Neosho County Community College has been active in aerostructures training since 2008. The training curriculum was developed with aerostructures leaders to meet the needs of the Kansas aerostructures industry. The 16-credit hour Aircraft Sheet Metal certificate program prepares students for employment in aircraft assembly facilities.
Students will learn to be proficient in assembling, fitting, and installing parts of airplanes.
The tasks include assembling parts, fittings, or subassemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, or fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets, or clamps. Students learn to read blueprints and specifications to determine layouts, test and inspect assemblies, and adjust and repair parts or assemblies.
Common job titles include: Aircraft Line Assembler, Fabricator, Assembly Riveter, Assembly Technician
The Bureau of Labor Staticstics for Kansas reports a mean annual salary of $56,560 for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers in the May 2022 report. Jobs are plentiful and there are many opportunities for advancement in the aviation industry in Kansas.
Students must have technical/mechanical aptitude, the ability to handle and operate hand-held power tools, the ability to stand and sit at a workstation for several hours.
Program Path Sequence
The listing that follows is a recommended sequence of courses for students. The student should consult with an advisor for information specific to their academic situation. Upon completion, the student will be awarded a 16-credit hour Certificate of Aircraft Sheet Metal Assembly issued by the college.
General Education Courses
The Aircraft Sheet Metal Assembly certificate program is designed as a terminal certificate program. Certificate students are not required to take specific general education courses. Students wishing to pursue continued education, may apply the Aerostructures certificate credits toward the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Industrial Engineering Technology degree. The AAS degree requires 64 credit hours, which includes technical courses, general education courses and electives.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of safety, responsibility, and OSHA standards.
- Demonstrate an understanding of and the ability to accurately use precision instruments.
- Demonstrate the ability to read and understand aircraft blueprints and specifications.
- Demonstrate the ability to repeatedly drill and rivet to specification.
- Apply technical knowledge to perform quality aerostructures assemblies.
- Demonstrate the ability to safely and accurately perform aerostructures sealing.
- Demonstrate the ability to safely and accurately perform aerostructures adhesive bonding.
- Demonstrate employability skills.
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