Texarkana College’s aviation mechanics program to welcome first class in January

It is finally wheels up on a Texarkana College aviation program.

The college’s Aviation Mechanics Technology program has been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. Classes are set to begin in January, the college recently reported.

The inaugural cohort will have 20 students, with a total of up to 60 students possible during an enrollment period, said Brandon Sanders, the college’s aviation director.

Students who complete 45 hours of instruction will receive a certificate, while those who complete 60 hours will earn an associate’s degree.

Tuition for the program will be at TC’s standard hourly rate. There also is a $2,800 fee for course materials, according to an earlier report.

College President Dr. Jason Smith said the curriculum is designed to help students enter the workforce with FAA certification within a calendar year.

“The aviation maintenance sector is experiencing unprecedented growth and the demand for new A&P (airframe and powerplant) mechanics is driving starting salaries upward toward $80,000 in some markets,” Smith said in the news release.

According to the program’s landing page, graduates can pursue a career as an aircraft maintenance technician, which has a starting salary of $41.24 an hour; aviation maintenance technician ($41.07 an hour); or aircraft paint technician ($36.10 an hour).

The program is based at a hangar at Texarkana Regional Airport and simulates what the college describes as “a real-world maintenance, repair and overhaul facility.”

“The curriculum is based on a hybrid learning format where students meet at the training facility for four-hour blocks Monday through Friday. The remainder of their day is flexible, allowing students to work remotely by watching video lectures and learning at their own pace,” the release states.

The college and Texarkana Independent School District collaborate on a Tango Flight program. Sanders said he would like to roll out a dual credit aviation program through Tango Flight next year for all Bowie County schools within the college’s district.

“Students will be able to flow seamlessly from the Tango program directly into the A&P program and be in the workforce in under a year from their high school graduation,” he said.

For enrollment and other information, call Texarkana College’s Office of Enrollment Services at 903-823-3012 or visit texarkanacollege.edu.