• Skip to Content
• ISU Home
• A-Z Index
• About ISU

• 100% of our 2007 graduates were employed in related jobs.

• About The Program
• Admission Requirements
• Helpful High School Courses
• Course Sequence
• Certificates and Degrees

• Books & Supplies
• Career Opportunities
• Cost of Attendance
• Paying for College
• Program Fees

The Program

The field of Aircraft Maintenance has a huge, largely unfilled demand. Aircraft Technicians perform all types of maintenance on airplanes, helicopters, gliders and balloons. They inspect, maintain and repair airframes, power plants, and the respective systems and components of various makes and models of aircraft. Technicians may overhaul and alter aircraft in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations and guidelines. Technicians need a high degree of interpersonal skills as they interact regularly with aircraft owners and other maintenance personnel.

Based on regular scheduling, mechanics inspect the engines, landing gear, controls, instruments, structure and other parts of the plane and perform necessary repairs and adjustments. They are trained to disassemble the engine and check the parts for wear using sensitive measurement instruments. Worn or defective parts are repaired or replaced. Technicians may also repair aircraft fabric and sheet metal surfaces; measure the tension of control cables; or check for rust, distortion, and cracks in the fuselage and wings. They perform the maintenance or repairs as needed according to detailed Federal or Manufacturer’s specifications. All inspections, maintenance and repairs are documented in the planes aircraft maintenance records.

Technicians are schooled in airframe related welding, aircraft structural design, hardware, electrical, hydraulic, as well as heating and air conditioning systems. Engine education encompasses both reciprocating and turbine design and operation.

Helpful High School Courses

Chemistry, Mathematics, Mechanical Drawing, Physics, Reading, and Comprehension

Course Sequence

View Course Sequence
View Complete Course List

Certificates and Degrees

• Technical Certificate Airframe
• Advanced Technical Certificate Powerplant (includes Airframe)
• Associate of Applied Science Degree Airframe and Powerplant

Program Requirements

Program begins in August
Program length is 2 1/2 to 5 semesters
Admits 22 students each year
Typical classroom hours are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5 days per week
Summer Session - mandatory

Register early - admission is based on space availability.

Admission Steps

• Complete and return an Application for Admission along with a check or money order for $40 (non-refundable), payable to Idaho State University. You may also apply online.
• Submit official college transcripts, if applicable, from each accredited institution of higher education that you have attended.
• Submit an official copy of your high school transcript or GED scores (Not required if you have completed and submitted proof of 14 or more academic credits from an accredited institution of higher education.)
• Meet with a College of Technology counselor, if desired, to obtain more in-depth information. To make an appointment, call (208)282-2622.
• Either:
  1. Complete the COMPASS Placement test. This test enables us to place you in the appropriate classes to enhance your success in college.
  2. Submit ACT/SAT scores, valid for seven (7) years from the date of testing.
• Apply for financial aid if needed. Questions, call (208) 282-2756.

Fees

Fees apply to the current Idaho State University fee schedule which includes mandatory student health insurance.

Program/Class Fees

Class	Amount	Purpose of Fee
AIRM 101, 103, 104, 107, 120	$10.00	Consumable materials.

Paying for College

You may apply for financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans to help finance your college education. When you pay registration fees, you are a student of Idaho State University with the privileges and responsibilities of a college student.

Affirmative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity at ISU

Career Opportunities

100% of 2007 graduates were employed in related jobs

• National and regional airlines
• Airports, flying fields and aircraft servicers
• Aerospace product and parts manufacturers
• Federal Government Agencies
• Charter airlines
• Median income in Idaho is $40,250 and nationally, $47,310 in this field*
• About 450 aircraft mechanics work in this occupation in Idaho*

* Idaho Career Information Systems data

All AAS degrees will articulate into the Bachelor of Applied Technology.