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Aviation Technical Operations Degree

The mission of the Aviation Technical Operations Program (ATOJ) is to provide comprehensive, high-quality education and training to individuals who aspire to become skilled aviation maintenance technicians and leaders in the aviation industry.
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Real world experiences

The COA is committed to preparing our students to succeed in the competitive and ever-changing aviation industry by imparting knowledge, skills, and values that align with the highest standards of the industry. The Aviation Technical Operations curriculum provides preparation for a variety of positions in the demanding field of aircraft maintenance and support. Options include such areas as: aircraft maintenance and repair, performance testing, engineering/maintenance liaison, maintenance logistics, flight test engineering, product technical support, aircraft maintenance engineering, aircraft systems reliability and maintainability, licensing requirements, and repair facility management. Satisfactory completion of all requirements prepares one to take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant written, oral and practical examinations.

Read career outcomes report

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Western Michigan University is a Federal Aviation Regulation—FAR—Part 147 Aviation Technical Operations school. Upon completing the program, students qualify to take the examinations for the FAA mechanics license with airframe and powerplant ratings, which are considered to be the industry standard of aviation technical knowledge. The examinations consist of written, oral, and practical exams by a designated FAA examiner.

Learn more about our faculty

On the Air, featuring Tech Ops faculty specialist Brian Jansen

Learn more about what it means to be a maintenance Bronco!

Training Aircraft and Requirements