Facilities
Aviation Center
Gain hands-on experience working on a fleet of College-owned aircraft in a licensed repair facility for private aircraft - preparing you for your FAA Mechanical License.
Aviation Technology
Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
About this program
Penn College is where a career in aviation technology takes flight. Here, you’ll learn alongside passionate and engaging faculty who bring years of experience. Explore complex theories and apply them in our 50,000-square-foot aviation center. This hands-on, technology-driven program will prepare you for your FAA Mechanical License. And when you’re done, you’ll be prepared to dive into lots of different technical positions from commercial aviation to manufacturing.
Next steps...
You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.
Careers
- Maintenance technicians for commercial aviation
- General aviation
- Aviation repair stations
- Manufacturer’s services
- Helicopter technician
Courses
At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.
Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.
- Aviation Practices I (AVI100)
- Aviation Practices II (AVI105)
- Aviation Fundamentals I (AVI110)
- Aviation Fundamentals II (AVI115)
- Aviation Science I (AVI120)
- Aviation Basic Electricity I (AVI125)
- Aircraft Reciprocating Engines (AVI140)
- Aviation Science II (AVI130)
- Aviation Basic Electricity II (AVI135)
- Aircraft Turbine Engines (AVI145)
- Aircraft Engine Fuel Metering Systems (AVI150)
- Aircraft Engine Ignition Systems (AVI155)
- Aircraft Engine Systems (AVI160)
- Engine Electrical Systems (AVI165)
- Aircraft Engine Troubleshooting & Inspection (AVI170)
- Vintage Aircraft Structures (AVI200)
- Sheet Metal Aircraft Structures (AVI205)
- Composite Aircraft Structures (AVI210)
- Airframe Systems I (AVI215)
- Airframe Systems II (AVI220)
- Rotary Wing Systems & Maintenance (AVI225)
- Advanced Aircraft Electrical Systems (AVI230)
- Aircraft Electronic & Instrument Systems (AVI235)
- Aircraft Inspection (AVI240)
Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.
- Information, Technology & Society (CSC124) or
- Cybersecurity for Non-IT Majors (CSC229)
- Physics Survey (PHS103)
- Core Applied Arts Perspective (AAP) or
- Core Historical Perspective (HIP) or
- Core Social Science Perspective (SSP) or
- Core Arts Perspective (ARP) or
- Core Global & Cultural Diversity Perspective (CDP)
Ready for takeoff
In this action-packed mini-camp, students will dive into the growing opportunities in the field of aviation maintenance. During this two-day immersive experience, they'll explore all the labs within the Lumley Aviation Center. Check out the hanger packed with a fleet of college-owned aircraft. And learn what it takes to earn a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic Certificate.
Featured Program
Aviation Workforce Success Mini-Camp
March 25-26 or2023
April 29-302023
Grades9-12
FeeFree
Maker Profiles
Student
Kate Ruggiero
Aviation
She’s blazing her way in a field that’s not typically dominated by women. But that’s not going to stop her. Nothing will.
Student
David Coder
Aviation
A passion for flight leads David toward a degree in aviation maintenance technology.
Faculty
Matthew Krepps
Aviation
From the moment he looked under the hood of his first car at age 16, Matt was hooked.
Tour Schedule
Seeing is believing.
Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.
Oct 7
Undergraduate Open House
Saturday, October 7 8:30 AM - 3 PM
Nov 5
Undergraduate Open House
Sunday, November 5 8:30 AM - 3 PM
Industry Partners
Work with experts to become an expert
Penn College's strong partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.
Related Programs
Follow your passion
Student Life
Stay active in and out of the classroom
PCT RC Club
Introduce the dynamics of aeronautics by applying theory to real life projects. These projects include RC builds; small and large scale, rocketry or anything that is designed to fly through the air.
Student Organizations at Penn College
Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.
Penn College News
09.22.2023
Aviation student awarded international helicopter scholarship
A Pennsylvania College of Technology student was among only seven selected worldwide to receive a Bill Sanderson Aviation Maintenance Technology Scholarship from Helicopter Association International's Technical Working Group. Alicia Martinez, of Allentown, a senior in the college's four-year aviation maintenance technology major, was awarded a first-place scholarship that provides a tuition waiver for a helicopter manufacturer training school and a stipend to offset expenses.
08.10.2023
Aviation alum's article among winning contest entries
Penn College alumnus Christopher M. Gayman, who earned an associate degree in aviation technology (2009) and a bachelor’s in aviation maintenance technology (2010), placed fifth out of hundreds of entrants in a "Pilot Your Own Adventure" writing contest.
07.07.2023
Pre-college campers treated as VIPs in recent Piper visit
Participants in Penn College's pre-college aviation program got a royal reception during last month's visit to the Piper Aviation Museum and the Sentimental Journey Fly-In at the William T. Piper Memorial Airport.
Study Abroad
Gain global experience
See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.
Internship
Your knowledge in practice
Internships are key for career preparation. Apply your knowledge to the workplace and learn about the industry first-hand.
Our Leadership
Faculty Story
Aviation instructor sails to World Gliding Championships
Using the power of the atmosphere, glider pilot Michael R. Robison, a Penn College aviation instructor, soars among world-class competitors.
More Information
Certification: Federal Aviation Administration, approved under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 147.
The following grading system is applied to all AVI-designated courses. There is no rounding of grades.
A = 90 – 100
B = 80 – 89.99
C = 72 – 79.99
D = 70 – 71.99
F = 69.99 and below
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.
View the Aviation Technology Tool List
Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store.
Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.
Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.
- Mr. James Brady, '85, Senior Manager, Quality Control, United Airlines
- Mr. Christopher Burns, Director, Maintenance, Polari's Aviation Solution
- Mr. Bradley T Cole, '07, '09, Supervisor, Maintenance, Corning Incorporated
- Mr. Linh Do, '09, Aircraft Maintenance Lead Air Transportation Department, Air Products
- Mr. Robert Evans, Training & Safety Director, Compliance Officer, Sterling Helicopter
- Mr. Darrell Frey, President/CEO, New World Aviation
- Mr. Christopher Gayman, '09, '10, Supervisor of Product Support, Lycoming Engines
- Mr. Jeffery Gazey, '02, Director, Aviation Maintenance, Geisinger Health System
- Mr. Joel A Glover, Director, Maintenance, Advanced Lancaster LP
- Mr. Franklin A Hartman, '85, Delivery Manager, Airbus Airlines, Final Assembly Line
- Mr. Terrence A Heim, '12, Halle Enterprises, Inc.
- Mr. William Hertz, '95, CASS Manager, Jet Aviation Flight Services, Inc.
- Mr. Brian Katherman, '10, Manager Aviation Support, The Hershey Company
- Mr. George F McKinney, Sr., Vice President, Air-Parts of Lock Haven, Inc.
- Mr. Kevin Pannebakker, '12, Aircraft Mechanic, Classic Services, Inc.
- Mr. Aaron Phillips, '06, Aircraft Technician, Pfizer Inc.
- Mr. Douglas R Phillips, '12, Maintenance Manager, Executive Jet Management
- Mr. William Snyder, '70, Federal Aviation Administration, Retired
- Mr. S. Michael Vennie, Senior Director Technical Operations, Bighorn Airways, Inc.
- Mr. Andrew D Zook, '02, '07, Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor, Air Products and Chemicals