Aviation Technology

Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)

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.  

Courses

Your coursework will cover classes specific to your area of specialization along with foundational concepts and lessons that invite fresh perspectives.

Please Note: The outlined curriculum assumes a fall semester start for students completing a full credit load schedule without additional developmental math requirements. Students beginning in the spring and summer, taking less than a full load, and/or requiring developmental coursework follow an altered curriculum sequence. Speak to your academic advisor or school office with questions. 

Careers

  • Maintenance technicians for commercial aviation 
  • General aviation 
  • Aviation repair stations 
  • Manufacturer’s services 
  • Helicopter technician

100%

Overall Placement

FAA

Approved Repair Station

Hangar Facility Located at an Operational Airport

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.

Launch Virtual Lab Tour

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.

More tour dates are on the way.

But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Contact

Admissions Office

More tour dates are on the way.

But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Need a different date?

Let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Contact

Admissions Office

Scholarships

As a Aviation student at Penn College, you may be elgible for 124 scholarships.

18 Program-related scholarships

106 Additional scholarships

Explore scholarships

Penn College News: Real World Ready

Penn College aviation student receives scholarship

October 24, 2025

A Pennsylvania College of Technology aviation student is one of 15 nationwide recipients of scholarships awarded at the recent National Business Aviation…

Aviation students' success gets trade publication mention

August 08, 2025

An article in Avionics News – written by retired Penn College aviation faculty member Thomas D. Inman (who continues to teach part-time) – highlights a new…

Night on the ... tarmac!

May 12, 2025

The second annual Aviators Ball repeated the success of last year’s inaugural event, organized by the Student Veteran Organization and held at Penn College’s…

Open House unveils opportunities 

April 06, 2025

April showers and chilly temps didn't dampen the enthusiasm of Open House visitors or the Penn College family offering a warm welcome to the college's campuses…

Penn College aviation students ‘soar’ at competition

March 26, 2025

A foursome of Pennsylvania College of Technology aviation students “soared” above other schools at a national competition conducted at the Aircraft Electronics…

Spring 2025 magazine features feats

March 05, 2025

Read the Spring 2025 edition of Penn College Magazine, featuring the feats of the Diesel Performance Club and its lightning quick “Accelerated Learning” Mack…

Aviation students see 'Constellation' of opportunities

February 28, 2025

About 100 students at the Lumley Aviation Center experienced a state-of-the-art business jet earlier this week, courtesy of Constellation Brands Inc. The…

College, Lycoming Engines host state labor & industry secretary

February 11, 2025

Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Labor & Industry Nancy A. Walker visited Williamsport on Monday and received a wide-ranging view into the innovative advancements…

State labor & industry secretary tours college

February 10, 2025

Lycoming Engines and Pennsylvania College of Technology hosted state Secretary of Labor & Industry Nancy A. Walker on Monday, providing tours of facilities and…

Dreams soar, thanks to scholarships

November 18, 2024

On the second day of "Give Thanks, Paw It Forward," the gratitude campaign highlighting Penn College students' appreciation for the support they've received…

People: Meet the Makers

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.

Internship: Your knowledge in practice

Internships are key for career preparation. Apply your knowledge to the workplace and learn about the industry first-hand.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Get Involved

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.

Learn More

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.

LEARN MORE

More Information

Certification: Federal Aviation Administration, approved under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 147.

Federal Aviation Administration

Students must acquire their own tools and laptop computer as noted below.

Required Tools, Uniforms, and Supplies

See the Tool List for this major.

Required Laptop Computer

  • Windows 11 or higher (recommended).
  • Intel Core i5 or i7 (generation 10 or higher) processor (recommended).
  • 8+ GB RAM (recommended).
  • 250+ GB Solid State Disk (SSD) drive (recommended).
  • Laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required).
  • Laptop must include a wireless network card (required).
  • Broadband Internet connection when working off campus (required).
  • Additional plug-ins may be required (Information Technology Services Service Desk available for assistance).
  • Chromebooks and other devices running Chrome OS are prohibited.

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.htm ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.

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.

Aviation Technology Advisory Committee Members

MB

Mr. James Brady

Senior Manager, Quality Control

United Airlines

MB

Mr. Christopher Burns

Director, Maintenance

Polari's Aviation Solution

MC

Mr. Bradley T Cole

Supervisor, Maintenance

Corning Incorporated

MD

Mr. Linh Do

Maintenance Manager

Warner Brothers

ME

Mr. Robert Evans

Training & Safety Director, Compliance Officer

Sterling Helicopter

MF

Mr. Darrell Frey

President/CEO

New World Aviation

MG

Mr. Christopher Gayman

Supervisor of Product Support

Lycoming Engines

MG

Mr. Jeffery Gazey

Director, Aviation Maintenance

Geisinger Health System

MG

Mr. Joel A Glover

Director, Maintenance

Advanced Lancaster LP

MH

Mr. Franklin A Hartman

Delivery Manager

Airbus Airlines, Final Assembly Line

MH

Mr. William Hertz

CASS Manager

Jet Aviation Flight Services, Inc.

MK

Mr. Brian Katherman

Manager Aviation Support

The Hershey Company

MS

Mr. George F McKinney, Sr.

Vice President

Air-Parts of Lock Haven, Inc.

MP

Mr. Kevin Pannebakker

Aircraft Mechanic

Classic Services, Inc.

MP

Mr. Aaron Phillips

Aircraft Technician

Pfizer Inc.

MP

Mr. Douglas R Phillips

Maintenance Manager

Executive Jet Management

MS

Mr. Trevor Schaeffer

Aircraft Crew Chief

Pfizer, Inc.

MS

Mr. William Snyder

Federal Aviation Administration

Retired

MV

Mr. S. Michael Vennie

Senior Director Technical Operations

Bighorn Airways, Inc.

MW

Mr. Keith Wells

Helicopter Mechanic, Project Coordinator

Geisinger Medical Center

MZ

Mr. Andrew D Zook

Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor

Air Products and Chemicals

Michael Damiani

Michael Damiani

Instructor, Aviation

Korey Keyser

Korey Keyser

Instructor, Aviation Maintenance

Matthew Krepps

Matthew Krepps

Instructor, Aviation

EM

Ethan Miller

Instructor, Aviation

Brett Reasner

Brett Reasner

Associate Professor, Aviation, Department Head

MR

Michael Robison

Instructor, Aviation

Nick Thompson

Nick Thompson

Instructor, Aviation

Contact Information

Related Programs: Follow your passion