Aviation Technology
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.
This program has reached capacity and is waitlisted for Spring 2026. Seats are still available for Fall 2026. Prior to application deadlines, you can still apply for this program but will not begin technical coursework in your first semester.
100%
Overall Placement
FAA
Approved Repair Station
Hangar Facility Located at an Operational Airport
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.
- AVI100Aviation Practices I
- AVI105Aviation Practices II
- AVI110Aviation Fundamentals I
- AVI115Aviation Fundamentals II
- AVI120Aviation Science I
- AVI125Aviation Basic Electricity I
- AVI140Aircraft Reciprocating Engines
- AVI130Aviation Science II
- AVI135Aviation Basic Electricity II
- AVI145Aircraft Turbine Engines
- AVI150Aircraft Engine Fuel Metering Systems
- AVI155Aircraft Engine Ignition Systems
- AVI160Aircraft Engine Systems
- AVI165Engine Electrical Systems
- AVI170Aircraft Engine Troubleshooting & Inspection
- AVI200Vintage Aircraft Structures
- AVI205Sheet Metal Aircraft Structures
- AVI210Composite Aircraft Structures
- AVI215Airframe Systems I
- AVI220Airframe Systems II
- AVI225Rotary Wing Systems & Maintenance
- AVI230Advanced Aircraft Electrical Systems
- AVI335Airframe Electronic & Instrument Systems
- AVI340Airframe Inspection
- PERELCCore Perspective Elective
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.
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.
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.
Feb 21
Undergraduate Open House
Saturday, February 219 AM - 3 PM
Apr 26
Undergraduate Open House
Sunday, April 269 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
Friday, October 24, 2025
Penn College aviation student receives scholarship
Friday, August 8, 2025
Aviation students' success gets trade publication mention
Monday, May 12, 2025
Night on the ... tarmac!
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. 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. Trevor Schaeffer, 2017, Aircraft Crew Chief, Pfizer, Inc.
- Mr. William Snyder, '70, Federal Aviation Administration, Retired
- Mr. S. Michael Vennie, Senior Director Technical Operations, Bighorn Airways, Inc.
- Mr. Keith Wells, 2012, Helicopter Mechanic, Project Coordinator, Geisinger Medical Center
- Mr. Andrew D Zook, '02, '07, Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor, Air Products and Chemicals