Prior Learning Assessment for Aviation Program
Guide for credit learning as applicable to FFA Certification and the SAU Tech Aviation Maintenance Technology AAS degree.
Introduction
It is recognized that there are FAA certificated Airframe and Powerplant Technicians who may desire to continue their education towards the associate of applied science degree in aviation maintenance. Such added educational accomplishments may yield a more rounded and qualified individual with greater opportunity for advancement and or job placement. SAU Tech has developed the following guidelines for the awarding of credit for prior learning, based upon FAA certification.
Criteria
FAA Certification: Prospective degree seeking students shall be required to present a copy of their Federal Aviation Administration Airframe and Powerplant certification card, a copy of which shall be placed in the student’s personal file with SAU Tech.
Minimum Experience: Applicants for credit for prior learning shall have a minimum of two years of documented active service or career experience within the field of aviation maintenance. Proof of experience shall be submitted along with appropriate documentation and retained in the student’s SAU Tech personal file. Exceptions to the minimum experience requirement may be made by the Vice Chancellor for Academics.
Background checks: Graduates of SAU Tech are expected to be of high moral and ethical character. The SAU Tech Aviation Program Coordinator shall submit the student’s certification number to the FAA for a records check of any possible violations that may have been recorded, related to the student’s certification. Any adverse comments or violations may be grounds for denial of credit for prior learning.
Portfolio Process
Students seeking aviation program credit for prior learning will follow the established CPL procedure outlined in the college catalog including enrollment in GS-1021 Portfolio Development. The Portfolio process will verify the above criteria. Prior to enrollment in Portfolio, students should be made aware of the unique factors, as an aviation student, that may disqualify him/her from receiving credit for prior learning and that credit approved through Portfolio will be held in escrow until awarded based on the conditions below.
Awarding of Credit for Prior Learning
Students who have successfully met the above criteria through Portfolio shall be candidates for the awarding of credit for prior learning of all aviation maintenance core subjects required for the AAS Aviation Maintenance Technology degree. The remaining general education coursework required for the degree may be taken from SAU Tech or transferred from another regionally accredited college/university. However, SAU Tech minimum residency requirements still apply. Upon successful completion of the remaining AAS degree requirements and a second FAA background review to confirm the current good standing of the applicant, the necessary paperwork to allow the awarding of escrowed credit for prior learning will be forwarded to the VC for Academics for approval.