FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I apply to the AMT Program?

You can apply online or download an application to print and mail.

What degree or certificate program(s) should I select?

1. If you are interested in obtaining an FAA A&P Certificate only, select the AMT Airframe and/or Powerplant Certificate program.

2. If you are interested in a college degree select the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology.

3. If you already have an FAA Mechanic’s Certificate with a single rating (or can qualify for one) select both the appropriate certificate program (either Airframe or Powerplant) and the A.A.S. Degree.

4. If you are interested in obtaining an FAA Light Sport Repairman with a Maintenance Rating and the Light Sport Mechanic Career Studies Certificate, select the LSA Mechanic Career Studies Certificate. Consider that if you already hold a pilot’s certificate as either a Light Sport, Private, or above pilot you can receive credit for prior experience for ARO 120 and ARO 295 to qualify for the Certificate.

5. If you are interested in obtaining an FAA Light Sport Repairman with a Maintenance Rating only, just enroll in the individual courses.

Contact the AMT Coordinator for additional assistance at 540.453.2306.

What tools are required?

Basic aircraft mechanic hand tools are all that are required. The tools can be purchased from any reputable tool supplier. Students receive a discount from several manufacturers.Light Sport Students will be provided necessary tools during the course.

Do I receive my FAA certificate upon completion of the class?

No. However, upon completion of the Airframe or Powerplant Certificate or Associate of Applied Science Degree program you will receive a Graduation Certificate that will qualify you to take the FAA written exams for the Mechanic Certificate. These written exams include a general, airframe, and powerplant section. Upon successful completion of all three written exams, you may then complete the oral and practical exams with a Designated Mechanic Examiner. When all three written exams, five oral exams, and five practical exams have been successfully completed an FAA Temporary Airman’s Mechanic’s Certificate with an Airframe and Powerplant rating will be issued.

In the case of the Light Sport Repairman with a Maintenance Rating, successful completion of the five courses will entitle an individual to apply to the FAA for a Repairman certificate with a maintenance rating. This can be done through any FAA airworthiness inspector and no additional testing is required. Generally, the Richmond Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) sends our Principal Maintenance Inspector to Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport to sign the temporary repairman certificates on the last day of class.

Where do I go to take the FAA tests?

In the local area, the written exams may be taken through Blue Ridge Aviation at the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport. Oral and Practical Exams may be taken with any Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME). Generally, the DME travels to Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport and gives the exams in BRCC's AMT facility. Under the new guidance (FSIMS 8900.2) applicants are free to choose any CATS or PSI Online (formerly LaserGrade) FAA written test center or any FAA DME.

Can I take all my tests at BRCC’s AMT Program.

Generally, the answer is yes - see above.

While, the written exams for the FAA Mechanic Certificate with an Airframe and/or Powerplant rating must be taken with an authorized computer testing center and there is a Computer Aided Testing Service (CATS) next door at Blue Ridge Aviation. For the oral and practical exams, students can contact any DME for your Oral and Practical (O&P) Exams, although C. B. Ascue, formerly an affiliated DME will travel to Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport and conduct the exams in BRCC's AMT facility for a nominal fee.

Light Sport Repairmen will take the require tests as part of the training program.

What is an early O&P?

An early O&P is an early Oral and Practical Exam taken before the student completes the AMI program. Students may qualify for the early O&P by maintaining a 3.0 grade point average and obtaining a recommendation from the AMT Coordinator.

Can I take the FAA General Written Test before completing the program?

The BRCC AMT program has obtained an FAA Exemption 14592, that allows an student who has completed the General curriculum the authorization to take the FAA General Knowledge Exam. See the AMT program coordinator for more details.

Should I consider obtaining a Light Sport Repairman Certificate if I already hold an FAA Airframe and Powerplant Certificate?

According to Bill O’Brien, “To satisfy section 65.81, you need to make sure that you can prove to an FAA inspector that you did the work on the light-sport aircraft before at an earlier date, or had been trained to do the work, or were supervised by another mechanic or repairman. If you cannot show that you did at least one of the items listed above you can always take a practical test administered by a FAA inspector to prove your ability to perform the task. If

I was you, and I was planning to make some money in this new marketplace, just to be sure, I would take one of the FAA accepted courses for the class of light-sport aircraft I was interested in.”