Aviation General Maintenance Technician Helper

Course Description

AMT0700 — Aviation General Maintenance Technician Helper is a Postsecondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) clock-hour course in the Florida Department of Education's Aviation Airframe Mechanics and Aviation Maintenance Technology career-preparatory programs (Career Cluster: Transportation, Distribution & Logistics; Career Pathway: Aviation; CIP 0647060703 for Airframe; CIP 0647060704 for Powerplant). The course represents the first occupational completion point in Florida's FAA-approved 14 CFR Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) curriculum, leading to the entry-level "Helper" job classification.

Aviation Maintenance Technology is a federally regulated career field. Students enrolled in AMTS programs work toward eligibility to test for the FAA General + Airframe (A) and/or Powerplant (P) mechanic certificate — a federal credential issued by the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) following written, oral, and practical examinations administered by an FAA-designated mechanic examiner (DME). The General segment covered in AMT0700 (and continuing General coursework) is required for both the Airframe and Powerplant ratings.

This course is offered at the limited number of FAA-certificated AMTS schools in Florida, including Eastern Florida State College (EFSC, Melbourne campus, FAA Part 147 certificate), Pinellas Technical College (Clearwater), Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Center (Polk State College, Lakeland), Broward College (Aviation Institute), Jacksonville University, FlightSafety International at multiple Florida sites, George T. Baker Aviation Technical College (Miami-Dade), and Sheridan Technical College. Specific institutional approval through the FAA is required; the queue indicates approximately 5 institutions offer this specific course.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of AMT0700, students will be able to:

• Apply foundational aviation safety practices: hangar safety, flight-line awareness, foreign object debris (FOD) prevention, hearing protection, fall protection, fueling-area safety, propeller and jet-blast hazards.
• Use standard mechanic hand tools safely and correctly: open-end and box wrenches, sockets, torque wrenches (click and beam), screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, files, drills, drift punches.
• Apply aircraft hardware and fasteners identification and use: aircraft bolts (AN, MS, NAS classifications), nuts, washers, cotter pins, safety wire, locking devices; understand part-numbering and traceability.
• Apply safety wiring and torque procedures per FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 43.13-1B (Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices — Aircraft Inspection and Repair).
• Read and interpret aircraft drawings, schematics, and technical publications: blueprints; aircraft maintenance manuals (AMM); illustrated parts catalogs (IPC); service bulletins; airworthiness directives (AD).
• Apply foundational physics and aerodynamics concepts: forces of flight (lift, weight, thrust, drag); basic aircraft structures terminology (wing, fuselage, empennage, control surfaces).
• Apply basic aircraft electrical theory: DC circuits, Ohm's Law, aircraft battery types and handling, basic wiring conventions in aviation.
• Apply aviation cleaning and corrosion control introductory techniques: solvent selection, surface preparation, corrosion identification (filiform, exfoliation, intergranular), corrosion removal.
• Apply aircraft weighing and weight-and-balance introductory concepts: empty weight, useful load, gross weight, center of gravity, longitudinal arm.
• Apply aviation regulatory framework awareness: 14 CFR Parts 1, 23, 25, 39, 43, 65, 91, 145, 147; FAA Advisory Circulars; mechanic privileges and limitations under Part 65; "return to service" requirements.
• Maintain aircraft maintenance records per 14 CFR 43.9 introductory standards: logbook entries, work documentation.
• Demonstrate professional workplace behaviors: punctuality (mandatory in aviation), strict adherence to written procedures, respect for chain of command in aviation maintenance organizations.

Optional Outcomes

• Develop introductory familiarity with composite materials in aircraft construction.
• Develop introductory familiarity with non-destructive testing (NDT): dye penetrant, magnetic particle, eddy current, ultrasonic awareness.
• Apply introductory aircraft fueling procedures awareness (typically performed by certified fueling personnel).

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Aviation Safety: Hangar and flight-line safety; FOD prevention; hearing and respiratory protection; chemical exposure (paints, solvents, hydraulic fluids); propeller and jet-blast hazards; refueling-area procedures.
• Standard Mechanic Hand Tools: Wrenches; sockets; torque wrenches and torque values per AC 43.13-1B; screwdrivers; pliers; hammers; files; drills; drift punches; specialty aviation tools.
• Aircraft Hardware: AN, MS, NAS standards; identification by head marking; grip length and torque value selection; substitution rules; fasteners (bolts, screws, nuts, washers, cotter pins, lockwire).
• Safety Wiring and Torque: Single-wire and double-wire safety wire methods per AC 43.13-1B; torque sequence and values; calibrated torque wrench use.
• Aircraft Drawings and Publications: Blueprint reading; aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) navigation; IPC use; service bulletins; airworthiness directives (AD) compliance; FAA Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS).
• Basic Physics and Aerodynamics: Forces (Newton's laws); the four forces of flight; basic structures terminology; introduction to airfoil theory.
• Basic Aviation Electrical Theory: DC circuits; Ohm's Law; aircraft battery types (lead-acid, NiCd, lithium-ion in newer aircraft); basic wiring conventions; aircraft electrical schematics.
• Cleaning and Corrosion Control: Solvents and cleaning agents (CRC, MEK, MPK, alcohols); surface preparation; corrosion types and identification; corrosion removal and treatment; protective finishes.
• Aircraft Weight and Balance (Introductory): Empty weight; useful load; gross weight; center of gravity calculations; weight-and-balance reports.
• FAA Regulatory Framework: 14 CFR Part 1 (definitions); Parts 23/25 (airworthiness standards for aircraft); Part 39 (airworthiness directives); Part 43 (maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, alteration); Part 65 (certification: airmen other than flight crewmembers); Part 91 (general operating rules); Part 145 (repair stations); Part 147 (Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools).
• Maintenance Records: 14 CFR 43.9 entry requirements; logbook entries; "return to service" signoffs; record retention; falsification consequences.
• Professional Conduct in Aviation Maintenance: Strict adherence to written procedures (the "no shortcuts" doctrine); reporting of discrepancies; chain of command; aviation safety culture.

Optional Topics

• Composite Materials: Fiberglass, carbon fiber, Kevlar; introductory awareness for emerging composite-heavy aircraft (Boeing 787, Airbus A350, modern general aviation).
• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Awareness of dye penetrant (PT), magnetic particle (MT), eddy current (ET), ultrasonic (UT) methods.
• Aircraft Fueling Awareness: JET-A versus 100LL avgas; static control; bonding; quality control sampling.

Resources & Tools

• Federal Regulatory Sources: 14 CFR Title 14 (Aeronautics and Space) accessible at ecfr.gov; FAA Advisory Circulars (AC) 43.13-1B (Acceptable Methods), 43.13-2B (Acceptable Methods — Aircraft Alterations), and others.
• Industry Texts: Dale Crane Aviation Maintenance Technician Series (ASA Publications — the standard textbook series for FAA AMTS programs, with separate volumes for General, Airframe, and Powerplant); Jeppesen A&P Technician General Textbook.
• Practice Tools and Equipment: Hangar with aircraft (typically retired or training-dedicated trainers, often Cessna or Piper general aviation airframes); aviation hand tools; calibrated torque wrenches; safety-wire pliers; ESD workstations.
• Industry Standards: SAE Aerospace Standards; Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) AS-series specifications.
• Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO): SkillsUSA; aviation-specific student chapters where available.
• FAA Resources: FAA Mechanic Information Page; FAASafety.gov; designated mechanic examiner (DME) network.
• FLDOE Curriculum Framework: Aviation Maintenance Technology curriculum frameworks aligned to 14 CFR Part 147 standards.

Career Pathways

Successful completion of AMT0700, when combined with subsequent General, Airframe, and Powerplant coursework and FAA testing, leads to one of aviation's most stable and respected career paths. Specific career destinations include:

• FAA-Certificated Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic (SOC 49-3011, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians) — The primary occupational target. Florida's substantial aviation industry creates significant demand.
• Airline Maintenance Technician at Florida's airline maintenance operations: American Airlines (Miami hub), Delta Air Lines (Orlando, Tampa hubs), JetBlue (Fort Lauderdale, Orlando), Spirit Airlines (Fort Lauderdale headquarters), Southwest Airlines (Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando), FedEx (Memphis hub but Florida ramp operations), UPS (Louisville hub but Florida operations).
• General Aviation Mechanic at fixed-base operators (FBOs), private aircraft owners, and flight schools throughout Florida.
• Corporate/Business Aviation Mechanic at Florida's substantial business-aviation maintenance market (Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando Executive, Tampa, West Palm Beach).
• Aerospace Manufacturing Technician at Florida aerospace OEMs and tier-1 suppliers.
• Defense Aviation Mechanic with U.S. military or defense contractors (DCMA-supervised facilities).
• FAA Repair Station (Part 145) technician at the substantial number of Florida-based FAA-certificated repair stations.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics consistently reports a shortage of qualified A&P mechanics, with strong wage premiums for FAA-certificated technicians. The aviation maintenance career path is among the most stable and well-compensated CTE pathways available.

Special Information

FAA Mechanic Certification Pathway

AMT0700 is the first step in a sequence leading to FAA mechanic certification:

• 14 CFR Part 147 AMTS Program — A federally approved curriculum totaling minimum 1,150 hours for General + Airframe + Powerplant; Florida programs typically run 1,800–2,400 hours across 18–24 months.
• FAA Written Examinations — General, Airframe, and Powerplant written tests administered by an FAA Knowledge Testing Center.
• FAA Oral and Practical Examinations — Administered by an FAA-designated mechanic examiner (DME); covers topics from the assigned 8 hours of subject matter for General, plus subject hours for Airframe and Powerplant.
• FAA Mechanic Certificate issued upon successful completion of all examinations, with Airframe (A) and/or Powerplant (P) ratings.

Critical Note on AMT0700 Specifically

AMT0700 represents the "helper" entry-level occupational completion point within the broader Aviation Maintenance Technology PSAV curriculum. Students completing only AMT0700 and exiting the program are eligible for helper employment in aviation maintenance settings (working under the direct supervision of certificated A&P mechanics) but cannot themselves perform certificated maintenance until they complete the full Part 147 curriculum and pass FAA examinations.

Program Structure (PSAV / Clock-Hour)

AMT0700 clock-hour allocation typically ranges from 150 to 300 clock hours as the introductory occupational completion point. The full Aviation Maintenance Technology program typically runs 1,800–2,400 clock hours across 18–24 months. Per FAA Part 147 requirements, programs must meet rigorous curriculum, instructor qualification, and facility standards.

Industry Certifications

The terminal industry credential is the FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic Certificate. Beyond initial certification, working A&P mechanics may pursue:

• FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) — required for performing annual inspections (3 years post-A&P plus testing).
• Specific Type Ratings for specific aircraft types (e.g., factory training on a specific Boeing or Airbus type).
• Avionics and Specialty Endorsements through specific manufacturer or repair-station programs.

Aviation Drug-and-Alcohol Testing

Per FAA regulations, mechanics performing maintenance on aircraft operated under 14 CFR Parts 121, 135, or 145 are subject to random drug and alcohol testing. Students entering aviation maintenance careers should be aware that pre-employment, random, post-incident, and reasonable-suspicion testing are standard.