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Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics - Main
"Ranked by Forbes as the No. 1 Two-Year Trade School in 2018"
Located at:
5 Allegheny County Airport,
West Mifflin, Pennsylvania 15122
School for Aviation Maintenance and Electronics Technology
PIA graduates are in demand throughout the US, and PIA offers employment assistance to help both students and alumni in their pursuit of employment in the field of aviation and related industries.
PIA’s specialized Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) and Aviation Electronics Technology (AET) programs provide hands-on skill-sets based on aviation industry practices, but transferable into a diverse set of related occupations.
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Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics - Main
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Aviation Maintenance Technology Programs
PIA’s flagship program, the Aviation Maintenance Technology program, has led the industry in providing quality aircraft mechanics for over 85 years. This program provides students with the opportunity to test for the prestigious FAA’s Airframe and Powerplant Certification, the “golden ticket” to a career in aviation maintenance.
In accordance with our mission to provide exceptionally qualified aircraft technicians, PIA’s aviation maintenance programs are designed to not only meet but exceed the minimum requirements outlined by 14 CFR Part 147 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Become an Aviation Technician
What Do Aviation Maintenance Technicians Do?
Aviation maintenance technicians will check and troubleshoot aircraft equipment on a regular basis, looking for parts that may need to be repaired or replaced. Some of the components you would work on include brakes, wheels, electrical systems, and wings.
During inspections, aviation maintenance technicians are required to use diagnostic procedures approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They complete inspections, perform scheduled maintenance, and make any necessary repairs according to FAA regulations.
Many technicians specialize in preventive maintenance. A day in the life of an aviation technician could include working on the items below:
- Turbine Engines
- Reciprocating Engines
- Metallic Structures
- Ignitions Systems
- Hydraulics & Pneumatics
- Composite Materials
- Welding
- And more
Over the years, PIA graduates have proven their versatility by entering into positions as technicians for regional and major airlines, aircraft production and maintenance facilities, amusement parks, automated production facilities, government contractors, petrochemical manufacturing plants, telecommunication systems providers, specialty metal manufacturers, and research and development centers – just to name a few.
In 2017, all of PIA’s campuses were selected by Delta Airlines as partner schools. Understanding the impending shortage of qualified aviation technicians, Delta created a mission to help increase both the awareness of technician demand and increase the knowledge and character of technicians entering today’s workforce.
PIA - Get the Skills for Success!
PIA’s main campus (Pittsburgh) offers AST degree programs in Aviation Technology. The branch campuses also offer a diploma or certificate program in Aviation Maintenance Technology.
PIA - Pittsburgh Campus Quick Facts
Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) Program - Associate in Specialized Technology Degree
21 Months: 79 Credits – 2,478 Clock Hours
The AMT program prepares students for the FAA Airframe and Powerplant Certification Exams.
Aviation Electronics Technology (AET) Program - Associate in Specialized Technology Degree
21 Months: 79 Credits – 2,478 Clock Hours
The AET program prepares students for the FCC General Radiotelephone Operators License Exams.
Approvals and Accreditation
- Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
- Federal Aviation Administration approval HE1T189K
- Federal Aviation Administration Avionics Repair Station Certificate HE1R189K
- Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to award an Associate in Specialized Technology Degree
- Approved by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) to participate in the Pennsylvania State Grant Programs
- Approved by the Department of Education to participate in the Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
- Approved by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools (src.ohio.gov)
- Approved by the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- Aviation Electronics program is accredited by National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Training (NCATT)
- Authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students
Funding & Financing
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Accreditations/Credentials
Accreditation
Accredited College
ACCSC
Accreditation
Approval HE1T189K
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Accreditation
Avionics Repair Station Certificate HE1R18
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Accreditation
Associate in Specialized Technology Degree
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Award
Pennsylvania State Grant Programs
Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency
Accreditation
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Department of Education
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REVIEWS
Total reviews: 2 | Avg rating: 5.00
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Bud Murray
“I am a graduate of the June 1977 class. My career in aviation spans over 40 years. Army aviation of 4 years, general aviation 2 years, US Airways for the remaining years. Be persistent do not take NO for an answer, sell your experience and know-how. It will be worth it in the end, good luck!”
Ben Harvey
“Thanks to the staff of pia Chris, Eric, and Lindsay Lawry for giving me the skills I needed and for teaching me the proper way to operate heavy equipment. Great school, I loved the class! Thanks again!”
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