Southern Union State Community College brings over a century of educational excellence to its comprehensive Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) programs. As an open admission, public two-year college and proud member of the Alabama Community College System, Southern Union serves more than 5,000 students each semester. SUSCC operates from its Wadley, Valley, and Opelika campuses.
Quick Facts
- Length: 9 Months to 16 Months
- Cost: $8,000 to $11,000
- Location: Wadley, AL
- Website: https://www.suscc.edu/programs/avprogram
Aviation Maintenance Technology Programs
Southern Union State Community College offers comprehensive Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) programs designed to prepare students for FAA certification as Aircraft Maintenance Technicians. The college provides multiple pathways including both degree and certificate options in Airframe and Powerplant specializations, addressing the critical industry shortage of qualified aviation mechanics with starting salaries ranging from $75,000 to $80,000 annually.
| Program | Duration | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airframe Technology Associate Degree | 16 months | $10,660 |
| Airframe Technology Certificate | 14 months | $9,184 |
| Powerplant Technology Associate Degree | 12 months | $9,840 |
| Powerplant Technology Certificate | 9 months | $8,364 |
Airframe Technology
Associate Degree
In the Airframe Technology Associate Degree students learn aircraft structural maintenance, including fuselage, wings, and tail systems, with coursework covering non-metallic structures, sheet metal fabrication, electrical systems, hydraulics, and flight controls.
Curriculum
Core classes are as follows:
- AMT 103 Weight And Balance, Ground Handling And Servicing, Cleaning And Corrosion Control
This course lays the foundation for aviation maintenance by teaching students to calculate and conduct aircraft weight-and-balance checks, manage safe ground handling and securing procedures, and apply proper cleaning and corrosion control techniques to preserve airframe integrity. - AMP 220 Reciprocating Engines And Theory
An introductory overview of piston-driven aircraft propulsion, this course covers the construction, operation, and physical principles of reciprocating engines and fixed- or variable-pitch propellers, preparing students to inspect, service, troubleshoot, remove, and install both engines and propellers. - AMP 222 Reciprocating Engine Inspections And Propellers
Focused on powerplant diagnostics and maintenance, this class trains students to inspect, troubleshoot, and repair key engine subsystems—including ignition, fuel and induction, lubrication, and cooling/exhaust—as well as to service and reinstall propellers. - AMP 223 Reciprocating Engine Overhaul
Students study engine instrument systems, electrical and ignition circuitry, and FAA-mandated powerplant inspections while learning to interpret instrument readings, analyze system faults, and perform conformity and airworthiness inspections on reciprocating engines. - AMP 221 Turbine Engine Theory And Systems
This course introduces gas-turbine propulsion, covering engine development, component materials and construction, operating principles, and power extraction methods, and equips students to perform 100-hour checks and borescope inspections. - AMP 224 Turbine Engine Inspection And Overhaul
Building on theory, students learn to disassemble and reassemble turbine engines for hot-section inspections, troubleshoot starter, ignition, anti-ice, and fire-protection systems, and execute proper test-cell and airframe installations.
Cost & Duration
The estimated tuition cost is approximately $10,660 for in-state students based on the current rate of $131 per credit hour plus fees. It is a 65-credit hour program spanning approximately 16 months across four terms.
Certificate
For students seeking faster entry into the workforce, the Airframe Technology Certificate offers a streamlined 56-credit hour option completed in approximately 14 months across four terms.
This certificate program focuses exclusively on technical coursework without general education requirements, with an estimated cost of $9,184 for in-state students.
Powerplant Technology
Associate Degree
The Powerplant Technology Associate Degree Students master both reciprocating and turbine engine systems, learning inspection, repair, and overhaul procedures essential for aircraft propulsion maintenance.
Curriculum
AMT coursework includes:
- AMT 101 Basic Electricity
This core course explores both alternating and direct current circuits, electrical measurements and test equipment, aircraft battery servicing, fundamental electronics, and semiconductor devices, equipping students to diagnose electrical issues, operate standard testing tools, and maintain aircraft power systems. - AMT 104 Technical Preparation
Designed for new aviation maintenance students, this class covers essential math and physics principles, aircraft weight-and-balance computations, and the use of FAA and manufacturer technical publications, ensuring graduates can perform basic calculations, interpret maintenance manuals, and understand mechanic privileges and record-keeping. - AMT 105 Materials And Processes
Focusing on aircraft hardware selection, precision measurement, nondestructive testing, fuel identification, cleaning and corrosion control, and blueprint interpretation, this course trains students to perform inspections, fabricate and install fluid lines, secure aircraft during ground operations, and read and create technical drawings. - AMT 103 Weight And Balance, Ground Handling And Servicing, Cleaning And Corrosion Control
This course teaches students to compute and conduct aircraft weight-and-balance checks, safely handle and secure aircraft on the ground, and apply proper cleaning and corrosion-control techniques to protect airframe components. - AMP 220 Reciprocating Engines And Theory
An overview of piston-driven propulsion and propeller fundamentals, this course covers engine construction, thermodynamic principles, and the operation of fixed- and variable-pitch propellers, preparing students to inspect, service, troubleshoot, remove, and install both engines and propellers. - AMP 222 Reciprocating Engine Inspections And Propellers
Concentrating on powerplant systems, this class trains students to inspect, troubleshoot, and repair ignition, fuel and induction, lubrication, and cooling/exhaust subsystems, alongside the removal, repair, and reinstallation of propellers. - AMP 223 Reciprocating Engine Overhaul
Students study the teardown and rebuild of piston engines, including disassembly, cleaning, dimensional inspection, reassembly, control rigging, and block testing, while learning to interpret instrument readings and perform FAA-compliant conformity and airworthiness inspections. - AMP 221 Turbine Engine Theory And Systems
This course introduces gas-turbine propulsion, covering engine history, component design, operating principles, and power-extraction methods, and equips students to conduct 100-hour and borescope inspections on turbine engines. - AMP 224 Turbine Engine Inspection And Overhaul
Building on theory, students learn to disassemble and reassemble turbine engines for hot-section inspections, troubleshoot starter, ignition, anti-ice, and fire-protection systems, and execute proper test-cell and airframe installations.
Cost & Duration
The program requires 60 credit hours completed over approximately 12 months across four terms, with an estimated tuition cost of $9,840 for in-state students.
Certificate
The Powerplant Technology Certificate provides focused training in 51 credit hours over approximately 9 months across three terms, costing an estimated $8,364 for in-state students.
This accelerated program concentrates on engine theory, inspection procedures, and hands-on overhaul techniques for both engine types.
Facilities and Partnerships
Southern Union has established a groundbreaking partnership with Auburn University to construct a $4.1 million teaching hangar at Auburn University Regional Airport, scheduled for completion in 2025. This state-of-the-art facility will provide students with real-world training opportunities alongside Auburn’s School of Aviation, creating unique pathways for career advancement and continuing education.
Accreditation and Recognition
As a member of the Alabama Community College System, Southern Union State Community College maintains full accreditation and has received FAA certification for its aviation programs since June 2023.
The college serves as one of only four Alabama community colleges offering aviation maintenance training, joining Enterprise State, Coastal Alabama, and Snead State in addressing the statewide demand for qualified aviation technicians. With Boeing projecting a need for over 600,000 new maintenance technicians globally through 2041, Southern Union’s programs position graduates for excellent career prospects in aerospace manufacturing, military aviation, commercial airlines, and maintenance facilities throughout Alabama and beyond.