AVIM Program Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enroll?
Enrollment for the SPRING 2026 semester will follow the standard student registration process with access based on your registration date and time. These dates should be viewable in your SDCCD Student Portal October 22nd. Registration by appointment takes place November 3rd – November 14th. You are advised to have completed an application and have met with a counselor prior to October 16th for a registration appointment, otherwise you are considered new and subject to Open Registration, beginning November 17th. If Aviation 101G is full, please be advised to waitlist if there are spots available to waitlist. Otherwise, you will need to try again the following semester.
Is there a wait list?
See above. Enroll if you can, waitlist if you cannot. If the waitlist is full, please try again next semester.
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?
See the recommended course sequences (which class to take in which semester) here. Look for a list of “Important Documents.”
I'm a new student, where do I start?
New students: enroll in the college and get a Student ID number first. Full-time students are recommended to take AVIM 101G, AVIM102G, AVIM 101H, & AVIM102H all in the first semester. This will give you a full Monday-Thursday school schedule. Choose day OR night track, NOT a combination of both. Day students who enroll in night classes, or night students who enroll in day classes, will be dropped.
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. Contact Counselor Lisa Clarke lclarke@sdccd.edu to create an “education plan” and for assistance transferring military experience and/or credit from other schools. Include your student ID number in all communications. 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.
Where are classes held? Can I take classes online?
All AVIM courses are “face to face” in-person, at San Diego Miramar College campus and at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport.
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