To meet the aerospace industry's demand for well-trained, certificated aircraft mechanics, the college offers an Aviation Maintenance Technician Associate Degree, an Airframe Maintenance Technician Certificate, and an Aircraft Power plant Technician Certificate. Upon qualifying by written, oral, and practical examination, students are issued Federal Aviation Administration licenses. West Los Angeles College continues to be dedicated to its Aviation Maintenance Training Program, started at the Los Angeles Airport College Center, in 1947.

This dynamic program is conducted in the most up-to-date facilities available for college aviation training in the region, if not the country. Graduates of the WLAC Airframe and Power Plant Programs have achieved their FAA license certification and successfully garnered high paying, professional aviation maintenance jobs with all levels of airlines and independent companies providing contract maintenance.

Currently, the WLAC Aviation Program is undergoing changes that influence the manner in which instruction is provided. Due to fiscal constraints, low-enrolled day classes have been discontinued. This allows enrolling students to register for evening-only class sections that are assured to be conducted.

The College's continued commitment to this career program extends to efforts to capture grant funds that will allow us to purchase hundreds of thousands of dollars of new and advanced aviation and avionics equipment. This will further the program's ability to offer state-of-the-art career preparation. Additionally, a comprehensive program review is being undertaken to improve curriculum and enable improved course delivery. These enhancements are being made to increase student learning and success.

To effectively use the time and space made available in the Aviation area, during the day, a special film production crafts program will share part of the aviation facilities. Hollywood CPR makes props and constructs sets for movies and television. This program generates jobs for those entering this exciting business.

It is projected that the evening Aviation Program will grow and strengthen over time. Additional marketing will be undertaken to promote the program and attract more enrollments.

Note: Aviation Maintenance Technician Classes 1-24 must be completed with a grade of C or better.

Note: The Aircraft Maintenance Program is a continuing program with classes during the Spring and Fall semesters and during summer sessions, as available. Courses are conducted in a nine-week format.

Credit for FAA Licenses

A student can be awarded 30 units of credit toward the AS Degree if he or she has a FAA Airframe License.

Similarly, a student can be allowed 30 units of a credit toward the AS Degree if he or she has a FAA Power Plant License.

If a student has both licenses, a total of 60 units can be allowed toward the AS Degree. To be awarded an AS Degree, the student also must complete all general education requirements.