"Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence. Hovering there I've chased the shouting wind along and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air. "Up, up the long delirious burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace, wher never lark, or even eagle, flew; and, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod the high untrespassed sanctity of space, put out my hand and touched the face of God." ~ John Gillespie Magee Jr.
The Aircraft Maintenance Technician Certificate is broken down into Airframe and Powerplant segments. Each provides a world of opportunities to the individual who enjoys working with aircraft. It is a professional career that involves a scientific knowledge of principles and practice in areas such as metal structures, composites, welding, machining, electrical components and systems, electronics, environmental systems, aircraft instruments, fuel systems, hydraulics and pneumatics, engine overhaul, reciprocating engine systems, propellers, and jet engine systems, and much more.
Graduates from Andrews are working in various parts of the world for many different companies. Mission pilots are usually maintenance technicians as well. There are many openings for Aviation Maintenance Technicians. Anticipated retirement of older technicians is encouraging the industry to search widely for younger men and women who can step into their positions. Work hours are, for the most part regular, including safe and clean working conditions
Why Study at Andrews?
With its own airfield within walking distance from campus, Andrews University offers a competitive aviation maintenance program that will ensure your competence at graduation. The Aviation Maintenance, Bachelor of Technology degree is offered at Andrews University in a Christian environment wher the instructor is interested in the academic, spiritual, and social life of the student. Within the curriculum aviation maintenance students get hands on experience wrenching their way through the syllabus, working on aircraft like Cessna 150's, T-33, Lear 24, and the latest addition to our maintenance fleet, an Mitsubishi MU2. By havin some of these larger turbo prop planes, the students get actual practice working on the engine, rather than just talking about it in the classroom.
The degree may be combined with Flight or Business. Other combinations are also available in consultation with the department and students’ academic advisor. When combining Flight with Aviation Maintenance, the summer months are used to gain extra flight time if the student desires to complete the course in less than four years. Flight certificates through Multi-Engine Instructor, and the Airframe and Powerplant segments can be completed in just over three years each. Keep in mind that there are two year associate degrees available also.
Employment is offered to qualified maintenance students. Since these positions are highly competitive, it is common knowledge that your interview starts the moment you begin your Andrews career as a maintenance freshman. Maintenance positions are never guaranteed or promised, but we do hire as many highly qualified student maintenance personnel as our openings allow. We would love to have you pursue this opportunity.
Still not convinced?
Our Alumni after seeking knowledge, affirming their faith and graduation, go out into the world and change it for the better.
"The Andrews University Aircraft Maintenance Technician program is really a place for anyone who wants to learn. The program is designed to teach even those without any previous maintenance knowledge. When I first started at Andrews I didn't even know how a reciprocating engine worked. Two years later I became employed as a mechanic for a fleet of turbine powered helicopters. If your next goal is to become an Aircraft mechanic, the instructors at AU will work tirelessly to get you there." Connor McCain AMT 2013 now works for Central Helicopters in Bozeman Montana.
