AVIM Program Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a wait list?
Yes! To join the waitlist, email your student ID number and indicate your desire to joint the wait list. To join the day program (0700-1330), email dsmith001@sdccd.edu. To join the evening program (1630-2300), email edamas@sdccd.edu. You get your student ID# when you enroll in the college, so do that first, and be sure to include the ID# when you contact the faculty. Check that email regularly. Updates to waitlists and add codes will be communicated via email from the faculty.
NOTE: the current waitlist is full for the next 3 semesters. If you get on the waitlist now, your start date will be in approximately 18 months.
What kind of maintenance training can I get here? How long does it take?
San Diego Miramar College is an FAA 14CFR147 certificated Aviation Maintenance training program. Successful completion meets the experience requirement (14CFR65.77), eligibility to test for the Mechanics’ certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings. It is approximately 1900 hours in length, 5 semesters, 78 units (21.5 General, 25.5 Airframe, 31 Powerplant), and takes 2.5 years to complete.
What prior experience do I need to begin?
Expected entry-level skills: The Federal Aviation Administration, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 14, Part 65, Paragraph 71 (14CFR65.71) states in part, “…to be eligible for a mechanic certificate and associated ratings, a person must; Be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.” In addition, students should be familiar with: algebraic and arithmetic operations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of positive and negative numbers, extraction of exponential equations, and algebraically transposing and resolving equations and formulas relating to applications in geometry and physics.
What tools do I need to start?
Students should possess basic hand skills and be familiar with the proper use of standard hand tools including wrenches, screwdrivers, files, hammers, saws, and drills. A recommended tool list for beginning students can be found here. We have student discount program available with certain tool vendors; you can contact them and ask about complete tool kits available at:
Snap-On Tools: Dennis Sprong Dennis.J.Sprong@snapon.com
Matco Tools: Brian Stranahan stranahan@earthlink.net
How much does it cost?
Tuition is $46.00 per unit for CA residents. Non-resident tuition is $304.00 per unit. Tool costs vary with the quality of tools purchased. Total resident program cost is approximately $6,000.
When do classes start?
We are on a 16-week semester cycle. Morning classes meet 7:00 am to 1:30pm; evening classes meet 4:30 pm to 11:00pm. Fall classes start in August; Spring classes start in January/early February.
Which classes do I sign up for?
Enroll in the college and register for AVIM 101G, AVIM102G, AVIM 101H, & AVIM102H. See the recommended course sequences (which class to take in which semester) here. Look for a list of “Important Documents.” Note: these classes are ADD CODE ONLY. See the next question for how to join the waitlist. You only have to joint the wait list for AVIM 101G (all the other classes depend on that one, and students enrolled in that class will get add codes for the rest).
I have aviation training from the U.S. military. Does any of that count toward the FAA Mechanic's Certificate?
All military and prior experience will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis; send all military transcripts and any other documentation to Daniel Smith dsmith001@sdccd.edu. Depending on your job specialty, you may qualify to test for Airframe and/or Powerplant already. Contact your local FAA FSDO for more information on military equivalency.
Where do I sign up for classes?
View the online class schedule, and sign up, here. You must be enrolled in the college to enroll in any class.
I want to become a pilot. Will this program help?
You're looking for Aviation Operations (AVIA). See that program page here.
Are there other departments that help me enroll, pay for college, and set up and education plan?
See these helpful links:
https://sdmiramar.edu
https://sdmiramar.edu/programs/aviation-maintenance-technology
https://sdmiramar.edu/services/admissions
https://sdmiramar.edu/services/counseling
https://sdmiramar.edu/services/financial-aid
https://sdmiramar.edu/services/veterans
https://www.faa.gov/mechanics