Airframe and powerplant technicians may enter several employment areas, such as:
Earn both your A.A.S. Airframe and A.A.S. Powerplant in less than a year and a half.
Hallmark University has a strong legacy of preparing graduates to excel in the aviation industry.
To become an Aircraft Maintenance Technician, the FAA requires individuals to attend an approved educational institution or earn specific amount of on-the-job experience before taking the required examinations for certification. Hallmark University is a FAA approved aviation maintenance school certified to train individuals on a wide range of aircraft and aviation structures. Students who complete one of our programs are authorized to take the required FAA examinations and become a certified aircraft technician.
Our aviation campus provides students with tools, equipment and faculty required to learn and excel in the exciting field of aircraft technicians . Like most aviation technician schools, our students work with a variety of tools while learning to fix and maintain engines and training equipment. Unlike typical maintenance schools, our students get to work on operational jet and turbine engines, previously-airborne airframes, and a multitude of aeronautical equipment currently utilized in the aviation industry.
Our commitment to changing education does not end at innovative programs and student experience. We are committed to making education affordable by offering programs at a competitive tuition cost with a unique value proposition – spend less time in school, and more time making money.
Our fast-paced model allows students to go through our Associate of Applied Science in Airframe and Powerplant program in just 16 months. This is almost three times faster than the national average for associate degree completions in 43 months. Studies have shown that on average, every year spent at a university can cost over $50,000 in lost wages and tuition – that’s nearly $120,000 in savings at Hallmark University.
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*Tuition does not include any additional fees
| Cost Per Credit Hour | Total Credit Hours | Lab Fee |
| $435 | 96 | $1350 |
Table Disclaimer
Hallmark University is approved for federal financial aid, scholarships, and U.S. veterans benefits.
Hallmark University is a nationally accredited, co-educational facility with two campuses, both located in San Antonio, Texas. Both schools are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The Texas Veterans Commission approves Hallmark University to train veterans. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approves Hallmark University, College of Aeronautics. Hallmark University does not deny admission to or participation in programs and activities or discriminate against students enrolled at the university on the basis of race, creed, color, age, sex, disability (including students who have Hepatitis B in medical, nursing, and any health-related programs), national origin, or religion.
Hallmark University uses college-level placement exams containing reading, writing, and algebra skills to schedule students in the appropriate courses. The assessment can be completed at the student’s pace. All exams are computer-based and will be scored upon completion.
A.A.S. Airframe and Powerplant applicants are required to submit one of the following for verification of high school or equivalency completion:
The applicant is notified of acceptance once he/she has and has been approved by the Acceptance Committee. Applicants denied entrance by the Acceptance Committee, will have all application fees paid refunded.
A non-traditional high school student is a person enrolled in home school programs or a student from a high school that is non-accredited or not recognized by the Texas Education Agency. A applicant applying for admission based on the completion of an independent study equivalent to the high school level in a non-traditional setting (rather than through a public high school, accredited private high school or state equivalency exam) will be considered for individual approval for admission provided is he/she complies with Hallmark University’s entrance testing requirements and presents an official transcript for home school education that states the student’s name, date of graduation, and is signed by the person who is responsible for the home schooling.
Aviation applicants must achieve a minimum score of 70 on the Aviation Assessment for entrance into the degree level program. All applicants must be able to clear the FAA requirement for a Background Check in order to be an active student at Hallmark University. Students must meet this requirement within thirty (30) days of the enrollment date. If the necessary verification is not met, the student may be dismissed from Hallmark University.
The courses in the combined Associate of Applied Science in Airframe and Powerplant Technology Program are designed to provide the necessary educational opportunities through classroom and laboratory teaching for a person to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to enter the industry as an entry-level Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Technician. Graduates will be eligible to take the Federal Aviation Administration examinations.
| Course # | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ENGL-1301 | Composition I The course shall include an introductory study of the writing process. Topics include research, drafting, revising, peer editing, and proper citation. There will be an emphasis on effective rhetorical choices, including audience, purpose, arrangement, and style. Additionally, this course will introduce effective and ethical rhetorical inquiry, including primary and secondary research methods; critical reading of verbal, visual, and multimedia texts; systematic evaluation, synthesis, and documentation of information sources; and critical thinking about evidence and conclusions. |
| HUMA-1347 | Introduction to Character and Ethics This course is crucial for introducing students to Hallmark University’s Character Education Program (HCEP) and the Seven Character Traits that underpin their personal and professional journey at Hallmark. It covers Kohlberg/Rest’s Stages of Moral Development, exploring its influence on beliefs, judgments, and decision-making. Through the Defining Issues Test, Version 2 (DIT2), students reflect on their values and ethical foundations within Kohlberg/Rest’s framework. The course highlights the connection between character, moral development, and decision-making. Students also learn about the Career Services Policy. This mandatory course does not accept transfer credits as substitutes. |
| MATH-1314 | College Algebra This course shall include a study of quadratics; polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential functions; systems of equations; progressions; sequences and series; and matrices and determinants. |
| PSYC-1301 | Human Factors This course is intended to provide the student with an understanding of the basic principles of Human Factors Psychology. We will study the research, principles, and methods that are beneficial (and essential) in optimizing the interaction between people and machine elements of a system while taking the environment into account. |
| SPCH-1311 | Introduction to Speech Communication This course shall include theories and practices of communication, including the verbal and nonverbal components of communication. Topics include listening and communication in interpersonal relationships. In this course, students will also learn the components of delivering a speech and how to construct and present informative and persuasive speeches. |
| Course # | Course Title |
|---|---|
| AGS-1121 | Aviation General Science Capstone This course will cover the following areas: • Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications – Privileges and limitation of a mechanic certificate as defined in 14 CFR Part 65. Maintenance, preventative maintenance, rebuilding, and alteration as defined in 14 CFR Part 43. Maintenance terminology as defined in 14 CFR part 1. Airworthiness directive as defined in 14 CFR Part 39. Maintenance record entry for approval of return to service after maintenance, alterations, and inspections. Determining whether a repair is a major or minor and use of FAA form 337. Agency publications and guidance materials including aircraft specifications, TCDSs, advisory circulars (AC), and airworthiness directives (AD). Manufacturer publications include maintenance manuals, service bulletins, maintenance alerts, and master minimum equipment list. Difference between approved and acceptable data and when each is required. FAA databases and available resources. • Aircraft Materials, Hardware, and Processes – Materials commonly used in aircraft and their general application. Heat treatment and metal working processes. Forces applied on aircraft materials (e.g., tension, compression, etc.). Hardware commonly used in aircraft (e.g., bolts, nuts, screws, etc.). Safety wire requirements and techniques. Precision measurement tools, principles, and procedures. Torquing tools, principles, and procedures. Identification markings on materials and hardware. Characteristics of acceptable and unacceptable welds. Aircraft cleaning procedures. Corrosion theory, causation, and effects. Corrosion identification, preventative maintenance, removal and treatment, and inspection procedures. Improper use of cleaners on aluminum or composite materials. Dissimilar metals cause accelerated corrosion. Primer and topcoat materials. Surface preparation for a desired finishing material and effects of ambient conditions on finish materials. Measuring tools including calipers, micrometers, and gauges. Calibration and tool accuracy requirements. Nondestructive Testing (NDT) procedures and methods. Aircraft inspection programs, methods, and tools. • Ground Operations and Servicing – Aircraft towing and securing procedures. Aviation fueling and defueling procedures. Airport operations and ATC communications. Engine starting, ground operation, and taxiing procedures. Aircraft oil, hydraulic, pneumatic, and oxygen system servicing procedures. Tool and hardware use and accountability, material handling, parts protections, hazardous materials, safety data sheets (SDS), PPR, and foreign object damage. • Weight and Balance – Weight and balance terminology and the purpose for weighing aircraft. Weighing procedures, including the general preparations for weighing with emphasis on aircraft weighing area considerations. Procedures for calculation of the following: arm, positive or negative moment, center of gravity (CG), or moment index. Purpose and application of determining CG, and CG/weight limits. Adverse loading conditions and calculating an out-of-limit condition. Proper ballast placement. Identify and locate tare items, weight and balance information, datum, weight and balance placarding and limitation requirements. Purpose of determining the center of gravity. • Aircraft Drawings – Drawings, blueprints, sketches, charts, graphs, and system schematics, including commonly used lines, symbols, and terminology. Inspection of an aircraft system or component(s) using drawings, blueprints, or system schematics. Draw a sketch of a repair or alteration. Interpret dimension used in an aircraft drawing. Determine material requirements from an aircraft drawing and interpret graphs and charts. • Fluid Lines and Fittings – Tubing and hose materials, applications, sizes, and fittings. Ridid line and flexible hose identification, fabrication, installation, and inspection techniques. High-pressure and hazardous fluid system precautions. • Physics for Aviation – Matter and energy. Work, power, force, and motion. Simple machines and mechanics. Heat and pressure. Bernoulli’s principle. Newton’s laws of motion. Gas laws and fluid mechanics. Theory of flight (aerodynamics). Primary and secondary flight controls. Additional aerodynamic devices including vortex generators, wing fences, and stall strips. Relationship between temperature, density, weight, and volume. Force, area, or pressure in a specific application. Temperature scales and converting temperatures. • Aviation General Science Capstone – Testing consisting of a sixty (60) question written exam, oral testing of twelve (12) subject areas (Fundamentals of Electricity and Electronics, Aircraft Drawings, Weight and Balance, Fluid Lines and Fittings, Aircraft Materials, Hardware, and Processes, Ground Operations and Servicing, Cleaning and Corrosion Control, Mathematics, Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications, Physics for Aviation, Inspection Concepts and Techniques, and Human Factors), and Practical skills-based testing. |
| AGS-1301 | Basic Electricity Electrical laws and theory. Electron theory (conventional flow vs. Electron flow. Magnetism, capacitance, inductance, resistance (in series and parallel), current, voltage, power, and impedance. Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff’s law, Watt’s law, Faraday’s law, and Len’s law. AC and DC circuits (series, parallel, and complex). Electrical symbols. Controlling devices including switches and relays. Protective devices including fuses, circuit breakers, and current limiters. Semiconductors including diodes and transistors. Logic gates. Electrostatic discharge. Electrical circuit drawings and troubleshooting. Aircraft batteries. Transformers. Circuit continuity and use of electrical measurement tools, principles and procedures |
| PPS-2121 | Powerplant Systems I This course will cover the following areas: • Reciprocating Engines – Types of reciprocating engines. Reciprocating engine operating principles/theory of operation. Horizontally opposed engine construction and internal components. Radial engine construction and internal components. Reciprocating engine performance, maintenance, inspection, ground operations. Diesel engine operating principles/theory of operation. • Reciprocating Engine Induction, Cooling, Lubrication and Exhaust Systems – Reciprocating engine oil types, grades, and uses. Reciprocating engine lubrication system operation and components to include wet sump and dry sump systems. Reciprocating engine lubrication system maintenance, inspection, and servicing. Reciprocating engine induction and cooling systems theory, components, and operation. Superchargers, turbochargers, and augmented systems. Reciprocating engine exhaust system theory, components, operation, and inspections. • Reciprocating Engine Fuel and Fuel Metering Systems – Reciprocating engine fuel metering including fuel/air ratio, float-type carburetor theory and operation, pressure-type carburetor theory and operation, fuel injection system theory and operation, and FADEC system theory and operation. Fuel lines, nozzles, manifolds, pumps, valves, filters, and drains. Reciprocating engine fuel system maintenance and inspection practices. • Reciprocating Engines Troubleshooting, Inspection, and Overhaul: Inspection requirements under 14CFR Part 43 and Part 91. Maintenance recordkeeping requirements under 14 CFR Part 43. Engine component inspection, checking, and servicing. Engine mounts, mounting hardware, and the inspection of each. Cylinder compression check. Engine conformity check. Perform a portion of a 100-inspection on a reciprocating powerplant. Perform a portion of a reciprocating engine overhaul. • Reciprocating Engine Ignition and Starting Systems – Reciprocating engine ignition system theory. Spark plug theory. Shower of sparks and impulse coupling theory, Magneto ignition system theory, components, troubleshooting, and operation. FADEC ignition systems. Internally timing a magneto and timing to a reciprocating engine. Engine starters theory and operation. |
| PPS-2123 | Powerplant Systems II This course will cover the following areas: • Propellers – Propeller theory and operation. Types of propellers and blade design. Pitch control and adjustment to include variable pitch propellers and constant speed systems. Turbine engine propeller reverse/beta range operation. Propeller servicing, maintenance, and inspection requirements. Procedures for removal and installation of a propeller. Propeller synchronization systems. Propeller ice control systems. • Turbine Engines – Turbine engine operating principles/theory of operation. Types of turbine engines. Turbine engine construction and internal components. Turbine engine performance and monitoring. Turbine engine troubleshooting, maintenance, and inspection procedures. Bleed air systems. Turbine engine adjustment and testing. • Turbine Engine Induction, Cooling, Lubrication, and Exhaust Systems – Turbine engine oil types, grades, and uses. Turbine engine lubrication system operation and components to include wet sump and dry sump systems. Turbine engine lubrication system maintenance, inspection, and servicing. Turbine engine induction and cooling systems theory, components, and operation. Turbine engine exhaust system theory, components, operation, and inspections. Turbine Engine Ignition and Starting Systems – Turbine engine ignition system theory and operation. Turbine engine starter system theory and operation. Ignitors theory and operation. • Turbine Engine Fuel and Fuel Metering Systems – Digital engine control module (e.g., FADEC). Hydromechanical fuel control system design and components. Fuel nozzle and manifolds design, operation, and maintenance. Components, theory, and operation of turbine fuel metering system. Inspection requirements for an engine fuel system. Fuel system operation, heaters, lines, pumps, valves, filters, and drains. • Turbine Engines Troubleshooting, Inspection, and Overhaul – Inspection requirements under 14CFR Part 43 and Part 91. Maintenance recordkeeping requirements under 14 CFR Part 43. Engine component inspection, checking, and servicing. Engine mounts, mounting hardware, and the inspection of each. Engine conformity check. Perform a portion of a 100-inspection on a reciprocating powerplant. Perform a portion of a turbine engine overhaul. |
| PPS-2104 | Powerplant Systems Capstone This course will cover the following areas: • Engine Electrical Systems – Generators, alternators, starter generators, voltage regulators, and overcurrent protection. AC and DC generation systems. CSD and IDG systems and components. Inspect, check, troubleshoot, and test engine electrical systems and 140omponents. Auxiliary power unit(s) (APU). • Engine Instrument Systems – Fuel flow, temperature (e.g., exhaust gas, oil, cylinder head, turbine inlet), engine speed, and pressure instruments. Torquemeters. Engine pressure ratio (EPR). Engine indicating and crew alert systems (EICAS). Electronic centralized aircraft monitor (ECAM). Engine instrument range markings and instrument conditions. • Engine Fire Protection Systems – Types of fires and engine fire zones. Fire detection warning system operation. Fire detection system maintenance and inspection requirements. Fire extinguishing agents, types of systems, and operation. Fire extinguishing system maintenance and inspection. • Engine Inspections – Inspection requirements under 14 CFR part 43 and Part 91. Identification of life limited parts and their replacement interval. Special instructions. Use of FAA-approved data. Compliance with service letters, service bulletins, instructions for continued airworthiness, Ads, or TCDSs. Maintenance record keeping requirements under 14 CFR Part 43. Engine component inspection, checking, and servicing. Engine mounts, mounting hardware, and the inspection and checking of each. • Powerplant Capstone –Testing consisting of a one hundred (100) question written exam, oral testing of thirteen (13) subject areas (Reciprocating Engines, Turbine Engines, Engine Inspection, Engine Instrument Systems, Engine Fire Protection Systems, Engine Electrical Systems, Engine Lubrication Systems, Ignition and Starting Systems, Engine Fuel and Fuel Metering Systems, Reciprocating Engine Induction and Cooling Systems, Turbine Engine Air Systems, Engine Exhaust and Reverser Systems, and Propellers), and Practical skills-based testing. |
| AFS-2125 | Airframe Systems I This course will cover the following areas: • Metallic Structures– Inspection/testing of metal structures. Types of sheet metal defects. Layout, forming, and drilling of sheet metal components. Selection of rivets, hardware, and fasteners for a sheet metal repair. Rivet layout. Rivet removal and installation methods. Maintenance safety practices/precautions for sheet metal repairs or fabrications. Install and remove conventional and specialty fasteners. Prepare and install a patch to repair an aircraft component. Fabricate an aluminum part in accordance with a drawing. Determine rivet pattern for a specific repair. Countersink rivet holes in sheet metal. Preparation and applying primer and top coatings. Non-Metallic Structures – Wood structures, including inspection techniques, tools, and practices for wood structures. Effects of moisture/humidity on wood and fabric coverings. Types and general characteristics of wood used in aircraft structures. Acceptable and unacceptable wood defects. Covering textile terms. Seams commonly used with aircraft coverings. Structure surface preparation. Aircraft covering preservation/restoration. Inspection/testing of composite structures. Types of composite structure defects. Composite structure, fiber, core, and matrix materials, repair methods, techniques, fasteners, and practices. Thermoplastic material storage, handling, inspection, and installation. Inspect and repair fiberglass, composite materials, plastic, and laminated structures. • Aircraft Fuel Systems – Fuel system types and components. Aircraft fuel tanks/cells. Fuel flow, transfer, jettisoning/dump systems, fueling and defueling. Fuel system maintenance and inspection. Fuel quantity indication. Inspect, check, troubleshoot, and repair fuel systems/components. Locate fuel system operating instructions, or cross feed procedures. Remove and install fuel system components. |
| AFS-2126 | Airframe Systems II This course will cover the following areas: • Aircraft Electrical Systems – Generators, alternators, DC and AC systems, and DC and AC power distribution. Stater generators, constant speed drives, integrated drive generators, voltage regulators, and inverter systems. Aircraft wiring sizes, types, selection, and installation of electrical components. Instrument or instrument panel removal and installation. Aircraft electrical connectors, splices, terminals, and switches. Inspection, check, troubleshoot and repair aircraft electrical systems and components. • Aircraft Instrument Systems – Annunciator indicating systems and the meaning of warning, caution, and advisory lights. Magnetic compass, pressure indicating, temperature indicating, direction indicating, and gyroscopic instruments. Electronic instruments and built-in test equipment. Pitot-static systems and required testing. Angle of attack and landing gear warning systems. Inspect, check, troubleshoot, and test aircraft instruments and instrument systems. • Communication and Navigation Systems – Radio operating principles and components. Antenna, static discharge wicks, avionic identification, inspection, and mounting requirements. Emergency locator transmitter and automatic direction finder. VHF omnidirectional range theory, components, and operation. Distance measuring equipment, instrument landing systems, global positioning systems, weather rader, ground proximity warning systems, traffic collision avoidance systems, radio altimeter, autopilot systems, and transponder systems. Inspect, check, troubleshoot and test communication and navigation systems and components. • Ice and Rain Control Systems – Aircraft icing causes/effects, anti-icing and de-icing system and components. Wiper blade, chemical, and pneumatic bleed air rain control systems. Environmental conditions that degrade vision. Inspect, check, troubleshoot, and test ice and rain control systems and components. • Landing Gear Systems – Fixed and retractable landing gear systems and components. Landing gear strut servicing/lubrication and inspection. Steering systems, landing gear position and warning systems, anti-skid systems, and brake systems. Wheel, brake, and tire construction. Tire storage, care, and inspection. Inspection, check, troubleshooting, and test of landing gear systems and components. • Position and Warning Systems – Inspect, check, and service speed and configuration warning systems, electrical brake controls, and anti-skid systems. Inspect, check, troubleshoot, and service landing gear position is indicating and warning systems. • Fire Protection Systems – Inspect, check, and service smoke and carbon monoxide detection systems. Inspect, check, service, troubleshoot, and repair aircraft fire detection and extinguishing systems. |
| AFS-2807 | Airframe Systems Capstone This course will cover the following areas: • Environmental Systems– Pressurization systems, components, function, operation, and inspection procedures. Bleed air heating. Exhaust heat exchanger system components, function, operation, and inspection procedures. Combustion heater system components, function, operation, and inspection procedures. Vapor-cycle and air-cycle air conditioning system components, function, operation and inspection procedures. Types of oxygen systems, components, operation, and maintenance and inspection procedures. • Airframe Inspection – Inspection requirements under 14 CFR part 91. Maintenance recordkeeping requirements under 14 CFR part 43. Requirements for complying with Ads. Use of FAA approved data, special instructions, service letters, service bulletins, life limited parts and instructions for continued airworthiness. Flame welding, gases, storage, practices and techniques. Inert-gas welding, types of shielding gases, practices, and techniques. Types and procedures for tubing and other welding repairs. Flight Controls – Control cables, connectors, guides, and stops. Push-pull tubes, torque tubes, and bell cranks, Flutter, and flight control balance. Rigging of aircraft flight controls. Secondary and auxiliary control surfaces and other aerodynamic wing features. Control surface movements, travel, and control around aircraft axis. Inspect, check, troubleshoot, and test flight control surfaces and rigging systems and components. • Rotorcraft Fundamentals – Rotorcraft aerodynamics. Flight controls. Transmissions. Rigging requirements for rotary wing aircraft. Design, type, and operation of rotor systems. Helicopter skids show and tube inspection. Rotor blade functions and construction. Rotor vibrations, track, and balance. Drive system vibrations and inspection. • Water and Waste Systems – Potable water system components and operation. Lavatory waste system components and operation. Inspection and servicing requirements for water and waste systems. • Airframe Systems Capstone – Testing consisting of a one hundred (100) question written exam, oral testing of fifteen (15) subject areas (Metallic Structures, Non-Metallic Structures, Flight Controls, Airframe Inspection, Landing Gear Systems, Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems, Environmental Systems, Aircraft Instrument Systems, Communications and Navigation Systems, Aircraft Fuel Systems, Aircraft Electrical Systems, Ice and Rain Control Systems, Airframe Fire Protection Systems, Rotorcraft fundamentals, and Water and Waste Systems), and Practical skills-based testing. |
Can I get Financial Aid at Hallmark University?
Yes. Hallmark University is approved for federal financial aid, scholarships, and U.S. veterans benefits.
Are you accredited?
Yes, Hallmark is accredited through the ACCSC(Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges).
How long are your class semesters/terms?
Our terms are 8 weeks long. This allows us to have 6 terms a year so there is no need to wait to apply.
Is Hallmark a 2 year or 4 year University?
We offer associate, bachelor, and master level degrees. We are not a trade school and we offer degrees which are found at both 2 year and 4 year colleges/universities. The biggest difference is that our degrees can be completed in nearly half the time of traditional universities.
