According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a vast majority of aviation technicians possess less than a Bachelor’s degree, which is understandable since more than 90% of the FAA part 147 programs in the nation are Associate degree or certificate programs. Combine this with the 2016 Boeing report that forecasts the need for over 600,000 new aircraft technicians over the next 20 years and it becomes quite clear that there is and will continue to be an industry need for aviation maintenance technicians who possess a bachelor’s degree. New technicians entering the workforce with a Bachelor's degree are seen to be valuable replacements for retiring management and staff. Currently, employed technicians with experience need only to complete a degree to advance.
Boeing states in its 2016 report, "Meeting this demand will require innovative solutions – focused on educational outreach and career pipeline programs." In response to this the Department of Aviation Technologies at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL, will start offering an online bachelor’s degree completion program with their Aviation Maintenance Management specialization this fall. This degree is tailored toward individuals who have completed one or more of the following:
• FAA Part 147 airframe and powerplant program
• Currently hold an airframe and powerplant mechanic’s certificate
• Completed an associate’s degree in aircraft maintenance or electronics
• Or equivalent civilian or military work experience
Online Courses
The Aviation Maintenance Management program will allow students to advance their knowledge through 10 online courses:
1. Avionics Communication and Navigation Systems Transition will review system theories and operational use of communications, navigation, GPS, satellite communications, weather, ADS-B, Next generation airways systems, flight management systems, pitot/static systems, autopilot theory and space flight systems.
2. Reliability, Maintainability and Fault Prediction Analysis will develop an understanding of the concepts of reliability, maintainability and failure modes to a level which facilitates fault prediction and the analysis of logistical systems.
3. Aerospace Lean Manufacturing and Maintenance Practices introduces current and future aerospace manufacturing and maintenance professionals to lean manufacturing and maintenance principles and management strategies.
4. Aerospace Business and Industry Financial Practices reviews current and future aerospace manufacturing and maintenance professionals to aviation business and finance.
5. Aerospace Supply Chain Logistics studies the logistics of efficiently scheduling, producing, transporting, storing, and supplying components and hardware in the context of the aerospace industry.
6. Aviation Maintenance Shop Operations will offer an in-depth sampling of professional practices used within aerospace maintenance facilities and how they pertain to ongoing day-to-day operations.
7. Advanced Aviation Safety Procedures is an introduction to safety management systems that are becoming prevalent and required in the aviation industry.
8. Management Information Systems for Aerospace Applications Provides an understanding of various types of Management Information Systems (MIS) currently used in Aerospace Support, focusing on the planning, implementation, and evaluation.
9. Sigma Six Green Belt Study includes six sigma goals, lean principles, the theory of constraints, design for six sigma, quality function deployment, failure mode and effects analysis, process management, team dynamics, project management basics, data and process analysis, probability and statistics, measurement system analysis, and process capability.
10. Project Management is an overview of the project management process followed by an in-depth examination of the activities needed to successfully initiate, plan, schedule, and control the time and cost factors of the project.
The remaining credit hours required for the bachelor’s degree will be given for the student’s work experience through an internship or cooperative education agreements or previous credit hours transferred in from other institutions.
Each of these 10 classes will be completely online allowing students who live far from SIUC and/or students who are working professionals to complete their degree without incurring lost time and wages due to having to attend an on-site, face-to-face class. Like civilian students, military students will also find this program beneficial as it will allow them to advance in rank or gain the necessary academic status to move towards becoming an officer while remaining in their established place of residence. If students are able, the coursework can be completed in as little as one year when classes are taken in the sequence indicated in the table below.
Fall Semester
Reliability, Maintainability and Fault Prediction Analysis
Aerospace Supply Chain Logistics
Six Sigma Green Belt
Aerospace Lean Manufacturing and Maintenance Practices
Spring Semester
Management Information Systems for Aerospace Applications
Aerospace Business and Industry Financial Practices
Aviation Maintenance Shop Operations
Aerospace Aviation Safety Procedures
Summer Semester
Avionics Communication and Navigation Systems Transition
Project Management
The Aviation Technologies’ faculty are pleased to offer this new and exciting program to working aircraft and avionics technicians. Interested individuals can contact the Department of Aviation Technologies’ academic advisor, Rachel Lee at (618) 453-9206 or [email protected]. Additional information about this and other programs offered by the Department of Aviation Technologies at SIUC
