Customer service doctrines and an introduction to management are the basis for the associate's degree in aviation maintenance management. In addition to this foundational work, associate's degree students will take courses in airframe structures of aircrafts, as well as power plant systems to get a well-rounded course load. Moreover, if you already hold an airframe and power plant certificate from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), then an associate's degree program may be a good fit. Supervision of technical personnel is the ultimate outcome of these two-year programs, and if you do not have the aforementioned certificate, you can obtain one through these programs.
Typical courses of a two-year, associate's degree in aviation maintenance management can include career planning in aviation, customer service and marketing. Management skills, business principles and maintenance technology are sections covered in most programs, as they provide the foundation of a career in the field. However, other courses may include engine systems, airframe electrical systems and aviation laws and requirements.
It is important to find a program that is accredited by the FAA to ensure the proper certifications are met. There are four-year aviation maintenance management programs geared both to build introductory skills and to advance careers into managerial positions. Leadership principles, management, aircraft maintenance and avionics are the basis for these four-year programs and prepare students for higher level, technical work. Since the bachelor programs provide more technical and in-depth courses, such as aviation engines and electrical systems, some schools only admit students with previous professional experience in the field, or who have obtained an associate's degree in the field. Other programs are a bit more flexible and admit students without any professional experience or an associate's degree.
Just like the associate's degree programs, there are foundational courses that must be taken before moving on to more technical and specific courses. Such courses include management principles, maintenance techniques and aircraft systems. Other courses that can be included in the bachelor degree program are human resources management, engine inspection and aviation physics. Technical mathematics, electrical systems and aircraft structure are also covered in many aviation maintenance management programs. The end result is a student with all of the necessary technical knowledge can supervise or oversee a team of technician specialists.