Coastal Alabama Community College, a member of the Alabama Community College System, is the largest community college in the state, serving nearly 10,000 students across six counties. It offers associate degrees and certificates in Airframe & Powerplant technology. The school provides high-tech, hands-on instruction at Alabama’s lowest tuition rates.
Quick Facts
- Length: 12 Months to 16 Months
- Cost: $10,000 to $12,000
- Location: Mobile, AL
- Website: https://www.coastalalabama.edu/academics/areas-of-study/aviation/
Aviation Maintenance Programs Overview
Powerplant Technology AAS
This Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is a four-semester (60 credit hour) program, preparing students for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) written, oral, and practical examinations required for a Powerplant endorsement.
Curriculum
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including basic electricity, materials and processes, reciprocating and turbine engine theory, inspections, and overhaul.
Coursework includes the following:
- AMT 101 Basic Electricity
This course covers alternating and direct current circuits, electrical controls, measurement methods, and battery care. Students learn to use test equipment correctly and solve practical electrical problems. - AMT 104 Technical Preparation
This course introduces foundational math and physics, aircraft weight and balance, and the use of FAA and manufacturer publications. Students learn to perform basic computations, apply physics principles, calculate weight and balance, and interpret maintenance records and regulations. - AMT 105 Materials and Processes
This course presents aircraft hardware and materials, precision measuring, non-destructive testing, and corrosion control methods. Students practice using measuring tools, fabricating and installing fluid lines, selecting hardware and fuels, and reading aircraft drawings. - AMT 103 Weight and Balance, Ground Handling and Servicing, Cleaning and Corrosion Control
This course covers aircraft weight and balance procedures, ground handling, and cleaning and corrosion control techniques. Students learn to secure aircraft, compute and conduct weight and balance checks, and apply corrosion control methods. - AMP 220 Reciprocating Engines and Theory
This course introduces the theory, construction, and operation of reciprocating engines and propeller fundamentals. Students study inspection and service requirements, and they gain a basic understanding of fixed- and variable-pitch propellers. - AMP 222 Reciprocating Engine Inspections and Propellers
This course focuses on inspection, troubleshooting, and repair of ignition, fuel, lubrication, cooling, and exhaust systems. Students learn to inspect and service each system and to diagnose and repair common faults. - AMP 221 Turbine Engine Theory and Systems
This course presents turbine engine development, components, materials, and operating principles. Students learn theory and perform 100-hour and borescope inspection procedures. - AMP 223 Reciprocating Engine Overhaul 5
This course examines engine instruments, electrical and ignition systems, and powerplant inspections, plus rotary-wing aerodynamics and rotor systems. Students learn to interpret instrument readings, analyze faults, and perform airworthiness inspections. - AMP 224 Turbine Engine Inspection and Overhaul 5
This course covers turbine engine theory, components, and power extraction principles. Students perform hot-section inspections by disassembling and reassembling a turbine engine and practice 100-hour and borescope procedures.
Upon completion of Semester Two, students take their FAA Written Generals Exam, and after Semester Three, their FAA Written PowerPlant Exam. The final semester culminates in the FAA Oral & Practical exam.
More curriculum information can be found here:
Cost & Duration
The program takes about 16 months. Based on the in-state tuition rate of $192 per credit hour (including fees), the estimated tuition cost for the entire program would be approximately $11,520.
Powerplant Technology Certificate
For those seeking a more focused path to Powerplant certification, this three-semester certificate program covers essential knowledge for the FAA Powerplant endorsement.
Curriculum
Topics covered include basic electricity, technical preparation, materials and processes, weight and balance, reciprocating and turbine engines.
Cost & Duration
The estimated tuition cost for this 51-credit hour certificate, at $192 per credit hour, is approximately $9,792. It takes about 12 months to complete.
Airframe Technology AAS
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Airframe Technology is another four-semester program, totaling 65 credit hours, designed to prepare students for FAA Airframe certification.
Curriculum
The curriculum focuses on repairing and maintaining aircraft structures, including sheetmetal and composite work, hydraulic and communication systems, fuel systems, and interpreting aircraft drawings.
Classes include:
- AMT 101 Basic Electricity
This course studies AC and DC circuits, controls, measurements, test equipment, aircraft batteries, basic electronics, and semiconductor devices. Students learn to solve electrical measurement problems, operate test equipment, and service aircraft batteries. - AMT 104 Technical Preparation
This course covers foundational math and physics, aircraft weight and balance, and the use of FAA and manufacturer publications. Students practice basic computations, apply physics principles, compute weight and balance, and interpret maintenance records and regulations. - AMT 105 Materials and Processes
This course presents aircraft hardware and materials, precision measuring, non-destructive testing, fuels, cleaning, corrosion control, and aircraft drawings. Students perform non-destructive tests, use measuring tools, fabricate and install fluid lines, select hardware and fuels, and read and interpret drawings. - AMT 103 Weight and Balance, Ground Handling and Servicing, Cleaning and Corrosion Control
This course introduces aircraft weight and balance procedures, ground handling, and cleaning and corrosion control techniques. Students conduct weight and balance checks, secure aircraft during ground operations, and apply cleaning and corrosion control methods. - AMT 110 Non-Metallic Structures and Welding
This course covers repair methods for fabric, wood, and composite aircraft structures. Students learn to repair fabric surfaces, apply finishing materials, perform wood repairs, lay out composite patches, and inspect non-metallic components. - AMT 111 Aircraft Sheetmetal Structures
This course teaches sheet metal repair procedures, tools, and materials. Students practice forming, laying out, and bending sheet metal; installing conventional and special rivets; and inspecting and repairing metal structures. - AMT 112 Airframe Systems I
This course introduces aircraft electrical, communication, and navigation systems. Students inspect, repair, install, adjust, and troubleshoot AC and DC electrical systems, fabricate wiring, and service lighting, communication, and navigation components. - AMT 113 Airframe Systems II
This course covers ice and rain removal, fire protection, fuel systems, cabin environmental control, and instrumentation. Students learn theory, inspect and service each system, and troubleshoot operational faults. - AMT 114 Airframe Systems III
This course presents hydraulic and pneumatic power systems, landing gear systems, and position and warning systems. Students test, inspect, troubleshoot, and service hydraulic and pneumatic components, brake systems, and warning devices. - AMT 115 Airframe Systems IV 5
This course focuses on airframe structural assembly, rigging, helicopter systems, and required inspections. Students inspect, assemble, rig, and troubleshoot airframes and related components.
Students complete the FAA Written Generals Exam after Semester Two and the FAA Written Airframe Exam after Semester Three, with the FAA Oral and Practical Exam in the final semester.
Cost & Duration
The estimated tuition for this 16 month program is approximately $12,480. This program, like its Powerplant counterpart, is structured for immediate employment upon graduation.
Airframe Technology Certificate
This four-semester certificate provides focused training for FAA Airframe certification.
Curriculum
Spanning 56 credit hours, it covers core airframe topics such as non-metallic structures, welding, aircraft sheetmetal, and various airframe systems. Students prepare for the FAA Written Generals Exam after Semester Two and the FAA Oral and Practical Exam after Semester Four.
Cost & Duration
The estimated tuition for this certificate, at $192 per credit hour, is approximately $10,752. This program takes about 16 month to finish.
Related Programs
Aviation Manufacturing Technician (STC-AMM)
This two-semester (approximately 8-month) Short-Term Certificate is an 18-credit hour program designed for rapid entry into aviation manufacturing, with an emphasis on foundational administrative and mechanical skills, particularly in sheet metal structural practices.
Courses include Basic Electricity, Technical Preparation, and Aircraft Sheetmetal Structures, alongside Workplace Skills. This program does not offer federal financial aid but is an excellent pathway for dual enrollment high school students and adults seeking quick training for quality careers, potentially leading directly to jobs with companies like Airbus. Students can also use this certificate as a stepping stone to pursue full FAA Airframe and/or Powerplant licenses.
The estimated tuition cost for this 18-credit hour program is approximately $3,456. Learn more about this certificate here.
Facilities
This facility, located at the bustling Brookley Aeroplex, directly connects students to a thriving aviation industry on the Alabama Gulf Coast, home to major players like Airbus, ST Engineering Aerospace (VT MAE), and Continental Aerospace Technologies.
Outcomes
The college prioritizes student success through credit programs, non-credit training, and adult education, maintaining an intentional mission to invest in its students. Their strong ties with local aviation industries ensure high job placement rates, with many graduates securing employment within walking distance of the campus at the Brookley Aeroplex.
Accreditation
The Alabama Aviation Center at Brookley Field is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 147 approved school. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).