LOVELAND, Colorado — Aims Community College recently marked two milestones for its new Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) program ahead of the program’s launch in January 2026.
Aims received FAA certification as an official Part 147 aviation maintenance school. This is in addition to establishing a new hiring pathway agreement with Frontier Airlines, which includes a $25,000 signing bonus for eligible graduates.
The new maintenance program will be based in the college’s new 60,000-square-foot Aircraft Maintenance Training Center (AMTC) at Northern Colorado Regional Airport (KFNL).
“These two signings, with the FAA and with Frontier, are transformational for our program,” said Michael Sasso, Chief of Aircraft Maintenance at Aims. “FAA certification formally recognizes us as a Part 147 school and the Frontier partnership gives students a direct line into high-demand, high-wage jobs.”
Frontier Airlines Pathway: $25,000 Bonus
Aims finalized a hiring pathway agreement with Frontier Airlines on Dec. 16, 2025. The airline will offer graduates the opportunity to apply for aircraft maintenance technician positions with Frontier after they have successfully completed the program and obtained FAA certification.
For students who are hired and meet Frontier’s standard employment requirements, including background checks and drug and alcohol screening, the agreement includes a $25,000 signing bonus in exchange for a minimum three-year employment commitment.
“For an in-state student who invests roughly $42,000 in this program, that $25,000 bonus can pay back more than half of what they invested in their education,” Sasso said. “It’s a powerful way to launch a career while graduating with little to no accumulated debt at the same time.”
The bonus is prorated if a technician leaves before the end of the three-year commitment. After three years, technicians may keep the full bonus and are free to continue their career with Frontier or pursue other opportunities in the industry.
Frontier also holds a seat on Aims’ Aircraft Maintenance Program advisory board, providing input on curriculum and helping align training with real-world needs. As the partnership evolves, the airline may contribute tools, materials and other support for student learning, according to college officials.
For more information: Aims.edu
This is a great program and opportunity for these maintenance students!
The $25K signing bonus is a great incentive too! What is the income levels
at Frontier over course of the three-year commitment?