The 4C's Aviation Maintenance Program
by Olivia Ogonowsky
The Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) Program provided at Cape Cod Community College (4C’s) offers a variety of opportunities for students who are interested in the Aviation field. “Our program while being based in a collegiate setting is driven by the need for ‘Industry-Ready’ Airframe and Powerplant certificate technicians who are the future of the aviation industry and its ability to continue to connect the world safely through travel.” Said Aviation Director, Mr. Michael Sasso. “With that need continuing to rise, our ability to develop a workforce around aviation and other technological and mechanical needs is also a product of what we produce here in the 4C’s Aviation Maintenance Technology Program.”
The Aviation program at 4C’s started because of the strong need for technician mechanics in the airline industry eight years ago, and the course has been offered ever since. Currently at 4C’s the capacity is 48 students per semester. 120 students can go through the program each year.
“Our 2-year AMT program is operated at the 4C’s Plymouth Municipal Airport campus location and our students work in professional-grade hangar facilities, training on real aircraft.” said Sasso. The College also works in collaboration with Bridgewater State University who has a pilot program for students there as well.
The accredited curriculum is based on the current airman certification standards required by the FAA. “We combine comprehensive mechanical instruction and theory with practical, hands-on experience, all under the guidance of highly experienced industry professionals who serve as faculty members.” said Roberto Flores, Admissions Counselor of Aviation Recruitment.
Flores explained that the program is unique with six semester training programs. “[The programs] meet a critical need for highly skilled technicians in airframe and powerplant repair and certification which includes the full FAA Certification.” Said Flores. “Upon completion of the 48 General, Airframe, and Powerplant credits, students will be eligible to sit for the FAA licensing examinations.” Each student will require an additional 22/23 credits of general education to earn the Associate in Applied Science degree.
When it comes to the costs of these classes, “the tuition and fees in our AMT program are among the lowest in the national training industry, with lots of financial aid and scholarships available to make your education and training even more affordable,” said Flores. The Aviation program also offers morning and evening classes, so that students are able to balance work and family obligations within their college training.
“There are well over 100,000 jobs as an aircraft technician available here in the United States and many more internationally and this has been projected by aircraft manufacturers to be a need well into the year 2036 and beyond.” Said Flores. With a degree and certification from 4C’s, students are able to discover a variety of career opportunities with commercial airlines including, United, Delta, JetBlue, American, and Southwest Airlines according to Flores. Salaries in the AMT field range from 66,000 to over $92,000 for a starting technician.
Jason Alexander is an aviation student here at 4C’s. “The instructors have helped me adapt to my learning and understand more.” Alexander said. “They also focus on details to make sure you understand the lessons.”
If you or someone you know are interested in the Aviation field, make sure to reach out to Roberto Flores, Admissions Counselor of Aviation Recruitment at Cape Cod Community College. His email is [email protected].
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