Aviation Maintenance Programs FAQs

DCC admits only 24 students into each cohort of the program. Cohorts are scheduled to start in August, December and April of each year. Registration is first-come, first-served, so it’s essential to register early.

Your first step is to apply to DCC and select the Airframe and Powerplant Technician Certificate program. Once we receive your application, you will be invited to sign up for and attend one of our required Aviation Maintenance Information Sessions. At this session, we will explain the program requirements, cost of the program, and how students can get registered for the next session.

 

 

The Airframe and Powerplant Technician Certificate has three consecutive terms. The terms for this program do not start/end like the regular semesters for all other programs; please see the program information page for the degree plan. This program is designed to be completed as quickly as possible. You will have a 40-hour/week schedule (eight hours of instruction/day) with some Saturdays required.

Upon completion of the certificate program, you may choose to continue to earn your Aviation Maintenance Technician associate degree. The degree requires 16 additional credits, which can be completed in one semester.

 

Once enrolled, you can complete this certificate program in three terms, as little as one year. The degree can be completed in one additional semester. The last semester follows a more traditional college schedule.

The Airframe and Powerplant Technician certificate estimated costs for the program are $25,000. You can view a breakdown of the costs on the Aviation Technician Program Fees page.

After being accepted and prior to your first course, you will be required to purchase a toolkit and have access to a computer or tablet. Note: Chromebooks do not work with our material. The cost of these required items are included in the Course and Program Fees. Once registered into your first term courses, the College will order your toolkit and it will be ready at the training site for your use.

On-campus housing is available on our Poughkeepsie Campus, which is approximately 20 minutes from the airport.

 

A shuttle bus is available on weekdays to transport you from the residence hall to DCC @ HVR Airport. If you have your own vehicle, you may park for free at both locations.

If you're seeking financial aid or scholarships, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility. Visit the Financial Aid and Scholarship webpages for information about different types of financial aid, scholarship opportunities and payment plans.

You'll take 13 technical classes in sequence across 3 terms. The Airframe and Powerplant Technician Certificate is designed so that you take one technical course at a time, completing 4-5 technical courses each term. Completion of the Certificate also requires completion of two academic courses in the first and third terms.

You must earn a C or higher in each technical course in order to proceed to the next technical course in the sequence.

 

If you have completed college level coursework at another college or university, or through programs such as Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or the Armed Forces, you will need to submit an official transcript or official score reports from each institution to Dutchess Community College to be evaluated for possible transfer credit. It is highly recommended that you submit any transcripts for review prior to your first semester at DCC.

DCC only transfers in credits that are applicable to your current degree program and that were earned at a regionally accredited institution (e.g. Middle States Association.) To have a course accepted as transfer for an equivalent to an existing DCC course, the course content, learning outcomes, length/time of instruction of the course and credit value will be the primary determining factors to its transferability.

The maximum number of credits transferred in is 40 applicable academic credits. Only courses in which you have received a grade of at least C will be considered for transfer credit. Courses and credits, but not grades, are accepted. Transfer credits from other institutions will have no bearing on your QPA or CPA.

 

In those instances, where a department chair can determine that you are proficient in a course without the results of a proficiency test, the department chair may initiate the Certification of Credit by Proficiency Form as soon as you present evidence of paying the required $35 fee.

If you fail one course during the program, you may continue in the cohort and will have to take and pass the failed course following a study plan agreed upon with the program chair, coordinator and academic coach. If you fail more than one course, it will result in dismissal from the program. Anyone dismissed from the program may reapply at a later time and should meet with an academic coach, program chair and Aviation and Maintenance coordinator to receive guidance in the process.

Yes, you are required to complete 100% of the 1,904 hours for the technical courses in the certificate. Missed hours must be made up and there will be opportunities for make-up sessions offered during the semester. You should ensure that all attendance requirements for each course have been met or that you have a plan, approved by the Aviation Maintenance coordinator, to successfully complete said requirements. If you have to to complete make-up hours, you might be assessed additional course fees.