Trident Technical College Aviation Maintenance Program

Program Overview

This program fits students who want both airframe and powerplant ratings plus hands-on composite training, with the flexibility to choose an associate degree or a standalone certificate.

Composite work sits alongside airframe and powerplant training at Trident Technical College's Aircraft Maintenance Technology program, which leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree or separate Aircraft Maintenance Airframe, General, and Powerplant certificates. Training happens at the S.C. Aeronautical Training Center. The U.S. Department of Transportation named the program a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education designee in 2024.

This is a public two-year college program offering both a full associate degree and stand-alone certificates, so the credential path can be sized to the student. Charleston's metro area supports about 380 aviation mechanics with a median wage of $81,690 a year, above the $79,870 national median for the occupation. The nearest alternative Part 147 school sits 81.5 miles away.

• Training occurs at the S.C. Aeronautical Training Center
• Hands-on training includes a composite work component
• 2024 Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education designee, U.S. Department of Transportation

As stated on tridenttech.edu

Trident Technical College is at 7000 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29406. Compare it with every aviation maintenance school in South Carolina. For schools within commuting distance, see aviation maintenance schools near Charleston.

Annual median wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians (SOC 49-3011), BLS OEWS May 2025. See the South Carolina aircraft mechanic salary data.

The closest FAA-approved schools to Trident Technical College, by straight-line distance.