Aircraft Maintenance Technology Program
Put your teen on the path to becoming a professional Aviation Maintenance Technician or Aerospace Engineer. In our Aircraft Mechanic Program students gain real-world skills in a career and technical education environment.
This program is designed for high school students who want to enter the aviation industry through the aircraft mechanic certification pathway while earning their high school diploma.
High School Aircraft Maintenance Technology Program Overview
At the beginning of a Rising Aviation student’s 11th grade year they will choose what pathway they want to pursue. If they pursue the Aircraft Maintenance pathway a portion of their studies will focus on aircraft maintenance and aerospace engineering.
Choose Aerospace Curriculum
To support our Aircraft Maintenance students we use the one-of-a-kind Choose Aerospace Aviation Maintenance Curriculum. The curriculum follows FAA Part 147 aligned aviation maintenance training standards.
This is a computer-based program designed to launch students into a career in aviation maintenance.
It combines the latest FAA Mechanic Airman Certification Standards with a flexible e-learning platform that blends traditional and innovative teaching methods, including virtual reality.
This curriculum not only prepares students for direct employment opportunities but also sets a strong foundation for obtaining FAA certification through additional coursework or relevant work experience after graduating from high school.
In addition to their computer-based STEM education in aircraft technology, our students will get hands on training in our maintenance hangar.
The RAHS Maintenance Team Wins Prestigious 2026 AMC Competition
Rising Aviation maintenance students won 7 out of 9 events at the Aerospace Maintenance Council Competition during VERTICON 2026 and then won the Top Overall spot, beating out professional military, commercial, and university teams from across the country. Students had to complete 9 different real world aviation maintenance tasks and were then scored by a panel of judges.
A Trade School Experience in a High School Setting
This program offers the benefits of trade school style learning while still providing a full high school experience.
Students are immersed in practical applications from day one, learning in our on campus workshop as they complete hands on aviation systems and structures projects.
These hands on skills provide the foundation needed for success in aviation maintenance and other skilled trades.
Graduates of this career and technicial education program can look forward to a variety of career paths in the aviation industry such as:
- Airlines: Maintaining aircraft for cargo and passenger transportation.
- Business Aviation: Servicing private corporate fleets.
- Aerospace Engineering: Designing parts for aircraft, rockets, and eVTOL aircraft.
- Avionics: Specializing in aircraft electronics.
- Government: Supporting military and civil aviation.
Our Aviation Maintenance Technology program opens the door to these rewarding careers, setting your teen on a path to success in a growing industry.
Hybrid Learning Option for Maintenance Students
Students in our Maintenance Technology Program can take advantage of Rising Aviation’s flexible hybrid learning model.
Academic core classes can be completed remotely through our Learning Management System, with live support from certified teachers and access to tutoring—either online or on campus. Students who prefer in-person tutoring can attend daily Learning Lab sessions, offered in both the morning and afternoon.
Maintenance students are required to be on campus:
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One designated weekday per week for hands-on training in our maintenance workshop
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Every Friday, which includes industry-related activities like guest speakers and field trips.
This model allows students to work at their own pace academically while continuing to develop critical hands-on skills in person—ensuring they’re well-prepared for a career in aviation maintenance.
Gain Hands On Experience Building a Vans RV-12 Aircraft
Students in the aircraft maintenance technology program will have the incredible opportunity to build a Vans RV-12 aircraft from start to finish.
They will be guided by our Maintenance Program Director, Pete Miller, who has over 40 years of experience as an A&P with Southwest. Pete is a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and has built his own RV-7 airplane.
When your teen leaves Rising Aviation, they will be able to say they’ve helped build an airplane from start to finish before graduating from high school.
Career, Military, and College Readiness for Aircraft Maintenance Technology Students
After graduating from Rising Aviation High School, students have several options for pursuing a career in aerospace engineering or aviation maintenance.
If they want to become an Aviation Maintenance Technician they can continue their vocational education at an FAA approved Part 147 school or they can enter the workforce in an apprenticeship type program.
Students who choose to attend an FAA approved school have many options in the DFW area including our partner Thrust Institute of Maintenance. They offer a 12 month program that will give your teen the training they need to take their Airframe and Powerplant exams and earn their A&P certificates. After they earn their certificates they can immediately begin working as an aircraft mechanic.
Students who are interested in aerospace engineering can pursue degrees at a variety of colleges that will give them the training they need to pursue a career as an aerospace engineer.
Aviation Maintenance Technology Curriculum Overview
Each year students engage with a different aviation curriculum. During their freshman and sophmore years all students will cover the same material, giving them a strong foundation in aviation concepts. Then, beginning in their junior year students will select a specialized aviation pathway to follow. Below you’ll find an overview of the curriculm for each school year.
9th Grade - Level 1: Introduction to Aviation and Aerospace
The Introduction to Aviation and Aerospace course teaches students about flying and unmanned aircraft systems. It inspires students to explore careers in aviation and aerospace and prepares them for more advanced courses in the future.
10th Grade - Level 2: Introduction to Flight
Students learn the basic principles of flight for aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The course covers aerodynamics, forces of flight, and the main systems found on large and small airplanes and UAS.
11th Grade - Level 3: Aviation Ground School
During 11th grade he Aircraft Maintenance Technology Pathway course introduces students to the basic concepts of aircraft manufacturing, repair, and maintenance. Students in this program are supported and led by the Choose Aerospace Aviation Maintenance Curriculum.
In this course students will also have the incredible opportunity to build a Vans RV-12 aircraft as part of their coursework.
12th Grade - Level 4: Practicum in Transportation
In the maintenance technology pathway students will continue their study of aircraft maintenance including using the Choose Aerospace Aviation Maintenance Curriculum.
They’ll utilize virtual reality to deepen their knowledge and continue working as a team to build the Vans RV-12 aircraft.
Overall, our aviation high school program provides students with a unique opportunity to explore the exciting and rewarding field of aviation. Whether a student wants to become a commercial pilot, or work in the drone industry, our aviation courses provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed when they graduate from high school.
We’re committed to providing a comprehensive and innovative educational experience that prepares our students for a bright future in aviation and beyond.
