Airframe Technology

The Wiregrass area has traditionally had a strong aviation industry and demand for qualified aviation maintenance technicians will remain strong in years to come. Enterprise State Community College’s Alabama Aviation College offers courses needed to obtain a FAA airframe certification, an important industry credential that can get students in the door of a strong and growing industry.

Alabama Aviation College students typically take airframe certification classes as part of a program that includes general aviation maintenance courses and courses intended to also help students obtain powerplant certification. The airframe portion of this program typically comes after general coursework and before the powerplant program. This allows students to focus on the two main segments of the program – airframe certification and powerplant certification – one at a time. Students may opt to get just the airframe certification or complete the program to obtain both certifications and an associate’s degree. The associate’s degree program can be completed in less than two years.

In airframe classes, students learn about how to inspect and maintain metallic aircraft structures and other structures such as fabric surfaces, wood, and composite materials. Students spend a considerable amount of time learning to weld metal aircraft structures. This hands-on experience in working with aircraft structures gives students a great opportunity to perfect skills they’ll need on the job.

The Alabama Aviation College’s airframe program has a solid track record of success. According to the FAA, in 2015, 100 percent of Alabama Aviation College students that attempted FAA certification passed their exams on the first attempt. FAA information also shows that Alabama Aviation College Students outperform the national average score in general, airframe, and powerplant subject matters.

Aviation maintenance is a growing career field with many local opportunities to obtain gainful employment with wage growth opportunities. Aircraft maintenance technician pay for entry level positions ranges from between $15 to $23 per hour. Certifications help aircraft maintenance technicians obtain higher pay and more career opportunities.

Obtaining an airframe certification offers a great way to gain entry into the aviation industry or boost an existing career. Inquire today to learn more about the aviation maintenance education opportunities provided by Enterprise State Community College’s Alabama Aviation College.