Academy of Aviation and Transportation

The mission of the Academy of Aviation and Transportation is to drive the success of all students to SOAR as students, leaders, and citizens in college and in their careers. The Academy of Aviation and Transportation offers the following pathways:
- Aviation Flight
- Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair
- Mechatronics
Aviation Flight
Aviation Flight
In this pathway, students gain technical knowledge and skills to the flying and/or navigation of commercial passenger and cargo, agricultural, public service, corporate aircraft flight systems and controls, flight crew operations and procedures, radio communications, navigation procedures and systems, airways safety and traffic regulations, and governmental rules and regulations pertaining to piloting aircraft.
National Career Cluster Alignment
The Aviation Flight Pathway is a part of the Transportation career cluster. Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Careers involve the planning, management, and movement of people, materials, and goods. This can be by road, pipeline, air, rail, or water. This cluster also includes related support services like transportation infrastructure planning, logistics services, and equipment and facility maintenance.
Pathway Courses
Level 1 Course: Introduction to Aerospace
- Introduction to Aerospace is a comprehensive foundational course for students interested in pursuing careers in aviation. This course covers the basic principles governing flight and the regulation off light that every aviation professional must know regardless of his or her occupation—as a pilot or an engineer, a salesperson or a specialist, a mechanic or a statistician. In addition to acquiring foundational knowledge of safety procedures and industry regulations, students will also gain essential understanding of aircraft structures, the flight environment, basic procedures, and navigation. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be prepared for further study in advanced Aviation Flight and/or Aviation Maintenance courses.
- Aligned Industry Credential: OSHA 10 General Industry. The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification allows students to increase their value as entry-level workers by demonstrating mastery of the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in the general industry workplace. The program also provides information regarding workers' rights and employer responsibilities. OSHA training and certification ensures that workers are more knowledgeable about workplace hazards and their rights.
Level 2 Course: Aviation I: Principles of Flight
- Aviation I: Principles of Flight builds on the fundamental knowledge and skills learned in Introduction to Aerospace while teaching students the essential competencies needed for flight under normal conditions. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to apply knowledge, skills, and procedures in a variety of simulated flight environments. Moreover, students who complete this course will have the opportunity to move on to advanced study in Aviation II: Advanced Flight, where they will continue to prepare for the FAA Private Pilot written exam.
- Aligned Industry Credential: NC3 Snap-On Precision Measurements Instruments Certification. Earning this certification will enable a student to be able to show mastery of foundational knowledge in precision measurement instruments. Course content includes tape, rule, side caliper, gauge, angle, micrometer, and dial gauge measurement knowledge and applications. Students must pass all six subtests to fulfill the requirements of the promoted Precision Measurement Instruments Certification.
Level 3 Course: Aviation II: Advanced Flight
- Aviation II: Advanced Flight is the capstone course in the Aviation Flight program of study intended to prepare students for careers in aviation. While continuing to build upon the knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired in Introduction to Aerospace and Aviation I, students in Aviation II will receive rigorous instruction in preparation to take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Private Pilot written exam. This course goes beyond the mastery of procedures under normal conditions learned in Aviation I: Principles of Flight and introduces students to the troubleshooting and diagnostic techniques used by pilots and other aircraft personnel to assess and correct for malfunctions, make adjustments in hazardous weather conditions, and perform other crucial emergency procedures. Continued emphasis is placed on maintaining the safety of flight and developing sound judgment(“judgment training”) throughout these conditions.
- Aligned Industry Credential: NC3 Snap-On Precision Measurements Instruments Certification. Earning this certification will enable a student to be able to show mastery of foundational knowledge in precision measurement instruments. Course content includes tape, rule, side caliper, gauge, angle, micrometer, and dial gauge measurement knowledge and applications. Students must pass all six subtests to fulfill the requirements of the promoted Precision Measurement Instruments Certification.
Affiliated Career and Technical Student Organization: SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA improves the quality of our nation’s future skilled workforce through the development of Framework skills that include personal, workplace and technical skills grounded in academics.
Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair
Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair
This pathway prepares students to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all types of automobiles. It includes instruction in brake systems, electrical systems, engine performance, engine repair, suspension and steering, automatic and manual transmissions and drive trains, and heating and air conditioning systems.
National Career Cluster Alignment
The Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair Pathway is a part of the Transportation career cluster. Transportation, Distribution & Logistics Careers involve the planning, management, and movement of people, materials, and goods. This can be by road, pipeline, air, rail, or water. This cluster also includes related support services like transportation infrastructure planning, logistics services, and equipment and facility maintenance.
Pathway Courses
Level 1 Course: Maintenance & Light Repair I
- The Maintenance and Light Repair I (MLR I) course prepares students for entry into Maintenance and Light Repair II. Students explore career opportunities and requirements of a professional service technician. Content emphasizes beginning transportation service skills and workplace success skills. Students study safety, tools, equipment, shop operations, basic engine fundamentals, and basic technician skills.
- Aligned Industry Credential: OSHA 10 General Industry. The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification allows students to increase their value as entry-level workers by demonstrating mastery of the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in the general industry workplace. The program also provides information regarding workers' rights and employer responsibilities. OSHA training and certification ensures that workers are more knowledgeable about workplace hazards and their rights.
Level 2 Course: Maintenance & Light Repair II
- The Maintenance and Light Repair II (MLR II) course prepares students for entry into Maintenance and Light Repair III. Students study automotive general electrical systems, starting and charging systems, batteries, lighting, and electrical accessories.
- Aligned Industry Credential: NC3 Snap-On Precision Measurements Instruments Certification. Earning this certification will enable a student to be able to show mastery of foundational knowledge in precision measurement instruments. Course content includes tape, rule, side caliper, gauge, angle, micrometer, and dial gauge measurement knowledge and applications. Students must pass all six subtests to fulfill the requirements of the promoted Precision Measurement Instruments Certification.
Level 3 Course: Maintenance & Light Repair III
- The Maintenance and Light Repair III (MLR III) course prepares students for entry into Maintenance and Light Repair IV. Students study and service suspension and steering systems and brake systems. Upon completing all of the Maintenance and Light Repair courses, students may enter automotive service industry as an ASE Certified MLR Technician.
- Aligned Industry Credential: NC3 Snap-On Precision Measurements Instruments Certification. Earning this certification will enable a student to be able to show mastery of foundational knowledge in precision measurement instruments. Course content includes tape, rule, side caliper, gauge, angle, micrometer, and dial gauge measurement knowledge and applications. Students must pass all six subtests to fulfill the requirements of the promoted Precision Measurement Instruments Certification.
Dual Credit and/or Dual Enrollment Opportunity in this Pathway
- Credit Type: Dual Enrollment
- Institution: TCAT - Tennessee College of Applied Technology
- Dual Enrollment- Students are dually enrolled in both college and high school courses. Students must meet college admission requirements and complete all coursework. If the student passes the course, he/she will be awarded the college credit via a transcript.
Affiliated Career & Technical Student Organization: SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA improves the quality of our nation’s future skilled workforce through the development of Framework skills that include personal, workplace and technical skills grounded in academics.
Mechatronics
Mechatronics
This pathway is designed for students interested in becoming a mechatronics technician, electrical technician, mechanical engineering technician, robotics technician, or mechatronics engineer. Course content focuses on the components of manufacturing systems, collection and analysis of quality data, electronics, mechanics, fluid power systems, computers and control systems, and technical documentation and troubleshooting.
National Career Cluster Alignment
The Mechatronics Pathway is a part of the Advanced Manufacturing career cluster. The Manufacturing Cluster involves planning, managing, and processing materials. This cluster also includes related professional and technical support activities like production planning and control, maintenance, and process engineering.
Pathway Courses
Level 1 Course: Digital Electronics
- Digital Electronics is intended to provide students with an introduction to the basic components of digital electronic systems and equip them with the ability to use these components to design more complex digital systems. Proficient students will be able to (1) describe basic functions of digital components (including gates, flip flops, counters, and other devices upon which larger systems are designed), (2) use these devices as building blocks to design larger, more complex circuits, (3) implement these circuits using programmable devices, and (4) effectively communicate designs and systems. Students develop additional skill in technical documentation when operating and troubleshooting circuits. Upon completion of the Digital Electronics course, proficient students will be able to design a complex digital system and communicate their designs through a variety of media.
- Aligned Industry Credential: OSHA 10 General Industry. The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification allows students to increase their value as entry-level workers by demonstrating mastery of the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in the general industry workplace. The program also provides information regarding workers' rights and employer responsibilities. OSHA training and certification ensures that workers are more knowledgeable about workplace hazards and their rights.
Level 2 Course: Mechatronics I
- Mechatronics I is an applied course in the manufacturing cluster for students interested in learning more about careers as a mechatronics technician, maintenance technician, electromechanical technician, and manufacturing engineer. This first of two courses covers basic electrical and mechanical components of mechatronics systems as well as their combined uses with instrument controls and embedded software designs. Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to describe and explain basic functions of physical properties and electrical components within a mechatronic system. They can logically trace the flow of energy through a mechatronic system and can communicate this process to others. They know how to effectively use technical documentation such as data sheets, schematics, timing diagrams, and system specifications to troubleshoot basic problems with equipment. Finally, they develop strategies to identify, localize, and correct malfunctioning components and equipment.
- Aligned Industry Credential: NC3 Snap-On Multimeter Certification. This certification is awarded to students who have been trained in the use of advanced electrical monitoring equipment. The knowledge and experience gained in this critical discipline are essential to a successful career in critical industries such as automotive repair, transportation, wind power, manufacturing, HVAC, and robotics.
Level 3 Course: Mechatronics II
- Mechatronics II is an advanced course in the manufacturing career cluster for students interested in learning more about such careers as mechatronics technician, maintenance technician, or electromechanical technician. Following the groundwork of mechanics and electronics laid in Mechatronics I, this course covers basics of pneumatic, electro pneumatic, and hydraulic control circuits in a complex mechatronic system. In addition, the course addresses basic digital logic and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) employed in the mechanical, electronic, and control systems in a mechatronics system. Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to explain the inter-relationships of components and modules within a complex mechatronic system. They understand the differences between hydraulic and pneumatic fluid power and can explain the scientific principles that apply. They also use technical documentation (such as datasheets, circuit diagrams, displacement step diagrams, timing diagrams, and function charts) to troubleshoot and resolve malfunctioning pneumatic and hydraulic components and circuits. They demonstrate understanding of the role of programmable logic controllers (PLC) in mechatronic systems and the ability to write, debug, and run basic ladder logic.
- Aligned Industry Credential: NC3 Snap-On Precision Measurements Instruments Certification. Earning this certification will enable a student to be able to show mastery of foundational knowledge in precision measurement instruments. Course content includes tape, rule, side caliper, gauge, angle, micrometer, and dial gauge measurement knowledge and applications. Students must pass all six subtests to fulfill the requirements of the promoted Precision Measurement Instruments Certification.
Dual Credit and/or Dual Enrollment Opportunity in this Pathway
- Credit Type: Dual Credit
- Institution: NSCC - Nashville State Community College
- Dual Credit- Credit by assessment. Students are enrolled in a high school course that is identified as a match with a post-secondary course. Students complete a college assessment at the end of the course to prove mastery of content. If the student passes the test, the student can use the college credit at that institution or request a transcript to use at a different institution.
Affiliated Career and Technical Student Organization: SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA improves the quality of our nation’s future skilled workforce through the development of Framework skills that include personal, workplace and technical skills grounded in academics.
Community Partners
- Cummins, Inc.
- Metro Nashville Airport Authority
- MTSU Department of Aerospace
- MTSU Engineering Technology Department
- Southwest Airlines
- TCAT
- Tennessee Trucking Association

