The University of Maine at Augusta is launching the state’s first aviation maintenance technician (AMT) school.
Until now, Maine has been one of only three states without a program, with aviation employers saying they’ve had to rely on recruiting skilled workers from out of state, university officials said.
UMA secured final approval in July 2024 from the FAA for the new program. Students will start courses online and hands-on training at the university’s Brunswick Landing aviation campus in late August.
Through the program, students can earn a 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.
Those who complete the five semester certificate program can immediately sit for exams required to become an FAA-certified Airframe & Powerplant mechanic.
U.S. Senators 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. Federal funding was supplemented by organizations that 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 located. The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development also provided $200,000 in start-up costs for the new program, university officials noted.
“Qualified aircraft mechanics are in extremely high demand and short supply,” said Jesse Laughlin, general manager of Portland-based Northeast Air. “UMA’s production of skilled technicians will be invaluable to the aviation community and small businesses in Maine.”
UMA President Jenifer Cushman notes the new AMT school builds on the success 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 drone piloting program is in Brunswick.
Applications are being accepted now for fall and spring enrollment in the new AMT program.
For more information: UMA.edu
There was an excellent 12 mo A&P program in Limerick Maine for many, many years. This is hardly the “first”. With state funding and the interest of the industry this ought to work.