Online Vocational Degrees in Aviation

Online Aviation Degree Programs

Do you like working on engines, but are turned off by the prospect of spending your life in a garage? Are you looking to do something a little different for a career? Try aviation technology and apply your mechanical skills to the challenging work of inspecting, maintaining, and repairing aircraft. Aviation mechanics typically earn about 30 percent more than auto mechanics using a similar skillset and enjoy greater opportunities for advancement into management and executive positions.

Aircraft Mechanics: an Ounce of Prevention

There is a fundamental difference between caring for cars and caring for airplanes. Auto mechanics are generally reactive, fixing things after they break. But, aviation mechanics are trained in preventive maintenance, and their jobs are mostly concerned with inspecting, testing and repairing equipment before a failure occurs. This is vital because a blown engine obviously has more potentially dire consequences for an airplane than for a car. Also, Triple-A can't deliver spare parts at 30,000 feet.

Training in Aviation Technology

The vast majority of aviation mechanics are A & P certified, meaning they are qualified to work on an aircraft's airframe (the body of the plane) and its powerplant (engines). Some mechanics are only certified to work on one part or the other. Within the two categories of airframe and powerplant, mechanics may specialize in computerized instruments, hydraulic systems, jet engines, and propeller engines. The more diverse your knowledge, the better your chance for advancement.

Nearly all aviation mechanics get their career training in aviation technology by earning a certificate, associate's, or bachelor's degree from a program certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Some mechanics do become certified by working under the supervision of an FAA-certified aviation mechanic. In either case, becoming a certified airframe or powerplant mechanic requires at least eighteen months of classroom or hands-on experience (a combination of the two totaling the same amount of time is usually acceptable).

Earning A & P Certification

Earning A & P certification takes a total of thirty months of classroom and/or hands-on work experience. You can expect to take courses in aircraft turbine engines, aircraft hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and fuel and propeller systems, as well as mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, and a heavy dose of electronics. Recent advances in aviation technology have made a background in electronics of particular importance for aviation mechanics. Online programs can help prepare you for a degree or certification program in aviation mechanics. Typically only programs offering classroom or hands-on training are FAA-certified, so be sure to check with your school before enrolling.

A Career in Aviation Technology

Aviation mechanics earned an average salary of $49,670 in 2007, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of positions for these high-paying jobs is also increasing, making aviation technology a good investment for job security and high earnings. Between 2006 and 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor expects job openings to increase between 8 percent and 11 percent. It could be time for you to earn your wings in the aviation technology industry.

Pursue your Aviation degree today.