07/08/2025
Blue Ridge Community College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program ranks as the highest performer in Virginia, and among the highest performers in the United States, on credentialing exams! After completing the program, which includes performing scheduled maintenance and inspections on private planes, corporate jets and helicopters, graduates are eligible to take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) written, oral, and practical exams for a Mechanic’s Certificate with Airframe and Powerplant ratings. BRCC’s current pass rate, based on the past three years, is an outstanding 98.48%!
The program’s graduation to certification rate is also above average, meaning BRCC students not only graduate from the program, but also earn their FAA certification in a timely manner (well within the 60-day window advised by the FAA).
BRCC student Nathan Kilduff said that when he was researching training in the AMT field he was excited to see an, “affordable and top-rated program in my backyard.”
This spring, members of the Virginia General Assembly’s Aviation Caucus toured BRCC’s AMT facility at the Shenandoah Regional Airport. The bi-partisan group was considering whether BRCC’s program might serve as a template to be replicated in other parts of the state. With additional state funding, BRCC’s program could be expanded to create a statewide network to address the shortage of aviation maintenance technicians.
During the visit, AMT program director and instructor Kevin Campbell explained how he felt his program develops top-notch aviation technicians. He reminded those in attendance, “Technicians are the backbone of the aviation industry.”