Aviation Maintenance Management Distance Learning Options

Aviation maintenance management professionals oversee the inspection and upkeep of an aircraft's propulsion systems, engines and framework. To get started in this field, many students pursue a 4-year bachelor's degree in aviation maintenance management. Although not widely available, some programs do allow students with maintenance experience to complete their coursework online.

Distance Learning Aviation Maintenance Management Bachelors Degree Programs

Aviation maintenance management distance education programs are rare. Some of these bachelor's degree programs limit online learning to students who hold the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant Certificate. Students may sit for this professional certification exam after acquiring 30 months of hands-on airframe and powerplant maintenance experience or completing an FAA-certified aircraft maintenance associate degree or certificate program.
However, if you need the 30 months of hands-on airframe or powerplant maintenance experience required for this professional certification, hybrid aviation maintenance management degree programs are available, but also rare. These programs allow students to study aircraft systems and structures on-campus before registering for online core aviation maintenance management courses.

Sample Online Aviation Maintenance Management Curriculum

Once students have mastered aircraft electrical and propulsion systems, online coursework may include aeronautical science, calculus, physics and computer science. Students may also find themselves enrolled in accounting, marketing or human resource management courses.
Aviation management coursework will cover topics like logistics or project management. Students can discuss how to set work schedules or draw up a budget. They are often introduced to software programs used for calculating staffing and resource needs. Students may also learn how to forecast workloads, maintain inventory and keep down operating costs. Typical aviation maintenance management coursework includes the following:

• Aviation safety management
• Operations management
• Organizational behavior
• Labor relations management

Technical Requirements for Distance Learning

Distance learning courses are conducted via audio and video conferences, e-mail and Web casts. Technical requirements often include a high-speed Internet connection and an updated Web browser. Additional word processing or multimedia software may also be required to access course content.

Employment Opportunities for Aviation Maintenance Management Program Graduates

FAA-certified aircraft mechanics with a bachelor's degree in aviation maintenance management can work in the air transportation or aerospace parts manufacturing industries, according to some schools' degree programs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that they may also open an aircraft maintenance business of their own (www.bls.gov).