Aviation Maintenance Technology

Program Type

Associate in Applied Science

Certificates Available

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About the Program

RVC is one of the only aviation programs in the nation with a fully operational CRJ 200. The high quality program is offered at a significantly lower cost than other options in the region is housed at a state-of-the-art Aviation Career Education Center at Chicago Rockford International Airport. You will learn from outstanding faculty with a combined 150+ years of diverse experience in the field and benefit from an impressive learning experience in both the instruction lab and classroom environment. Options for students include an FAA approved degree program and an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic certification program.

Admission Requirements

The following steps are required for Aviation Maintenance Technology program applicants:

  1. Submit a Request for Info form and contact the recruitment office at (815) 921-4250 to set up a required one-on-one meeting with a New Student Enrollment Coordinator.
  2. Apply for admission. You can use the APPLY link on this page.
  3. Determine placement by completing the placement test (ACCUPLACER) or by providing ACT/SAT scores (test must be completed within the last 3 years) or a college transcript. 
  4. Applicants must be high school graduates, GED earners, or high school students in good standing. Note: Federal regulations state that a mechanics license, Airframe or Powerplant, can only be issued to individuals 18 years of age or older.
  5. Upon registration applicants must complete a participant agreement form and any other forms required by the college and attend an orientation session prior to beginning the program.
  6. Seats in the program are limited and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants not selected may apply again, using the above procedure.

What can I do with this degree?

Potential Careers & Wages

Federally-licensed graduates of the Aviation Maintenance Technology (AVM) program are prepared to assume positions as airline or general aviation engine and/or airframe mechanics. The program is certified to provide approved instruction leading to FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate examinations. Currently, 2,000 hours of instruction are offered in the areas of airframe and powerplant, which translates to 11 months of instruction in each year of the two-year program.

Program Pathways

Students should meet with an Academic Advisor to develop a clear pathway leading to a seamless transfer experience or transition to the workforce. For additional possibilities that may require an advanced degree or certification, make an appointment with an Academic Advisor.

Visit Academic Advising

  • Federal Aviation Administration, Chicago FSDO (DPA) 
  • (630) 443-3100
  • https://www.faa.gov/
  • DuPage Airport, 31W775 North Ave., West Chicago, IL 60185

Earn your Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology and transfer to Northern Illinois University to earn a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology with an Emphasis in Applied Manufacturing Technology.  For more information, visit www.niu.edu.

Or, transfer to the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh to obtain a Bachelor of Applied Studies in Aviation Management. For more information, visit www.uwosh.edu.

AAR, a global provider of aviation services, sponsors the AAR EAGLE Career Pathway Program at RVC. Students in the Aviation Maintenance Technology program may be considered for this program that includes tuition reimbursement, job shadowing and mentoring opportunities, as well as the sharing of proprietary software information with students interested in careers as aircraft maintenance technicians. Under this unique program for aviation maintenance, students will receive academic support, be monitored throughout their academic careers and have an opportunity to interview with AAR after graduation. For more information, visit www.aarcorp.com.

In addition to the Associate in Applied Science degree, there are three certificates available:

  • Aviation Maintenance (7201)
  • Airframe Technician (7202)
  • Powerplant Technician (7203)

All in-district students, as well as students that live in community college districts that have cooperative agreements with Rock Valley College, will pay in-district tuition and fees. Be sure to remind the person registering you that you live in a cooperating college district. Below is a list of community colleges that have cooperative agreements.

No Charge Back Required for the Following Colleges:
  • Elgin Community College
  • William Rainey Harper College
  • Highland Community College
  • Illinois Valley Community College
  • Kishwaukee College
  • McHenry County College
  • Oakton Community College
  • Parkland College
  • Sauk Valley College

All students that are in an Illinois Community College district not listed above will need to go to the Admissions Office at their community college and request a Tuition Charge back. The college will send this charge back directly to Rock Valley College. This request should be made as soon as possible, but no later than July 15. After this date you will be billed for out-of-district tuition and fees.

If you live in an Illinois non-community college district, you will need to go to your local high school for this charge back. This request must also be made no later than July 15.

If you are a veteran, you will need to call our Veterans Services Office at (815) 654-4350 to find out what to do to qualify for veteran benefits. Do this as soon as possible after completing the Assessment Test.

If you have any questions, please contact Mark Adolphson at m.adolphson@rockvalleycollege.edu or (815) 921-3015.

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