ATC FAQ

What is an "A&P?"

"A&P" stands for Airframe and Powerplant. Put simply, the powerplant is the engine of the aircraft; the airframe is everything else. Once you've achieved your aircraft and powerplant certification from the FAA, you're legally enabled to work as an aircraft technician. Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMT's) inspect and perform or supervise maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration of aircraft and aircraft systems.

What else can you do with an A&P license besides working on airplanes?
Aircraft technicians are highly sought after in many other industries. Some of those include auto racing, auto repair, technical writers, building maintenance, elevator and escalator maintenance, heating and cooling companies and many more.

How are the classes set up?
Aviation courses are taught in four week sections Monday through Friday 7:30am to 1:50pm. The academic courses (required for the AS degree path) are offered between 2:00pm to 6:00pm in a traditional format or online. The program runs year round and is 20 months in length.

Do you have summer school?
We offer classes year round so students can finish the program in 20 months.

Can a student get a job at the airport while going to school?
The Indianapolis International Airport is a vast place with several companies working within its boundaries. Many companies hire entry level employees. So long as you can handle the extra load, you're free to pursue any job you'd like. We do post local job openings in the commons area bulletin board, in the Media Center as well as on our Facebook page as they become available. We also have internship opportunities for students who qualify.

What's required for the Associates Degree program in Aviation Maintenance?
The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree is an 88 credit hour program that requires 64 credit hours in the major program field of Aviation Maintenance and 24 credit hours of University Core Curriculum Requirements.

Do you help your graduates find jobs?
Yes; many airlines, aviation maintenance facilities, and other aviation related companies recruit VU graduates. Our faculty and staff have connections and good working relationships with employers throughout the aviation industry. We have developed an electronic communication system to inform our past and present students about aviation related employment opportunities. Check out our links page for companies who employ VU graduates.

Do you offer financial aid?
Financial aid is available for those who qualify in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. To begin this process, you'll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, otherwise known as the FAFSA.

Complete your FASFA (Free Application for Student Financial Aid) for Student Financial Aid online. The website for FASFA http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.

Any questions that you have regarding student financial aid should be directed to the Office of Student Financial Services at 812-888-4361. You can also visit them online at http://vinu.edu/financialaid.

There are many places to look for scholarships and we have listed a few to assist you. We also post scholarship opportunities on our Facebook page as well as in the commons area bulletin board and in the Media Center at the ATC.

Vincennes University 
http://www.vinu.edu/scholarships

Association of Women in Aviation Maintenance 
http://www.awam.org/Scholarships.aspx

Aviation Technical Education Council 
http://www.atec-amt.org/

How much does the aviation maintenance program cost?
Because Vincennes University is a state funded institution our tuition rates along with costs of books and lab fees are substantially less expensive than our competition.

Currently, the aviation maintenance program costs around $20,000*. This figure includes your books, tools, lab fees, tuition and FAA testing fees as well as your Associates Degree in Aviation Maintenance.

*Please note that the cost of our program is subject to change.

How do I apply to attend the Vincennes University Aviation Technology program?
Complete an application to Vincennes University either at our facility or online at http://vinu.edu/apply-now.

If you complete the application online, there is a fee. If you take a tour of our facility and complete a paper application (available at the ATC), the application fee is waived.

What is the job outlook for A&P Technicians?
Many organizations, like Boeing and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have projected that we will need more aviation maintenance technicians in the future. These projects vary in number and scope but the message is clear, there is a good future for skilled airframe and powerplant (A&P) technicians.

What is the salary of an A&P technician?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2010, the median annual wage of aircraft technicians and service technicians was $53,420. Starting salaries for those with their A&P starting right after school in the Indianapolis area currently in the $35,000 - $37,000 range

How do I schedule a Tour of the Aviation Technology Center?
If you are planning to major in Aviation Maintenance, we encourage you to schedule a tour of our facility to learn more about the program as well as the facility we have for those people looking to become a Licensed Aircraft Technician and earning your A&P Certification (Airframe and Powerplant) .

Tours are given at 2:00 PM, Monday – Friday but we ask that you make an appointment. Other times can be arranged. To schedule a tour, please call 317-381-6000 and ask to schedule a tour.

What is needed to apply to Vincennes University - Aviation Technology Center?
Along with your application and placement exam, we will need a copy of your High School diploma or GED Transcript. You may have it sent to us via fax at 317-381-6060 or bring it into our office. Note that It must show your graduation date.

If you have a College Transcript(s), it must be sent from the College or University that you have attended and completed classes at. It must be sent from the College or University via postal mail. This is the only way that we can receive a college transcript and there are no exceptions to this policy.

Do I need to take a placement test? Where can I find information on the placement test?
Every student starting at Vincennes University must take a placement test prior to enrollment. Please visit the Accuplacer website for a sample of the test.https://www.accuplacer.org to review what is covered in the test.

It will take approximately 1-2 hours of your time to complete. It is not a pass/fail test but tells the University where you are in regards to Math, English and Reading.

To schedule your free Accuplacer exam, please contact our Media Center at 317-381-6052 to schedule a date and time to complete this test.

Will my Military Educational Benefits be accepted at Vincennes University?
If you qualify for Military Educational benefits, it's possible that they would be accepted for our Aviation Maintenance & Flight Program. In order to see if you qualify for and are using any Military / Veterans Educational Benefits (Montgomery GI Bill®, Post 911 GI Bill®, Family Benefits, etc.) you will need to have those benefits verified by our VA Certifying Official with Vincennes University.

Debi Bandy
VA Certifying Official, Aviation Technology Center, Vincennes University
317-381-6000
dbandy@vinu.edu

As an Aviation Maintenance student, will I need tools?
Each student is required to have their own tools on the first day of class. The list of required tools is in the information packet that we give each prospective student. If you have any questions, please contact us prior to the start of class to discuss how to purchase your tools.

Where is the Aviation Technology Center located?
Aviation Technology Center / Vincennes University
2175 South Hoffman Road
Indianapolis, IN  46241

317-381-6000 (Main)
317-381-6060 (Fax)
We are located on the North side of the Indianapolis International Airport just south of Washington Street on Hoffman Road. Directions to our facility are located under the "Contact" tab above.

How long has Vincennes University been teaching Aviation Maintenance and Aviation Flight?
Both Aviation Flight and Aviation Maintenance have been taught at Main Campus since the mid 1960's.

Do you have a Facebook Page? Twitter?
You can find us on Facebook at: facebook.com/indyatc
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