Many technical colleges and universities offer students the opportunity to study aircraft maintenance engineering in the USA. They also offer maintenance certificates at associate and bachelor’s degrees. Students in aircraft engineering programs learn how to troubleshoot problems and fix them within aircraft systems.
This is done during their preparation to work as technicians or mechanics in the field of aviation. Moreover, they take courses in mathematics as well as physics. Being that, specialties that focus on specific systems or structures are offered in some programs often at the bachelor’s level.
In order to access one of these programs, the student must have a high school diploma or GED, and a satisfactory score on the ACT or SAT.
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University Degree in Aircraft Engineering
Firstly, an Associate degree of Science in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering offers students basic concepts in aircraft maintenance. This degree can be completed within two to two and a half years of full-time study.
Basically, many courses focus on the various mechanical moving parts of an aircraft, the functions of the parts, and the maintenance methods used to ensure its longevity. The associate degree study courses emphasize all the basic mechanical components of different aircraft types.
Topics covered by these programs include the below:
- Aircraft Structures.
- Electric Aircraft Systems.
- Flying Fans.
- Tools and Aircraft.
- Fundamentals of Aviation.
- Mathematics for Aviation.
Bachelor’s degree in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering in the USA
The Bachelor of Science in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering can be completed in four years of full-time study. Students enrolled in the B.S. program will gain a more comprehensive understanding of aviation mechanics and systems.
In addition to the courses offered that focus on troubleshooting, many universities and colleges also allow students to choose a focus area. Certainly, some potential areas include maintenance of both power plant engines and airframe. Engineers work in the maintenance of Power plant engines, and may also work with limited capacity fans.
Accordingly, the Aircraft Body Maintenance Engineer will work on all aircraft systems, except engine, fans, and tools. The core curriculum of the bachelor’s degree program focuses on the various systems and mechanical structures of the aircraft.
As an illustration, courses focusing on troubleshooting and problem-solving methods include:
- Aeronautics.
- Fundamentals of Aviation.
- Practices in Aviation.
- Turbo Engines.
- Aircraft Engine Systems.
- Electrical Systems for Engines.
- Common Professional Choices.
What happens after completing the program?
Afterward, students who complete the Associate Degree Program are eligible to apply for entry-level careers in the aircraft maintenance industry. Indeed, the bachelor’s degree program in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering prepares graduates for a wide range of maintenance jobs.
Being that, job options depend mostly on the number of courses taught in a particular area of aircraft maintenance engineering. Courses include:
- Aviation Electronics Technician.
- Power plant Engines Maintenance Technician.
- Body Aircraft Maintenance Technician.
- A&P Maintenance Technician (Airframe, Power plant Engines).
Requirements to study aircraft maintenance engineering in the USA
Any student who apply to pursue a program in aircraft engineering must meet the following requirements:
- Have a high school diploma and passed Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics or an equivalent 3-year engineering diploma or any higher degree in science with Physics and Mathematics.
- Have had a minimum of 45% grades in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
- Must be between the ages of 16 and 28 at the time of admission
- Must not be colorblind or suffer from any physical limitations.
In some cases, students may also need to be able to use facilities management and industrial control software, among other basic computer skills.
Information about continuous education
Undoubtedly, students who have completed the bachelor’s program in aircraft maintenance engineering in USA can pursue a certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Currently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides certificates to general aviation and aeronautical technicians. Moreover, the certification process consists of a knowledge-based test in a particular aircraft maintenance area.
Furthermore, at the Associate Student level, students will learn about parts and maintenance in aircraft engineering programs. On the other hand, at the undergraduate level, students can choose a focus area such as maintenance of power plant engines and airframe.
Besides, they might choose aviation system identification and troubleshooting. Finally, we hope that you have all the necessary information for studying Aircraft Engineering in America.
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