AVIM Program Frequently Asked Questions
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?
In addition, 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.
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.
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.”
I have aviation training from the U.S. military. Does any of that count toward the FAA license?
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.
Where do I sign up for classes?
View the online class schedule here.
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