Specializations & Certifications | Aviation and Automotive | SIU

Aircraft Maintenance

Students enrolled in aircraft maintenance work with a team to build a scale-model aircraft out of composite materials, including carbon fiber and Kevlar; learn product support and project management skills.

Sample courses include: Aerospace Supply Chain Logistics, Flight Management Systems, and Advanced Propulsion Systems.

Aviation Electronics (Avionics)

Aspiring professionals studying aviation electronics usually like to troubleshoot, repair, and rebuild electronics. In this specialization, students learn about airborne radar, create digital circuits, and use flight simulators to control flight management systems.

Sample courses include: Radio Theory & Practice, Aviation Electronics, and Aviation Radar Systems.

Helicopter Maintenance

SIU is the only school in the nation that offers Bell Helicopter-approved training as part of the helicopter maintenance specialization. Students will learn about aerodynamics, vibration monitoring, tracking, and balancing as they gain technical skills in helicopter theory, inspection, maintenance, and overhaul.

Sample courses include: Helicopter Theory & General Maintenance Practice, Advanced Composites, and Helicopter Power Train & Inspection.

Aviation Maintenance Management

Aviation Maintenance Management is an online degree completion plan allowing already-working professionals who are graduates of two-year FAA Part 147, avionics, and other aviation-related programs to finish their B.S. degree in Aviation Technologies entirely through distance education.

Sample courses include: Management Information Systems for Aerospace Applications, Advanced Aerospace Safety Procedures, and Aircraft Business & Industry Financial Practices.

The five-semester sequence of course work in aviation maintenance technology leads to the  FAA Airframe and Powerplant Certificates (A&P Certification) and prepares the student to work with major airlines, commuter airlines, corporate flight departments, general aviation operations, and aircraft and engine manufacturers.

The program is offered as part of the most comprehensive aviation education program in Illinois and is acclaimed by many in the aviation industry and government as the best in the nation. It is fully accredited by the FAA. The program has designated FAA examiners on staff to administer tests for certification.

Instruction for the Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) program is conducted in a 60,000 square-foot, modern training center which also includes a state of the art Engine Test Cell located at the Southern Illinois Airport, just west of Carbondale. Equipment and training aids, valued at more than $10 million, are used in teaching reciprocating and jet powerplants, hydraulics, fuel systems, carburetion and lubricating systems, instruments, electrical systems, and powerplant testing in a coordinated program of classroom and laboratory work. These studies are augmented by course work from the university core curriculum, particularly in the areas of basic sciences and communication.

Students will work with animated training panels, systems trainers, and computer training software representing a variety of jet aircraft, including the Boeing 707, 727, 737, 747, 757, and 767 and the Douglas DC8, DC9, DC10, MD11, and MD80 aircraft. As well as a Boeing 737-222 Commercial Transport Jet, a Gulfstream III Private Jet, and many other general aviation aircraft which are used for instruction in the Aviation Technologies Program.

After completing the FAA (A&P) program, students can immediately seek employment or continue their studies for the bachelor's degree with a specialization.