are veterans or AIM alumni. The Northern Virginia campus offers upgraded labs, a new Veterans Lounge, and direct access to major aviation employers near Washington, D.C., with training on real aircraft including a Learjet and Cessna 337.
Blue Ridge Community College Aviation Mechanic Programs
Weyers Cave | $6,500 to $12,500 | 16 Months to 24 Months
Blue Ridge Community College offers FAA-approved aviation maintenance programs that prepare students for A&P certification through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on training. The Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology takes 20–24 months and includes coursework in airframe and powerplant systems, electrical systems, inspections, and FAA regulations. BRCC also offers 12–16 month certificate programs in Airframe or Powerplant Maintenance, each focused on specialized technical training. All programs are delivered at the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport with options for partial online learning and industry internships...read more.
Liberty University Aviation Mechanic Programs
Lynchburg | $17,000 to $54,000 | 12 Months to 2 years
Liberty University offers a full range of aviation maintenance programs, from a 12-month FAA certificate to associate and bachelor’s degrees. Students can study online, in-person, or through hybrid formats, with new terms starting in January, May, and August. The programs emphasize real-world skills, FAA Part 147 compliance, and strong job placement outcomes, especially for students with prior A&P certification. Liberty’s offerings include dual-certification options for aspiring pilots and mechanics, as well as industry-aligned training backed by top aviation partnerships...read more.
University of District of Columbia Aviation Mechanic Programs
District of Columbia | $17,000 to $24,000 | 20 Months to 24 Months
The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) offers career-focused training in aviation maintenance through its community college division. With both degree and certificate pathways, students can choose between an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or a Certificate in Aviation Maintenance Technology. These programs prepare students for FAA certification and high-demand roles in the aviation industry...read more.
How to Choose the Best School for You
A&P Certificate Programs
- Airframe Maintenance Certificate: 12-16 months, $6,400-$7,600
- Powerplant Maintenance Certificate: 12-16 months, $6,400-$7,600
- Location: Weyers Cave, VA (Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport)
- Aviation Maintenance Technician Certificate: 12 months, $17,550
- Location: Lynchburg, VA
University of District of Columbia
- Certificate in Aviation Maintenance Technology: 20 months, $17,270
- Location: Washington, DC (Reagan National Airport)
Associate Degree Programs
Aviation Institute of Maintenance
- Aviation Maintenance Technology AAS / AOS Degree: 93 credit hours, $56,710
- Widely regarded as the most prestigious AMT degree available
Blue Ridge Community College
- AAS Aviation Maintenance Technology: 20-24 months, $10,880-$12,240
- 68 credit hours with hands-on training at airport facility
Liberty University
- AA in Aviation Maintenance Technician: 2 years, $31,980
- 82 credit hours combining technical and academic training
University of District of Columbia
- AAS in Aviation Maintenance Technology: 24 months, $24,400
- 70 credit hours with general education components
Specialized and Advanced Programs
Liberty University Bachelor’s Degrees
- BS in Aviation Maintenance Management (Online): 2 years*, $29,250*
- BS in Aviation Technology: Flight and Maintenance: 4 years, $53,430
- *For students with existing FAA A&P certification
Advanced Certifications Available
- Avionics specializations
- FCC licensing preparation (select programs)
- CertTEC examinations
Financial Considerations
Most Affordable Options
Blue Ridge Community College offers the best value in Virginia aviation training:
- Cheapest certificates: $6,400-$7,600 (individual A&P certificates)
- Most affordable degree: $10,880-$12,240 (AAS program)
- In-state tuition rates: $160-$180 per credit hour
Average Program Costs
- Certificate programs: $6,400-$17,550
- Associate degrees: $10,880-$31,980
- Bachelor’s degrees: $29,250-$53,430
Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Blue Ridge Community College: Dynamic Aviation Scholarship for students with financial need
- Liberty University: Military-friendly pricing ($250/credit for military), Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon benefits
- University of District of Columbia: AWAM and HFI scholarships, industry-aligned funding
Program Duration
Shortest Programs
- Individual A&P certificates: 12-16 months (Blue Ridge Community College)
- Accelerated certificate: 12 months (Liberty University)
Average Completion Times
- Certificate programs: 12-20 months
- Associate degrees: 20-24 months
- Bachelor’s degrees: 2-4 years (depending on prior certification)
Flexible Scheduling
Blue Ridge Community College offers distance education options with approximately 50% of coursework available online, requiring only labs to be completed on-site.
Industry Partnerships and Career Outcomes
Aviation Institute of Maintenance
Comprehensive Industry Network: AIM partners with major airlines (United, Delta, American, JetBlue), OEMs (Boeing, Embraer, Textron), engine manufacturers (GE Aviation, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce), and top MRO providers (AAR Corp, Delta Tech Ops, Lufthansa Technik).
Active Engagement & Curriculum Shaping: These partners participate in career fairs, “fly-ins,” and networking events, and sit on AIM’s Aviation Advisory Board to help craft courses, deliver guest lectures, and mentor real-world capstone projects.
Career Pipelines & Lifelong Support: Formal agreements with regional carriers (SkyWest, PSA Airlines), government agencies (FAA, NASA), and corporate flight departments yield exclusive internships, site tours, and direct hiring channels—while AIM’s Career Services continues to connect alumni with leadership, certification, and emerging-tech opportunities.
Blue Ridge Community College
- Strong partnership with Dynamic Aviation – students often receive job offers before graduation
- Located at Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport for real-world training
- FAA Part 147 certification
Liberty University
- Boeing partnership and regional airline connections
- Nearly 100% job placement rate
- Four-time winner of prestigious Loening Trophy
- Military-friendly programs
University of District of Columbia
- Training facility at Reagan National Airport Hangar #2
- Graduates work at DCA and IAD airports
- Median annual salary: $81,000 for graduates
- Participation in national Aerospace Maintenance Competition
Special Features and Training Environment
Real-World Training Facilities
- Blue Ridge: Dedicated hangar at Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport
- Liberty: State-of-the-art facilities with modern equipment
- UDC: Professional airport environment at Reagan National
Faculty Excellence
All programs feature experienced A&P technicians and industry professionals as instructors, ensuring students receive current, practical knowledge alongside theoretical training.
Hands-On Learning
- Real aircraft maintenance on various engine types
- Industry-standard equipment and tools
- Small class sizes (25:1 student-to-faculty ratios)
- FAA-approved testing facilities on-site
Technology Integration
- Modern avionics training
- Computer-aided design (CADD) instruction
- Digital troubleshooting equipment
- Online learning platforms
Choosing the Best Program for Your Goals
For budget-conscious students: Blue Ridge Community College offers the most affordable path to A&P certification with excellent industry connections.
For accelerated training: Liberty University’s 12-month certificate provides the fastest route to certification with strong job placement support.
For urban opportunities: University of District of Columbia provides training in the heart of the Washington, DC aviation market with access to major airports.
For advanced careers: Liberty University’s bachelor’s degree programs prepare students for management and leadership roles in aviation maintenance.
Virginia’s aviation maintenance programs combine affordability, quality instruction, and strong industry partnerships to create some of the best training opportunities in the region. With median A&P technician salaries around $75,000-$81,000 and nearly universal job placement, these programs represent excellent investments in high-demand aviation careers.
How to Become an Aviation Mechanic in Virginia
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
Step 2: Choose Your Training Path
Enroll in an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) near you. Below are options broken down by geographic area:
- Northern Virginia/DC Metro: AIM (Bull Run campus), UDC
- Central Virginia: Blue Ridge Community College, Liberty University
- Southern/Eastern Virginia: AIM (Norfolk campus), Liberty University
- Western Virginia: Blue Ridge Community College
Other options include obtaining relevant military aviation maintenance experience (JSAMTCC pathway), or completing at least 18–30 months of supervised, hands-on experience (practical experience path).
Step 3: Complete an FAA-Approved AMT Program
Programs typically take 18–24 months and include classroom and hands-on training. Subjects include airframe structures, powerplant systems, aircraft electronics, and safety procedures.
Step 4: Pass the FAA Knowledge Tests
Take and pass written exams for:
- General Knowledge
- Airframe
- Powerplant
Each test requires a minimum score of 70%.
Step 5: Pass the FAA Oral and Practical Exams
Exams are administered by a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME). You must demonstrate skills and knowledge in General, Airframe, and Powerplant topics. Upon passing, you receive your A&P certificate.