General Q&As
What is an Aircraft Structural Technician?
An Aircraft Structural Technician (also known as an Aircraft Sheetmetal Mechanic) is trained in a variety of skill areas to include aircraft manufacturing and repair - which involves the use of sheetmetal pneumatic tools, such as drills, rivet hammers, impact wrenches and various other related hand tools. All job functions of a technician are performed using applicable technical data including technical orders, blueprints and engineering orders. A technician may be required to modify or repair such aircraft components as aircraft wings, fuselage, tail sections, engine bays and a variety of substructures. A technician must be proficient in the use of measuring devices, such as tape measures, six-inch scales, and some precision measuring instruments to include micrometers and dial calipers.
An entry-level technician can expect to earn in the range of $21,000 to $30,000 annually. A technician with three to five years of experience can expect to earn in excess of $40,000 annually.
What is my potential for employment as an Aircraft Structural Technician?
Excellent! Within the state of Georgia, there are several nationally recognized aviation companies that either manufacture new aircraft or repair older aircraft. These companies include Boeing Aircraft, TIMCO Aviation Services, Lockheed Martin, Gulfstream, Parker Aerospace and the US Air Force, as well as companies that perform worldwide contract aircraft maintenance.
Are there any educational/job training opportunities for me in this program?
Yes. We have an educational training co-op program with Robins Air Force Base. This cooperative training opportunity will enable you to "earn while you learn".
Does Georgia Aviation provide job placement services?
Yes. We provide job placement assistance for our graduates. Through the combined efforts of the faculty and the administration, a cooperative relationship is maintained with business and industry. Students also receive assistance in resume writing, interview and job search skills, as well as other employability skills. The successful placement of our graduates is one of the major goals of the faculty and staff at Georgia Aviation.
What does the Aircraft Structural Technology Program consist of?
Georgia Aviation's Aircraft Structural Technology program prepares you for a lifetime career in aircraft structural maintenance and repair. Using an integrated blend of theory and practice and the most modern facilities, equipment and techniques in the industry, our instructors teach students structural maintenance, general fundamentals, and specifics of sheetmetal maintenance and repair. Program subject areas: Aircraft Aerodynamics and Structural Fundamentals, Aircraft Blueprint Reading, Aircraft Metallurgy and Corrosion Control, Applied Technical Mathematics, Aviation Career Employability Skills, Basic Blueprint Reading, Composites and Bonded Structures, Structural Layout, Fabrication, and Sealants, Technical Publications and Aerospace Quality Control.
How much does the Aircraft Structural Technology program cost?
Georgia residents are eligible to receive HOPE funds. The degree program is covered by the HOPE Scholarship and the certificate programs are covered by the HOPE Grant. Other forms of financial aid are available. Please contact theMGC Financial Aid office for more information or visit the MGC web site at www.mgc.edu.
Is there financial aid available?
Yes. Our programs have been approved for several types of financial aid which enables our students to attend college with little or no out-of-pocket expenses. Financial assistance such as: the Hope Scholarship and Grant, the College Work Study Program, various Scholarships, LEAP, SEOG, Stafford and PLUS loans, PELL Grant, and Veteran's benefits are available to eligible students. Contact the MGC Financial Aid office for more information.
Do I have to be a recent high school graduate to receive financial aid?
No.
What about my income? What's the limit to be eligible to receive financial assistance?
For HOPE funds there is NO INCOME limit. Other types of financial assistance do have income limits. Some types of financial assistance have GPA requirements as well. Contact the MGC Financial Aid office for more information.
Does Georgia Aviation Campus have student housing?
Yes. Dormitory space at Middle Georgia College in Cochran - approximately 15 miles from Eastman - is available to Georgia Aviation Campus students. Information concerning housing costs can be found on the MGC web site at www.mgc.edu. Private renters are avaialble in the local area with rental costs starting at approximately $200.00 per month, based on size and amenities. City of Eastman Housing Authority offers subsidized rental units - an excellent opportunity for students. Rent costs are based on a percentage of a student's total income. Student families are also welcome. Students must provide their own air-conditioning units. Contact the Coordinator for Students Services for more information. Dormitory space is currently under construction on the Georgia Aviation Campus in Eastman and is expected to be available for residents Fall Semester 2009.
How do I enroll into the Aircraft Structural Technology Program?
- Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED.
- Submit a Middle Georgia College application, a copy of immunization records, and an official copy of a high school transcript or GED.
- Schedule a time to take the COMPASS placement examination or submit recent SAT scores.
- Request all college transcripts be sent to the Admissions office, if applicable. Advance placement credit may be approved on a case-by-case basis for course work previously completed at a technical college which also holds regional accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education (COE), the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, or similar accrediting body provided:
- transcript is provided by the registrar at the previous school at the time of enrollment at Middle Georgia College and;
- the courses for which previous credit is sought were earned within the last calendar year preceding enrollment at Middle Georgia College.
Advance placement includes but is not limited to: transfer credit, or an institutional exemption exam. To receive credit for required curriculum subjects, an exemption test equal in content to the subject final examination must be passed. Contact the Program Advisor for more information.
Tours of the Aircraft Structural Technology Department are available during the week. To schedule a tour, please call Andrea Yawn at (478) 374-6700.
For More Info., Contact:
Ed Weathersbee
Aircraft Structural Technology
Program Chair
Phone: 478-374-6711
E-mail: 
