Q. How do I apply?

A. You need to fill out an application and turn it into the admissions office. Applications are available for download on this web site, inside school catalogs, and at the admissions office. You may also obtain one by calling the Aviation Department at 831-637-1151 or the admissions office at 408-848-4735. The completed application forms must be submitted with a check or money order. Credit cards are only accepted on a walk in basis at the admissions office(s).

Q. When do I apply?

A. The admissions office processes applications throughout the year; however the normal start times are during the spring and fall and there is open registration periods announced in the catalogs and other public media. For continuing students there is a published priority registration period.
Late Registration: The Instructors will make exceptions on a case by case basis for those wishing to enroll after the normal enrollment periods.

Q. Do I need to see a Guidance Counselor?

A. Yes, because it is a college prerequisite, that is, if the amount of units taken exceeds 17 you must see a counselor, or if you are a foreign student.

Q. How much does it cost?

A. The fees for the 70 units for the entire course (four semesters) are approximately $814.00. Please see cost break down at end of section.

Q. Is there any student financial assistance?

A. Yes, there are various forms of assistance, including a fee waiver if your income level is low enough. The traditional grants and loans are available through the college and various other institutions. Please see the Financial Aid page.

Q. How do I know I qualify for entrance to the Aviation Technician Program?

A. In general the college requires a high school diploma, foreign equivalent, or GED certificate. The college also has a policy of administering a placement exam to all applicants to help address deficient areas and help those that might need tutoring or extra course work. For example a person scoring low on the placement exam might need to receive English or math tutoring, or take a math/English courses concurrently with the Aviation courses. In some cases the applicant may need to temporarily defer enrollment in the Aviation program and take other courses until the skills he or she needs are at the appropriate level.

Q. How old do I have to be to enter the program?

A. You can enroll before age 18, but you must be at least age 18 to exercise the FAA license privileges. (Federal Aviation Regulations) FAR (65.71 (a) (1)

Q. Do I have to know English?

A. You should know enough English to understand technical concepts and get along academically. To exercise the Technician certificate privileges in the USA you must "Be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language". A certificate may be issued to a person that doesn't meet the before mentioned qualifications, but the certificate will be "Valid only outside the United States" FAR (65.71 (a) (1) (2).

Q. Does previous experience, military or practical reduce the the time I need to obtain my certificate?

A. In some cases when the experience is documented (as in a military MOS or apprenticeships) and approved by the FAA representative(s) it may be used to qualify some sections of the program, as long as the instructor(s) also approve.

Q. Is the program Veteran approved?

A. Absolutely, the program qualifies for veteran education assistance funds. Many veterans take advantage of these benefits with our program.

Q. Are there internships available for students?

A. Yes, there is a great demand for students desiring to work after school or during the summer months.

Q. Is there employment for graduates of the program?

A. The answer is a big YES! Right now there is a great shortage of technicians and there is employment available in basically all of the aerospace industry sectors.

Q. How long does the program last?

A. Four semesters or basically two years.

Q. Are there evening classes?

A. No, there are no evening classes. Please see the schedule information page.

Q. How much time can I miss during the school year?

A. The FAA requires a total of 1900 hours of attended instruction. Our course is designed with some extra hours built in as a cushion. But if any performance objective is not completed or hours below the FAA requirement are not met they must be made up.

Gavilan College Aviation Program Costs Break Down

First Semester:

AMT 100 General 7.5 Units x $11 = $ 82.50

Total for First Semester: = $ 242.00

Second Semester:

AMT 100 General 7.5 Units x $11 = $ 82.50

Total for Second Semester: = $ 242.00

Third Semester:

AMT 120 Powerplant 14 Units x $11 = $ 154.00

Total for Third Semester: = $ 165.00

Fourth Semester:

AMT 120 Powerplant 14 Units x $11 = $ 154.00

Total for Fourth Semester: = $ 165.00

TOTAL TUITION AND FEES FOR PROGRAM (Does not include costs for tools, books, etc.) $ 814.00