Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
Q: What else can you do with an A&P license besides working on airplanes?
Q: How are the classes set up?
Q: How many women and minorities are in the program?
Q: Can a student get a job at the airport while going to school?
Q: What's the difference between an A.S. and an A.A.S. degree?
Q: Will getting an Associate's Degree help me find a better job than just getting the A&P certificate?
Q: Do you help your graduates find jobs?
Q: Do you offer financial aid?
Q: How much does the whole program cost?
Answers
A: "A&P" stands for Airframe and Powerplant. Put simply, the powerplant is the engine of the aircraft; the airframe is everything else. Once you've achieved your aircraft and powerplant certification from the FAA, you're legally enabled to work as an aircraft technician.
Q: What else can you do with an A&P license besides working on airplanes?
A: There are several race car companies here in Indianapolis that require an A&P to work on their cars. In our curriculum you learn about high pressure fuel lines to composites which are used in high performance race cars. An A&P is a requirement to be a technical writer for aviation companies. Manager of office building maintenance. Elevator and escalator maintenance. Heating and air conditioning maintenance.
Q: How are the classes set up?
A: In each semester there are four four-week aviation classes. In four semesters, you can complete the A&P program. Our classes are from 7:30am to 1:50pm Monday through Friday. The academic courses (required for certain degree paths) usually run between 2:00pm to 6:00pm twice each week for sixteen weeks making up one semester.
A: We offer classes year round including two summer sessions of class.
Q:How many women and minorities are in the program?
A: We have over 10% minorities, 1% women, and over 12% international students. Students come from Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Brazil, and various countries in Africa. The makeup of the student body changes with every new class.
Q: Can a student get a job at the airport while going to school?
A: The Indianapolis International Airport is a fairly vast place with several companies working within its boundaries. Many hire at an entry level. So long as you can handle the extra load, you're free to pursue any job you'd like. We do post local job openings on the office employment bulletin board and have numerous contacts in the aviation community
Q: What's the difference between an A.S. and an A.A.S. degree?
A: The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree is an 95 credit hour career track and has a higher math and physics requirement. It also has the advantage of being more transferable to a four year degree program. The Associate of Applied Science degree is a 89 credit hour career track. Vincennes University also offers A&P certification which offers the A&P certificate without any additional academic requirements.
Q: Will getting an Associate's Degree help me find a better job than just getting the A&P certificate?
A: For future advancements an associate's degree will be invaluable in acquiring higher level positions in aviation.
Q: Do you help your graduates find jobs?
A: Many top airlines recruit VU graduates. Our faculty and staff have connections and good working relationships with employers throughout the aviation industry. We have developed an electronic communication system to inform our past and present students about aviation related employment opportunities. Check out our links page for companies who employ VU graduates.
Q: Do you offer financial aid?
A: A multitude of financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. To begin this process, you'll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, otherwise known as the FAFSA.
Q: How much does the whole program cost?
A: Because Vincennes University is a state funded institution our tuition rates along with costs of books and lab fees are substantially less expensive than our competition.
Please note that tools and books are not included in these figures. Prices subject to change!