AUGUSTA — In response to demand from employers in Maine’s growing aviation and aerospace sectors, the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) is opening the state’s first aviation maintenance technician (AMT) school.

UMA secured final approval in early July from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and students will start courses online and hands-on training at the statewide university’s Brunswick Landing aviation campus in late August.

Through the program, future AMTs can earn an industry recognized professional certificate or pursue a pathway that enables them to earn both the certification and either an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree. UMA will utilize state-of-the-art technology, such as welding and aircraft painting via virtual reality, to ensure students receive the most up-to-date learning experience and are positioned to excel as aviation maintenance professionals.

Those who complete the five semester certificate program can immediately sit for exams required to become an FAA-certified Airframe & Powerplant technician/mechanic, allowing them to work on a wide range of aircraft, including general aviation planes, airliners and helicopters.

Until now, Maine has been one of only three states without an AMT school, despite job growth expected in the sector in Maine and nationally. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for aircraft mechanics and service technicians is $76,260, and can exceed $100,000.

U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Angus King secured $400,000 in one-time Congressionally Directed Spending at the request of the University of Maine System for UMA to start the school. That federal funding was supported by organizations who rely on aviation maintenance technicians, including LifeFlight of Maine, as well as the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, which is redeveloping the former military base in Brunswick where the AMT school will be collocated along with a number of aviation and aerospace companies. Through the Maine Technology Institute, the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development also provided $200,000 in start-up costs to provide a workforce pipeline to aviation employers in the state.

“Qualified aircraft mechanics are in extremely high demand and short supply,” said Jesse Laughlin, general manager of the Portland-based Northeast Air, in a UMA news release.. “UMA’s production of skilled technicians will be invaluable to the aviation community and small businesses in Maine.”

Added Chris Kilgour, CEO of the Bangor-based company, “C&L Aviation Services is an established aviation maintenance organization which struggles to find enough technicians to meet our needs. We currently recruit from out of state and it will be advantageous to be able to do so closer to home.”

UMA President Jenifer Cushman says UMA’s new AMT school builds on the success and growth of the university’s existing aviation programs, which includes degree and certificate programs in both crewed and uncrewed aircraft training. The crewed training programs are offered in Augusta and Bangor through a partnership with Maine Instrument Flight, and the uncrewed (drone) piloting program is delivered in Brunswick.

“This new Aviation Maintenance Technician School is the latest example of UMA’s responsiveness in meeting the workforce needs of Maine’s employers,” said President Cushman. “Through this program, Mainers will be well prepared for good-paying careers in an exciting industry, and Maine aviation businesses and essential service providers like LifeFlight will have the skilled workforce they need to strengthen our economy and communities.” 

Applications are still being accepted now for fall and spring enrollment in the new AMT program.

To learn more about becoming a skilled professional in the aviation industry, visit uma.edu/aviation. For general information or to schedule a visit to the UMA Aviation Center in Brunswick, contact Daniel Leclair at (207) 621-7481 or daniel.m.leclair@maine.edu.

About the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA): UMA transforms the lives of students of every age and background across the State of Maine and beyond through access to high-quality distance and on-site education, excellence in student support, civic engagement, and professional and liberal arts programs. UMA is committed to affordability and eligible students who qualify for federal need-based Pell grants can attend without paying out-of-pocket for tuition and fees thanks to the university’s Pine Tree Pledge. For more information, please visit https://www.uma.edu/.