If you have a high degree of mechanical aptitude, the Dutchess Community College’s aviation maintenance technician degree program is for you. Students learn how to keep aircraft operating safely and efficiently, and gain experience in servicing, repairing and testing aircraft and aircraft systems. Through an intensive program that typically takes approximately 20 months, students have plenty of opportunity to practice their skills on state-of-the art tools and equipment in DCC’s brand new Aviation Education Center and Hangar. And in this high-demand field, graduates are well-prepared to apply their skills around the globe.  

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Aviation Maintenance Technician, is designed to prepare men and women for employment as maintenance technicians in the field of aircraft repair and maintenance in general aviation, corporate aviation, airlines or aerospace manufacturers.   

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:  

• Demonstrate proficient, entry-level aviation maintenance skills.  

• Apply their knowledge of systems and FAA publications to evaluate an aircraft's airworthiness while maintaining logbooks to FAA standards.

• Exhibit proficiency in emphasis area skills: airframe or powerplant.

• Become competent in the skills, knowledge, and techniques necessary to successfully pass FAA written, oral and practical exams for certification.

• Demonstrate critical thinking technological competency, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work with others.

• Demonstrate competency in written communication, quantitative reasoning, and scientific reasoning.

Note: Students wishing to earn the AAS degree should plan to take the AMT courses in the sequence outlined for the Airframe and Powerplant Technician certificate. Academic courses beyond MAT 109 and ENG 101 can be completed online, in the evenings, and/or in subsequent semesters to fulfill the requirements of the associate degree program. 

Courses should be selected in consultation with an advisor.

Term 1

Course No.	Descriptive Title	Credit Hours
AMT 101	General Maintenance Practices	5
AMT 102	Materials and Processes	2
AMT 103	Basic Aircraft Electricity	2
MAT 109	Survey of Mathematics	3
	TOTAL	12

Term 2

Course No.	Descriptive Title	Credit Hours
AMT 104	Airframe Systems I	5
AMT 105	Airframe Systems II	3
AMT 106	Aircraft Structures I	3
BHS 103	Social Problems	3
	TOTAL	14

Term 3

Course No.	Descriptive Title	Credit Hours
AMT 107	Aircraft Structures 2	4
AMT 108	Welding and Airframe Inspection	2
AMT 109	Introduction to Powerplant	3
AMT 110	Reciprocating Engines	2
ENG 101	Composition I	3
	TOTAL	14

Term 4

Course No.	Descriptive Title	Credit Hours
AMT 111	Turbine Engines and Powerplant Systems	4
AMT 112	Powerplant Systems	6
AMT 113	Powerplant Inspection and Electrical Systems	2
	TOTAL	12

Term 5

Course No.	Descriptive Title	Credit Hours
ENG 102	Composition II	3
HIS 104	American History	3
General Education Elective		3
General Education Elective		3
	TOTAL	12
TERM CREDIT TOTAL		64