Aerospace Technology Center Frequently Asked Questions
Featured on this page are Frequently Asked Questions related to the Pulaski Technical College Aerospace Technology Center.
Q1. What are the minimum requirements for entering the A & P program?
A1. The FAA regulations states that you must be 18 years of age or older prior to be issued an A & P license and that you MUST be able to read and understand English. Pulaski Technical College requires that you have graduated from an approved high school or received your GED.
Q2. How much does the A & P program cost?
A2. The entire A & P program will cost around $1,170 per semester over the five semester program or approximately $5,850. There are some additional costs for books and tools but they are not excessive. We are able to offer this program at this rate because we are a state supported school. A private school in Oklahoma charges in excess of $30,000 to get the A & P certification.
Q3. Besides tuition costs, what other costs are involved?
A3. Over the 20 month program you will need to purchase text books costing approximately $250. (subject to change). In addition to text books we require a minimum amount of personal tools. Most of the tools we ask you to have are standard and, depending on the manufacture, cost to you will be minimal.
Q4. Is there financial aid available to aviation school students?
A4. The Pulaski Technical College Financial Aid Department can help you with financial aid. There are Pell Grants and low interest student loans available for those who qualify. A financial aid form will accompany this letter. It is best to complete this form and return it to Financial Aid ASAP, prior to the start of any semester.
Q5. Does the aviation school program accept the GI Bill for payment?
A5. There is a VA representative available to you at Financial Aid office who will assist you in submitting the necessary documentation to start you GI Bill payments. Students will what to accomplish this well prior to the beginning of class.
Q6. Are people on different rehabilitation programs (VA rehab or Arkansas rehab) eligible for the aviation program?
A6. A Pulaski Technical College representative (Financial Aid) will be able to provide you with more information concerning rehab programs.
Q7. I am currently serving in the military. Does Pulaski Tech Aviation accept tuition assistance?
A7. Tuition assistance is accepted, you will have to submit your approved tuition assistance form from your unit to the Pulaski Technical College Business Office prior to beginning of class.
Q8. Having been in the military does the FAA accept any of my past experience towards my A & P certification?
A8. The FAA can give credit to individuals who qualified as powerplant technicians (jet engine) or crew chief/plane captains. If you have any questions concerning your status please call the Aerospace Technology Center at (501) 835-5420. The FAA bases their certification on your AFSC/MOS and years of experience. An interview with the FAA is required.
Q9. Does the aviation school give credit for past experience?
A9. If students can provide documentation that they have received more instruction and are qualified in a specific subject area the Aerospace Technology Center can provide students the opportunity of testing out of a subject. For example, if a student is a certified welder they would be allowed to test out of the welding subject offered at the aviation school.
Q10. I have received certification from the FAA for Powerplant (or Airframe) can I still attend classes at Pulaski Tech Aviation?
A10. The Aerospace Technology Center will assist students in every way to complete there A & P certification requirements. Students only delay may be waiting for needed subjects to be offered.
Q11. Is the Aerospace Technology Center School the only way to get Airframe and Powerplant certification?
A11. No, the FAA regulation mentions three ways to meet the A&P certification requirements: 1) Work in the civilian industry under the supervision of a licensed A & P mechanic, documenting all training for a period of 18 months for each rating (Airframe or Powerplant). 2) Military experience in an FAA approved field, or 3) Attend an FAA approved technical school such Pulaski Technical College.
Q12. How long are your classes and do you offer night classes?
A12. The day program runs for 5 semester or 20 months. Classes begin at 7:30 am until 2 pm Monday through Thursday. During the summer semester classes run Monday through Friday. The evening program runs from 5 pm through 10 pm Monday through Thursday until completion of the program, approximately 25 months.
Q13. Once I complete the program does Pulaski Tech issue my A & P license?
A13. No, once a student receives a course completion certificate for either Power- plant or Airframe students are eligible to take the federal exam(s). PTC Aviation is affiliated with CATS testing, an FAA authorized testing center for the written tests. We also have an affiliated Designated Mechanics Examiner (DME) who is authorized by the FAA to give the Oral and Practical Exams and, once you have passed all exams, issue the A & P license.
Q14. Is the cost for FAA testing included in my tuition?
A14. No, FAA testing is a separate entity from the Aerospace Technology Center School. Currently the cost for testing at the Aerospace Technology Center School is $450 for the issue of both the Airframe and Powerplant license.
Q15. Does the Aerospace Technology Center have a job placement policy?
A15. No, however, we remain in contact with the major aviation companies in the Central Arkansas area as well as potential employers who contact us via the internet and other placement agencies. We are usually able to provide students good potential employment information.
Q16. As an A & P mechanic how much can I expect to earn?
A16. Currently, in the Little Rock area, beginning hourly wages is around $13 to $15 per hour with little or no experience. If you have previous aviation experience you may qualify for a high starting wage. Wages very across the United States. Also there are job opportunities available overseas.
Q17. Does Pulaski Technical College offer a Aviation degree program?
A17. Yes, besides offering a certification program for Airframe and Powerplant mechanics at this location, you can take an addition four, 3 credit hour, classes at the main campus in the area of General Studies and receive an Associates in Applied Science Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology. Pulaski Technical College also has a relationship with Henderson University for transferring college credits towards a Bachelors degree Aviation Maintenance Management.
Q18. Other than the Airframe and Powerplant certification programs are there any other aircraft related programs offered at Pulaski Technical College?
A18. The Aviation Technology Center now offers training in Non-Destructive Training (NDT). We cover training in Dye-penetrant and MagnaFlux Testing, Eddy-Current Testing and Ultrasonic Testing. NDT is the use of non-destructive means to find structural flaws in aircraft surfaces and other metal structures.
The Business and Industry Center (BIC) offers a one semester program in Aircraft Modification. The information covered in this course helps prepare you for a position in an aircraft completion center. (Avionics Installation, upholstery, and sheet metal)
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