Aviation Maintenance Technician

High Demand. High Pay. High Altitude.

Fast-Track Aircraft Mechanic Training | FAA-Aligned Curriculum

North Carolina is building airplanes. In June 2026, JetZero broke ground on a $4.7 billion aircraft factory in Greensboro that plans to add more than 14,500 aerospace jobs. It’s the biggest job commitment in state history. Around the world, airlines and repair shops will need 710,000 new aircraft technicians by 2044. CFCC’s Aviation Maintenance Technician program trains you on real aircraft parts at our new site at Wilmington International Airport . The curriculum closely follows FAA standards and gives you the hands-on start employers look for. Sign up today.

What You Will Learn & Earn

  • Applied Aviation Science: Master flight theory, weight and balance calculations, aircraft drawing inspection, and ground handling/servicing safety protocols.
  • Electrical & Hardware Troubleshooting: Perform hands-on aircraft electrical wiring, circuit diagnostics, fluid line routing, and precision hardware installation.
  • Corrosion Control & Materials: Identify aircraft structural metals and composites, perform non-destructive testing, and execute industry-standard corrosion prevention techniques.
  • FAA-Aligned Curriculum: Complete coursework that closely follows FAA general subject areas and builds a foundation for future study toward Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification.
  • Hands-On Shop Training: Practice on real aircraft components, turbine and piston engine mockups, and specialized aviation tooling in CFCC’s aviation shop at Wilmington International Airport.

Sign Up Today

Note for Minors: If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must complete a minor permission form with your registration. Please email completed forms to workforceinfo@cfcc.edu .

Career Pathway & Industry Outlook

$50,970

NC Entry-Level Pay

Grows to a $76,980 state median

450

NC Job Openings Every Year

Projected through 2034

Target Employer Sectors

Commercial Airlines, Cargo Logistics, Corporate FBOs, Defense Contracting, Aerospace Manufacturing, Drone & Advanced Air Mobility

Pay and job data from O*NET OnLine wages (BLS, 2025)
and O*NET OnLine projections (2024 to 2034) .

Frequently Asked Questions

What credentials or certifications will I earn in this program?

When you complete the program, you’ll earn a CFCC Aviation Maintenance Technician Certificate.

CFCC’s Aviation Maintenance Program follows a curriculum closely aligned with FAA standards. The program is not yet FAA Part 147 approved. Completion of these courses does not automatically qualify students for FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic certification.

What subject areas are covered in General Aviation I & II?

General Aviation coursework covers fundamental aircraft maintenance subjects, including aviation mathematics and physics, aircraft drawings, weight and balance, electrical theory, ground operations, fluid lines and fittings, materials and processes, and corrosion control.

Are there any prerequisites or age requirements to enroll?

Students must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent prior to enrollment. Basic mechanical aptitude, comfortable familiarity with hand tools, and strong reading comprehension for technical manuals are highly recommended.

Note for Minors: If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must complete a minor permission form with your registration. Please email completed forms to workforceinfo@cfcc.edu .

Where are aviation classes and lab shop sessions held?

All lectures and hands-on shop sessions take place at CFCC’s aviation maintenance site at Wilmington International Airport, which houses our dedicated shop, turbine and piston lab stations, and specialized tooling.

What tools will I need for this program?

You’ll need the minimum tool set below for shop work. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on day one. CFCC has loaner tools you can use until you’ve bought all the items on the list.

Tool Storage Box
  • Box large enough to store your tools (lockable recommended)
Personal Protective Equipment
  • Eye protection meeting ANSI Z87
  • Hearing protection
  • Closed-toe shoes or boots (no Crocs, sandals or flip-flops)
Measuring Equipment
  • 6″ machinist’s scale
  • Combination set with 12″ machinist’s square and scribe (protractor head and centering head optional)
  • Digital multimeter with capacitance and diode check functions
  • Feeler gauge set, .0015″–.040″
Inspection Tools
  • 10X magnifying glass or eye loupe
  • Flashlight
  • Inspection mirror, 2″ round or rectangular
  • Sharpie markers, fine and ultra-fine tips
Pliers
  • 6″ diagonal cutting pliers
  • 8″ needle nose pliers
  • 8″ duckbill pliers
  • 10″ channel lock pliers
12-Point Combination Wrenches
  • 12-point combination wrench set, 1/4″–1″
  • 12-point combination ignition wrench set
Screwdrivers
  • Standard-handle set with 1/4″–5/16″ flat tips and Phillips #1 and #2
  • Stubby-handle set with flat tip and Phillips #2
Socket Sets
  • 1/4″ drive shallow sockets, 1/4″–1/2″, 12-point
  • 1/4″ drive deep sockets, 1/4″–1/2″, 12-point
  • 1/4″ drive extensions, 3″ and 6″
  • 1/4″ drive reversible ratchet
  • 3/8″ drive shallow sockets, 3/8″–1″, 12-point
  • 3/8″ drive extensions, 3″ and 6″
  • 3/8″ drive reversible ratchet
  • 3/8″ female to 1/4″ male adapter
  • Universal joint adapters, 1/4″ and 3/8″
Metal Fabrication Tools
  • Center punch
  • 12″ hacksaw with 32 TPI blade
  • Pin punch set, 1/16″–3/16″
  • Brass pin punches, 1/4″ and 1/2″
  • Cold chisels, 1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″
  • File card
  • 10″ half-round file, bastard cut
  • 10″ flat file, mill cut
  • 10″ round file, bastard cut
  • File handles, wood or plastic (if your files don’t have them)
  • Metal scribe with straight and 90° tips
General Purpose Tools
  • Colored pencil or marker set
  • Scientific calculator (non-programmable)
  • Soft-face mallet, 4–12 oz
  • Ball-peen hammer, 8–12 oz
  • Hex (Allen) key set, .050″–3/16″
  • Pencil compass
  • Putty knife, 1″ wide with thin blade
  • Hobby knife and blades (X-Acto style)

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