Aircraft Maintenance Technology
The growing aircraft industry requires professionally trained maintenance personnel. The Aircraft Maintenance Technology program at Greenville Technical College is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Veterans Administration and provides students with the technical, mechanical and academic skills needed to become aircraft maintenance technicians.
Real-world equipment
A comprehensive inventory of well-maintained jet and reciprocating engine aircraft and related equipment enables our students to master skills required to succeed in a very competitive industry.
If you're seeking a career in a high-demand field, we can help make your education even more affordable with the
Career Pathways Scholarship.
CPS may cover the cost of tuition, fees and books if you're enrolled in a qualifying program at GTC.
Start with Greenville Technical College and finish with a bachelor’s degree
Greenville Technical College’s partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University gives you access to expanded educational opportunities in the aviation field. Bachelor’s degrees in Aviation Maintenance Management, Professional Aeronautics, and Technical Management allow students to begin at Greenville Technical College and finish at Embry-Riddle.
Job placement rates and starting salaries are excellent. Graduates are qualified to take the FAA Airframe and Powerplant Technician Certification exams, and our students consistently earn top scores along with the higher earnings this credential allows them to command.
Career Opportunities
- General aviation
- Commercial airlines
- Corporate aviation
- Aircraft manufacturers
- Contract repair facilities
- Aviation-related maintenance activities
Many students already employed with companies including Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, Stevens Aviation, General Electric, Greenville-Spartanburg Airport, and Michelin find this program can increase their skills and potential.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THE PROGRAM
The aircraft maintenance curriculum covers these important skills.
- Sheet metal layout and repair
- Flight control rigging
- Landing gear operation and repair
- Hydraulic systems
- Pneumatic systems
- Fuel systems
- Current FAA regulations
- Aircraft drawings
- Ground handling
- Aircraft weight and balance
- Bonding processes
- Airframe and engine inspections
The powerplant portion of the curriculum stresses these areas.
- Turbine engine
- Reciprocating engine
- Propellers and their components
- Lubrication systems
- Engine electrical systems
- Induction systems
- Cooling systems
- Exhaust systems
Students learn to use these tools and equipment.
- Air tools
- Precision measuring equipment
- Heatcon Dual-Zone Hot Bonder
- Aircraft-related tools and support equipment
- Eddy current
- Ultrasound
- Magnaflux machine
- Structural repair equipment/tools
IS AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE RIGHT FOR YOU?
Admissions Requirements
- High school graduate or equivalent (GED)
- Acceptable ASSET score or 19 ACT or 920 SAT
- No uncorrectable physical or mental disabilities that would endanger yourself or others; i.e., fainting, seizures, dizziness, loss of hearing, impaired vision, etc.
- Pre-admission interview with the AMT department head or a designated representative. To schedule an appointment, call 864-422-1762.
Representatives from leading area aircraft companies serve on our advisory board to help us ensure that what we teach is relevant and to give us access to the latest training tools.
MORE LINKS
Professional Licensure and Certification Requirements
Students who are considering an academic program that may allow them to pursue professional licensure in another state are strongly encouraged to check that state’s information and contact the appropriate licensing agency for additional information and guidance before beginning the program.
Greenville Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.
Questions about the accreditation of Greenville Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Aircraft Maintenance Technology
Associate in Applied Science
This program, offered at the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center (formerly Donaldson Center), is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration as well as the Veterans Administration. Students are provided the technical, mechanical and academic skills required to become aircraft maintenance technicians. Successful completion qualifies students to take the FAA airframe and powerplant technician certification exams.
- An articulation agreement for a bachelor's degree in Aviation Maintenance Management is offered through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
AMT program details from our current catalog »
Aviation Airframe Structure/Systems
Certificate in Applied Science
This certificate introduces airframe-related subjects for all aircraft maintenance technicians. Topics include wood structures, sheet metal, bonded structures, assembly and rigging, environmental systems, utility and warning, hydraulics and pneumatics, landing gear, airframe electrical, airframe fuel systems, and airframe inspection.
Aviation Airframe Structure details from our current catalog »
Aviation Fundamentals
Certificate in Applied Science
This certificate introduces general aviation subjects related to all aircraft maintenance. Topics include mechanic privileges, limitations and forms documentation; math and physics; basic electricity; aircraft drawing; ground handling and servicing; and materials and corrosion control.
Aviation Fundamentals details from our current catalog »
Aviation Powerplant Theory/Systems
Certificate in Applied Science
This certificate introduces Powerplant-related subjects to aircraft maintenance technicians. Topics include lubrication, ignition and starting systems, turbine and reciprocating engines, propellers, electrical, instruments, fire protection, fuel systems and inspections.
Click the program below to view the ideal grouping of courses in order by semester. This plan assumes a full-time schedule. Note, however, that many variables can affect this plan, and not every course is offered every semester. Please see your advisor to map out your own personalized progression toward graduation.
Aircraft Maintenance Technology
Associate in Applied Science
Aviation Airframe Structure/Systems
Certificate in Applied Science
Aviation Fundamentals
Certificate in Applied Science
Aviation Powerplant Theory/Systems
Certificate in Applied Science
Program Coordinator
James Crocker | 864-422-1762 | James.Crocker@gvltec.edu
Department Head
Carl Washburn | 864-422-1762 | Carl.Washburn@gvltec.edu
Administrative Assistant
Kathy Brown | 864-422-1762 | Kathy.Brown@gvltec.edu
Instructors
James Crocker
Travis Ginn
Russell Sanford
Carl Washburn
Don Wright
New expanded facility in conjunction with the S.C. Army National Guard
More space, more aircraft, more opportunity.