Western Michigan University’s Aviation Technical Operations program leverages world-class facilities including a fully functioning Boeing 727 and diverse maintenance fleet of Cessna 172s, Beechcraft Barons, and King Airs to provide students with unparalleled hands-on training experience in aircraft maintenance and repair. Through established industry partnerships with major employers like Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, FedEx, and Duncan Aviation, the program creates direct pathways to career opportunities while maintaining an impressive 91% employment rate and recognition as one of the world’s top aviation schools.
Quick Facts
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $64,000
- Location: Kalamazoo, MI
- Website: https://wmich.edu/aviation/academics/techops
Aviation Technical Operations Summary
Program Overview and Duration
Western Michigan University’s Aviation Technical Operations (ATOJ) program is a comprehensive 4-year, 124-credit hour bachelor’s degree designed to prepare students for diverse careers in aircraft maintenance and aerospace industry leadership.
The program follows a unique structure where students can earn their FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification after completing the first two years, allowing them to enter the workforce immediately or continue toward the full bachelor’s degree.
With approximately 150-200 students enrolled, the program combines intensive hands-on training with academic coursework to develop both technical expertise and management skills essential for career advancement in aviation maintenance.
Curriculum
The curriculum is strategically front-loaded with A&P certification requirements during the first two years, covering general aviation knowledge, airframe systems, and powerplant operations through courses like Aircraft Basic Science, Electrical Systems, Metallic and Non-Metallic Structures, and Turbine Engine Theory.
The final two years focus on advanced topics such as Aviation Maintenance Management, Professional Maintenance Operations, Advanced Troubleshooting, and business fundamentals, preparing graduates for leadership roles in the rapidly evolving aerospace industry.
Coursework includes the following:
VS 1910 – Aviation Regulations and Human Factors Introduces FAA regulations and human factors as they relate to aviation maintenance. Covers use of FAA forms, publications, and guidance for airworthiness decisions.
AVS 1915 – Aviation Regulations and Human Factors Lab Applies regulatory concepts through hands-on work with FAA and manufacturer documentation. Students create maintenance entries and evaluate aviation records.
AVS 1920 – Aircraft Basic Science Covers math and physics principles used in aviation, including flight theory and weight and balance calculations. Emphasizes reading technical drawings and schematics.
AVS 1925 – Aircraft Basic Science Lab Reinforces aviation science with hands-on exercises involving flight theory, engine performance, and technical documentation.
AVS 1930 – Aircraft Inspections Teaches inspection techniques and corrosion control while emphasizing safe aircraft ground handling and maintenance protocols.
AVS 1935 – Aircraft Inspections Lab Provides hands-on experience with inspection tools, corrosion control, and safety during aircraft servicing and inspection.
AVS 1940 – Aircraft Hardware & Fluid Lines Covers fluid line systems, hardware identification, and safety procedures used in aircraft construction and maintenance.
AVS 1945 – Aircraft Hardware & Fluid Lines Lab Focuses on fluid line fabrication, installation, and inspection. Reinforces torquing and safety procedures.
AVS 1950 – Aircraft Electrical Introduces basic electrical principles including electron theory, magnetism, and circuit analysis for aircraft systems.
AVS 1955 – Aircraft Electrical Lab Hands-on training in aircraft electrical systems, focusing on component testing, circuit measurements, and troubleshooting.
AVS 2910 – Airframe 1 Metallic Structures Lecture Explores aircraft metal structures, welding procedures, and sheet metal repair techniques.
AVS 2915 – Aircraft Metallic Structures Lab Students perform metal structure inspections, repairs, and welding following standard procedures.
AVS 2920 – Aircraft Non-Metallic Structures Covers inspection and repair of wood, composite, fabric, and plastic components in aircraft.
AVS 2925 – Aircraft Non-Metallic Structures Lab Practical work on inspection and repair of non-metallic structures, including upholstery and safety procedures.
AVS 2930 – Light Aircraft Systems Focuses on maintenance and troubleshooting of light aircraft systems such as landing gear and hydraulics.
AVS 2935 – Light Aircraft Systems Laboratory Hands-on maintenance of light aircraft systems including inspection and troubleshooting tasks.
AVS 2940 – Transport Aircraft Systems Studies large aircraft systems and their maintenance requirements, emphasizing technical documentation use.
AVS 2945 – Transport Aircraft Systems Laboratory Hands-on training in large aircraft system inspection, service, and troubleshooting.
AVS 2950 – Airframe Rigging Covers rigging of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft flight controls and compliance inspections.
AVS 2955 – Airframe Rigging Laboratory Students perform control rigging and related inspections using appropriate documentation.
AVS 2960 – Airframe Electrical Systems Examines aircraft power systems, instruments, and basic autopilot functions.
AVS 2965 – Airframe Electrical Systems Lab Practical experience with aircraft electrical systems, focusing on testing and troubleshooting.
AVS 2990 – Aircraft Repair Covers avionics systems, focusing on installation, testing, and troubleshooting.
AVS 2995 – Aircraft Repair Lab Hands-on work with avionics systems and equipment maintenance.
AVS 3910 – Aircraft Reciprocating Engines Introduces engine theory and operation with focus on performance calculations and lubrication systems.
AVS 3915 – Reciprocating Engines Lab Hands-on training with reciprocating engines and lubrication systems.
AVS 3920 – Reciprocating Engine Systems Covers maintenance and troubleshooting of ignition, fuel, induction, and cooling systems.
AVS 3925 – Reciprocating Engine Systems Lab Applies maintenance techniques to reciprocating engine systems in a hands-on setting.
AVS 3930 – Reciprocating Inspection and Repair Focuses on inspection and regulatory compliance for engines and propellers.
AVS 3935 – Reciprocating Inspection and Repair Lab Students inspect and repair engines and propellers, practicing compliance and documentation.
AVS 3940 – Engine Electrical and Instruments Covers electrical systems and instrumentation for reciprocating and turbine engines.
AVS 3945 – Engine Electrical and Instruments Lab Hands-on work with electrical and instrument systems for engine start-up and operation.
AVS 3950 – Turbine Engine Theory, Design, and Inspection Introduces turbine engine concepts, design, and performance calculations.
AVS 3955 – Turbine Engine Theory, Design, and Inspection Lab Students explore turbine engines through practical assembly and inspection tasks.
AVS 3960 – Turbine Engine Systems, Operation, and Testing Covers turbine engine servicing, troubleshooting, and maintenance procedures.
AVS 3965 – Turbine Engine Systems, Operation, and Testing Lab Hands-on turbine engine maintenance using FAA-approved procedures.
AVS 3970 – Complex Propellers and Engine Operation Studies operation and servicing of advanced propeller systems and engine startup procedures.
AVS 3975 – Complex Propellers and Engine Operation Lab Hands-on experience with propeller operations and engine start-up/taxi procedures.
AVS 4720 – Advanced Structures and Materials Explores new materials and construction methods in modern aircraft.
AVS 4725 – Advanced Structures and Materials Lab Students work with advanced materials and construction techniques.
AVS 4630 – Professional Maintenance Operations Examines commercial aviation maintenance practices and organizational structure.
AVS 4650 – Advanced Troubleshooting Focuses on solving complex maintenance issues with an emphasis on airworthiness.
AVS 4655 – Advanced Troubleshooting Lab Students apply advanced problem-solving techniques in maintenance operations.
AVS 4740 – Aviation Maintenance Management Introduces leadership roles in aviation maintenance, focusing on project management and oversight.
Find more curriculum details here:
Learning Experience
Students gain practical experience working on WMU’s dedicated maintenance fleet, including a fully functioning Boeing 727 donated by the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals and FedEx, along with various single and multi-engine aircraft including Cessna 172s, Beechcraft Barons, and King Airs.
Tuition
Based on current resident tuition rates of approximately $15,816 per year for fall and spring semesters, students can expect to invest roughly $63,264 in tuition over the four-year program duration (48 months).
Additional costs may include:
- mandatory lab fees totaling $3,799 across all technical courses
- required tool purchases with lifetime warranties
- housing
- other standard university expenses
Check the official tuition page for more details.
The program offers significant value through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) opportunities that can reduce program length by up to 45 credits for students with military or industry experience.
Accreditation
WMU’s College of Aviation holds Federal Aviation Regulation Part 147 certification and is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International, ensuring graduates meet industry standards for FAA certification examinations.
Industry Recognition
The college has earned recognition as one of the world’s top 6 flight schools by Study International and maintains a global reputation for excellence with over 85 years of aviation education history.
Strong industry partnerships include established internship programs with companies like Duncan Aviation, United Airlines through the Aviate program, and Delta Air Lines through the Propel initiative, providing students with direct pathways to career opportunities.
The program’s 97% graduate satisfaction rate and 91% employment/continuing education rate demonstrate its effectiveness in preparing students for successful aviation careers, with graduates working at major companies including Delta Air Lines, FedEx, and various aircraft maintenance organizations worldwide.