Students working on aircraft

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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About

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. With around 150-200 students in the program, 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

The first two years of the program are front-loaded with A&P training. The reason being, that students are permitted to leave and work after the completion of their A&P certificate. Students that wish to take on leadership roles in their career are encouraged to stay for the degree however, due to competition in the aviation maintenance industry.

Program Flow

Can shorten the program for students with experience (Up to 45 credits)

Experience that may shorten your program:

  • Military experience for credit 
  • Industry experience
  •  Not for education transfers 
  • A&P focused — General, Airframe, Powerplant 
  • Students may test for their A&P certification after 2 years if all courses are passed 
  • No testing at WMU (Can be taken at any certified location in the USA) 

Students take 12 credit hours of electives after 147 required classes, including: 

(for degree, not A&P certification process) 

  • Welding 
  • Advanced electrical (AWT Cert) 
  • Advanced engine overhaul 
  • Advanced structures
  • Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
  • UAS certification & maintenance
side of plane
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