Andrews University Aviation Mechanic Programs (A&P)

Andrews University offers FAA-certified aviation maintenance training through a variety of degree and certificate options, including an Aircraft Maintenance Certificate, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees with flight or management concentrations. Students can attend on-campus or hybrid classes, and summer sessions are available for flight hour completion. FAA written, oral, and practical exams are conducted on-site, and qualified students may work in campus aviation roles during their training.

Quick Facts

Length: 24 Months to 48 Months
Cost: $75,000 to $210,000
Location: Berrien Springs, MI
Website: https://www.andrews.edu/cp/aviation/aviation_maintenance.html

Aviation Maintenance Programs Overview

Programs range from 2 to 4 years in length and include hands-on coursework in engine systems, airframe structures, avionics, and turbine technologies.

Aircraft Maintenance Certificate Program

Andrews University offers a comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Certificate program designed for students seeking FAA certification without pursuing a full degree. It covers both Airframe and Powerplant ratings through hands-on training in metal structures, composites, welding, electrical systems, and engine overhaul.

The certificate program targets diverse student groups including those seeking new careers, veterans using VA benefits, and international students sponsored by their governments.

Curriculum

Classes include:

AVMT 108 – Applied Science for Aerospace Technicians focuses on applying mathematical and physics principles to aerodynamics, flight mechanics, weight and balance calculations, and maintenance problem-solving that aircraft technicians encounter in the field. Students learn to interpret technical drawings and master basic ground operations essential for aircraft maintenance work.
AVMT 114 – Aircraft Basic Electricity provides foundational knowledge in electrical and electronic principles crucial for aviation maintenance. The course covers electrical diagrams, power calculations, AC/DC current systems, aircraft battery storage, capacitance and inductance concepts, binary code applications, and solid-state logic fundamentals.
AVMT 116 – Federal Regulations, Publications, Forms and Records examines federal aviation regulations and manufacturer documentation as they relate to aircraft design standards, maintenance procedures, inspection requirements, record-keeping protocols, and the certification process including privileges and limitations of aviation maintenance technicians.
AVMT 120 – Materials and Processes for Aircraft Structures teaches practical skills in hand and power tool operation, aircraft hardware identification, material properties, precision measurement techniques, corrosion prevention and control methods, nondestructive testing procedures, and fluid line and fitting installation and maintenance.
AVMT 204 – Aircraft Electrical Systems provides hands-on experience with aircraft electrical system components, focusing on proper installation techniques, repair procedures, systematic troubleshooting methods, routine service requirements, and comprehensive inspection protocols for various electrical systems found in modern aircraft.
AVMT 206 – Powerplant Electrical Systems examines engine-specific electrical components including ignition systems, starter mechanisms, generators and alternators, auxiliary power units with their control circuits, engine instrumentation systems, and fire protection and suppression systems designed for aircraft powerplants.
AVMT 210 – Aircraft Systems offers comprehensive training in the inspection, repair, testing, servicing, and troubleshooting of critical aircraft systems including ice and rain detection equipment, cabin atmosphere control (pressurization, heating, cooling, oxygen), position warning systems, navigation and communication equipment, and aircraft instruments used for system diagnostics.
AVMT 220 – Aircraft Fuels and Fuel Systems covers various aircraft fuel types and proper handling procedures while examining aircraft fuel system components, fuel metering methodologies, and the complete spectrum of inspection, checking, servicing, troubleshooting, repair, and overhaul processes for fuel systems and fire detection/protection equipment.
AVMT 226 – Engine Fuel Metering Systems concentrates on fuel systems located forward of the aircraft firewall, providing detailed study of fuel-metering devices including carburetors, pressure carburetors, and direct/continuous fuel-injection systems, with emphasis on service, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting techniques for each system type.
AVMT 237 – Aircraft Hydraulic, Pneumatic, and Landing Gear Systems teaches the operation and maintenance of aircraft hydraulic and pneumatic systems along with landing gear mechanisms, covering inspection procedures, checking protocols, servicing requirements, troubleshooting techniques, and repair methods for these critical aircraft systems and their components.
AVMT 304 – Aircraft Metal Structures combines theoretical knowledge with practical application of aircraft metal structure fabrication and repair processes. Students learn welding theory and practice with emphasis on weld quality assessment, and work extensively with riveted aluminum sheet-metal aircraft structures including fabrication and repair techniques.
AVMT 306 – Aircraft Non-metal Structures explores wood and fabric materials used in aircraft construction while studying composite aircraft structure methods, tooling requirements, inspection procedures, processes, and repair techniques, including the application, identification, and functional understanding of aircraft protective finishes.
AVMT 308 – Aircraft Assembly, Rigging and Inspections covers aircraft nomenclature and design features for both fixed-wing and rotorcraft, teaching assembly procedures, structural alignment techniques, control system rigging and balancing, and comprehensive aircraft inspection protocols including 100-hour and other mandatory inspections.
AVMT 310 – Gas Turbine Engines examines jet engine propulsion principles and theory, engine design variations, types and associated systems, while providing practical training in maintenance, overhaul procedures, installation and removal techniques, repair methods, engine trimming, and systematic troubleshooting of turbine engines.
AVMT 314 – Aircraft Propellers and Engine Inspections provides theoretical foundation and limited hands-on experience with wood and metal propellers, covering fixed, adjustable, controllable, feathering, and reversible propeller types controlled by mechanical, hydromatic, or electrical systems, plus practical training in performing 100-hour inspections on aircraft engines and propellers.
AVMT 316 – Reciprocating Engine Systems and Overhaul delivers comprehensive study of reciprocating engine theory, overhaul methodologies and practices, and engine installation procedures, while examining critical engine systems including exhaust, cooling, induction, and lubrication systems essential for aircraft powerplant operation.

More curriculum information here: https://bulletin.andrews.edu/preview_entity.php?catoid=23&ent_oid=1574&returnto=5593

Cost & Duration

This 52-credit program takes approximately 24 months to complete. Based on the current tuition rate of $1,460 per credit for courses under 12 credits, the total program cost would be approximately $75,920.

Additional tuition information can be found here: https://www.andrews.edu/services/sfs/general_information/costs/index.html

Bachelor of Technology Programs

The university provides three distinct bachelor’s degree options in aviation maintenance.

The BT in Aviation Maintenance Concentration is a 120-credit program requiring approximately 48 months to complete, combining the 52-credit maintenance certificate with additional aviation electives and general education requirements.

For students interested in management roles, the BT in Aviation Management – Maintenance Concentration offers 120 credits over 48 months, incorporating 21 credits of business courses including accounting, business law, operations management, and finance alongside the core maintenance training.

Dual Concentration Option

The most comprehensive offering is the BT in Aviation, Flight and Maintenance Concentration, a 131-credit program taking approximately 48-60 months (4 years plus 2 summers) to complete. This program uniquely prepares students as both pilots and mechanics, specifically targeting future mission pilots, and includes 43 credits of flight training alongside the full maintenance curriculum.

Cost

Students pursuing any bachelor’s degree would pay the standard tuition package rate of $35,040 annually, making the total cost approximately $168,192-$210,240 depending on program length.

Minor and Flexible Options

For students seeking supplementary training, Andrews offers an Aviation Maintenance Minor requiring 32 credits over approximately 16 months, allowing students to choose either Airframe or Powerplant rating focus.

The university also provides blended learning options for several programs, combining on-campus major courses with online general education requirements for added flexibility.

Facilities

Andrews University’s aviation program features an on-site airfield and a training fleet that includes single-engine Piper Archers, a Piper Arrow, and a twin-engine Piper Seminole, all maintained by FAA-certified mechanics. The program integrates flight simulation training, turboprop ground operations using a Mitsubishi MU2, and offers transitional training for glass cockpit systems and light jets. Advanced students can gain work experience as flight instructors or maintenance assistants, with career pathways extending from mission aviation to corporate and commercial flying.

Accreditation

Andrews University maintains full accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventists (AAA), and critical FAA certification under 14 CFR Part 147 (certification number LW5T030N).

Institutional Features

As a distinctive Seventh-day Adventist institution founded in 1874, Andrews is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the most culturally diverse universities in the nation, serving students from across the United States and around the globe with a mission to educate students.