Aviation Maintenance Technology

Learn How to Fly! Your aviation maintenance educational experience can be enriched if you take some flight instruction along with your regular coursework. Flight instruction is provided through the aviation department’s Schweizer SGM-237 motorglider. Our FAA-certified glider flight instructor can make you a better mechanic by providing you with flight training. This training will give you a deeper understanding of aircraft performance and operation. View a motorglider soaring video

The Aviation Department has received the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certificate of Excellence Diamond Award for five consecutive years. This incentive program is to encourage aviation maintenance employees and employers to participate aggressively in available maintenance training. The Diamond Award is the highest award granted by the FAA for aviation maintenance technicians.

Lake Area Technical Institute's Aviation Program has been honored by the South Dakota Division of Workforce and Career Preparation. The program received the South Dakota Director's Award for Innovation and Excellence in 1999 and the South Dakota State Exemplary Program Award - T and I Division 2002.

Aviation Workshops

Aviation workshops are offered the first Thursday and Friday of every month from September through June. Course offerings are based on demand so pre-registration is essential. Please contact the aviation department at (605) 882-6311.

Fabric Covering | Basic Composite Technology | Basic Nondestructive Testing
 Aircraft Maintenance Responsibilities | Aircraft Electrical Systems

Windfest Photo Gallery

Be Part of the Exciting Field of Aviation

Students enrolled in Aviation Maintenance Technology are trained in all mechanical, electrical, and structural elements of airplanes. Aviation maintenance technicians are required to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Lake Area is a FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician school. The FAA issues two licenses: the airframe and the power plant certifications. Certification consists of written, oral, and practical examinations, which are administered following the successful completion of each year in the training program.

And There's Plenty of Variety

Students attending this program study a wide array of subjects, ranging from physics and aerodynamics to engine thrust reverse systems and aircraft structures. In this program, students also have the option to obtain the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree by successfully completing the required courses.

Employment Opportunities

Job opportunities exist in nearly every segment of the aircraft maintenance community. Primary sources of employment include fixed-base operators; certified repair stations; corporate airplanes; commuter, regional and international air carriers; and state and federal agencies. Whatever the use of an aircraft or wherever an aircraft is located, a licensed aviation maintenance technician must be involved in the servicing and maintenance of the aircraft.

Lucrative salaries, professional recognition and career mobility await those individuals willing to remain abreast of tomorrow’s changing technology.

Wild Blue Yonder

Travel privileges, attractive fringe benefits and additional compensations are added work incentives for the aviation maintenance technician.

Recommended Background Courses

Although not required, the following courses would be beneficial to this course of study prior to attending Lake Area Technical Institute: Science (Physics), Algebra, Vocational Mechanics, Chemistry, Math, and Communications.