BRCC Snapshots
Aviation Maintenance Technology Takes Off!
Interested in a career in aviation? Consider a career as an Aviation Maintenance Technician! Aviation technicians perform scheduled maintenance and trouble-shooting on private planes, corporate jets, and helicopters. Currently, there is a shortage of aviation maintenance technicians, which means abundant job offers and impressive starting salaries. BRCC is the only FAA approved aviation maintenance technology training school in the Virginia Community College System.
BRCC now offers certificate, diploma and degree options in our Federal Aviation Administration approved training program. Students may earn certificates in Airframe and/or Powerplant, a diploma in Aviation Maintenance Technology, or an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology.
“This is a unique profession that’s very demanding. Being a highly regulated industry, and because of the nature and importance of the work, aviation maintenance technicians must strive for excellence,” commented Fred Dyen, assistant professor of aviation maintenance technology at BRCC.
These programs allow an individual to earn a mechanic’s certificate with either an airframe, powerplant, or both an airframe and powerplant rating. In addition, students can earn an Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology. This degree is also open to students who already have an FAA mechanics certificate, regardless of how or where it was obtained. Students finishing their Associates degree may elect to continue their education by completing a Bachelor of Science in Technology or a Bachelor of Technology degree at a variety of universities throughout the country.
The intensive curriculum uses hands-on laboratory instruction to prepare students for entry into the aviation field, armed with comprehensive and well-rounded training. After completing the diploma or Associate’s degree program, participants are eligible to take the Federal Aviation Administration examination for the airframe and powerplant rating. These programs qualify individuals for entry-level positions in the maintenance, repair, overhaul, and modification of aircraft.
Michael A. Stoltzfus, President and CEO of Dynamic Aviation in Bridgewater, commented, “Dynamic Aviation is delighted that BRCC is creating an aviation technology program. We believe that it is essential that technical training and specifically aerospace-related training be developed and implemented in the Valley to meet both current and ensured future needs of local business.”
The aviation program is housed in the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport, just minutes away from the BRCC main campus at Weyers Cave, Virginia. With more than 6,000 square feet of shop, classroom, and computer area, the space has been organized to give you every possible learning advantage. The shops are designed to make your work efficient, and the entire facility is equipped with the latest industry equipment and tools. Class size is limited, so you'll receive individual help and attention. Your instructors are all experienced aviation professionals.
A variety of BRCC as well as aviation-specific scholarships are awarded to students demonstrating academic excellence, financial need, and commitment to the Aviation Maintenance Technology program.
Dynamic Aviation will provide three annual scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each for the purpose of tuition / fees and book reimbursement, to students enrolled in the Aviation Maintenance Technology program at BRCC. The Dynamic Aviation Scholarships will be awarded to students who have a demonstrated financial need and a strong potential for a successful career in Aviation Maintenance Technology. The scholarship awards will be divided evenly between the fall and spring semesters ($500 each semester).
For more information, including a full course listing, visit http://community.brcc.edu/aviation/ or contact Fred Dyen, by phone 540.453.2306, or email dyenf@brcc.edu .