AUGUSTA — In response to demand from employers in Maine’s growing aviation and aerospace sectors, the University of Maine at Augusta is opening the state’s first aviation maintenance technician school.

UMA secured final approval in early July from the Federal Aviation Administration; students will start courses online and hands-on training at the statewide university’s Brunswick Landing aviation campus in late August.

Through the program, future AMTs can earn an industry recognized professional certificate or pursue a pathway that enables them to earn both the certification and either an Associate of Applied Science degree or a Bachelor of Applied Science degree. UMA will utilize state-of-the-art technology, such as welding and aircraft painting via virtual reality, to ensure students receive the most up-to-date learning experience and are positioned to excel as aviation maintenance professionals.

Those who complete the five semester certificate program can immediately sit for exams required to become an FAA-certified Airframe & Powerplant technician/mechanic, allowing them to work on a wide range of aircraft, including general aviation planes, airliners and helicopters.

Until now, Maine has been one of only three states without an AMT school, despite job growth expected in the sector in Maine and nationally. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for aircraft mechanics and service technicians is $76,260, and can exceed $100,000.

Applications are being accepted for fall and spring enrollment in the AMT program.

To learn more about becoming a skilled professional in the aviation industry, visit uma.edu/aviation. For general information or to schedule a visit to the UMA Aviation Center in Brunswick, contact Daniel Leclair at 207-621-7481 or daniel.m.leclair@maine.edu.

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