Texarkana College Aviation Mechanic Program

Texarkana College’s Aviation Maintenance Technician Entry Level Program offers a fast-track path to FAA certification, allowing students to complete training in just one year through a hybrid model combining classroom and online learning. Recently certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a Part 147 program, this curriculum is specifically tailored for heavy commercial aircraft maintenance, with classes beginning in January 2025.

Quick Facts

Curriculum

Students can pursue either a one-year L2 Certificate (45 credit hours) or a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree that adds general education requirements.

The comprehensive curriculum covers essential aviation maintenance areas including aircraft electrical systems, turbine engine theory, sheet metal work, ground operations, landing gear systems, and aircraft propellers.

Courses include:

• AERM 1201 Introduction to Aviation provides students with a comprehensive overview of the aviation maintenance field, covering the rich history of aviation, the essential roles and responsibilities of mechanics, aircraft nomenclature, and critical safety protocols. This foundational course establishes the context for students entering the aviation maintenance profession and emphasizes the importance of safety culture from day one.
• AERM 1315 Aviation Science delivers essential mathematical, physical, and technical drawing knowledge specifically applied to aircraft principles and operations as mandated by FAA requirements for airframe and powerplant mechanics. This course builds the fundamental technical understanding necessary for students to grasp more complex aviation maintenance concepts in subsequent coursework.
• AERM 1414 Basic Electricity offers in-depth study of aircraft electrical systems including measurement tools, circuit analysis, electromagnetic principles, power conversion, and control devices. Students learn battery maintenance and servicing while developing skills in interpreting aircraft electrical diagrams, including solid state devices and logic functions. This comprehensive electrical foundation prepares students for troubleshooting complex aircraft systems.
• AERM 1208 Federal Aviation Regulations develops proficiency in navigating and understanding FAA regulations, manufacturer publications, forms, and records. Students learn about mechanic privileges and their limitations within regulatory frameworks, ensuring they understand the legal and documentation requirements essential to aviation maintenance professionals.
• AERM 1449 Hydraulic, Pneumatic, and Fuel Systems focuses on developing inspection, servicing, and maintenance skills for aircraft fluid systems. Students gain practical experience with hydraulics, pneumatics, and fuel systems while applying concepts through detailed maintenance procedures, with safety protocols emphasized throughout the learning process.
• AERM 1310 Ground Operations covers essential aircraft handling procedures including fuel management, servicing methods, safety protocols, aircraft movement techniques, securing procedures, and external power equipment operation. Students also learn aircraft cleaning methods and corrosion control techniques critical to maintaining airworthiness.
• AERM 1352 Aircraft Sheet Metal develops critical skills in sheet metal structure inspection and repair, including forming, layout, and bending techniques. Students learn to identify, select, and install rivets and fasteners while adhering to fundamental safety procedures throughout the fabrication and repair process.
• AERM 1345 Airframe Electrical Systems examines the installation, removal, disassembly, and repair of electrical components and related wiring in airframe electrical systems. Electrical safety fundamentals are emphasized throughout this comprehensive electrical training course, building on the foundational knowledge from Basic Electricity.
• AERM 1350 Landing Gear Systems provides thorough training in the inspection, servicing, overhaul, and repair of both fixed and retractable landing gear systems. Students receive in-depth coverage of system components and operations, learning to maintain these critical safety systems to the highest standards.
• AERM 1247 Airframe Auxiliary Systems delivers comprehensive study of critical auxiliary systems including cabin atmospheric control, ice and rain control systems for aircraft and engines, and fire detection and protection systems. Safety procedures are emphasized throughout this important coursework on environmental and safety systems.
• AERM 2233 Assembly and Rigging offers comprehensive study of fixed and rotary-wing aircraft assembly and rigging, including structural alignment, control system balancing and rigging, and component assembly. Fundamental safety procedures are integrated throughout this course on aircraft structural integrity and control surface functionality.
• AERM 1357 Fuel Metering and Induction Systems develops advanced skills in fuel metering and induction systems for both reciprocating and turbine engines. Students master carburetors, induction systems, heat exchangers, and cooling systems while maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols throughout all maintenance procedures.
• AERM 1344 Aircraft Reciprocating Engines examines the development, operating principles, and theory of reciprocating engines, including related systems such as engine instruments, lubrication, and exhaust. Safety fundamentals are addressed throughout this comprehensive study of piston engine technology and maintenance.
• AERM 1240 Aircraft Propellers covers the fundamentals of propeller construction and develops skills in inspecting, servicing, and repairing various propeller systems including fixed-pitch, constant-speed, and feathering types. Students learn propeller removal, balancing, and installation techniques essential to safe aircraft operation.
• AERM 1356 Aircraft Powerplant Electrical teaches general principles of theory, operation, and maintenance of powerplant electrical systems, with special attention to ignition, starting, and fire protection systems. Safety procedures are emphasized throughout this specialized electrical systems course focused on engine-related components.
• AERM 1351 Aircraft Turbine Engine Theory explores the general principles, historical development, and servicing procedures for turbine engines, with specific focus on lubrication, instrumentation, auxiliary power units, and exhaust systems. Students learn essential safety procedures while developing an understanding of modern jet engine technology.

Program Structure

Students attend in-person training for 4-hour blocks Monday through Friday, with additional remote learning through video lectures, creating a flexible schedule that allows students to develop technical skills more efficiently than traditional programs.

The program is housed in a hangar at Texarkana Regional Airport, simulating a real-world Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility (MRO) to provide authentic hands-on experience working with actual aircraft and tools.

Tuition

The program offers competitive tuition rates with three pricing tiers:

• $7,485 for in-district students
• $10,185 for out-of-district students
• $12,840 for out-of-state students

Numerous financial aid options are available, including several internal scholarship opportunities such as Presidential Scholarships, DC to TC Pathways Scholarships, and Workforce Scholarships, with amounts ranging from $1,000 to full tuition coverage.

More tuition details here: https://aviation.texarkanacollege.edu/student-resources/financial-planning/

Career Opportunities and Outcomes

Graduates of the program are prepared for various high-demand positions including Aircraft Maintenance Technician (starting at $41.24/hr), Aircraft Paint Technician ($36.10/hr), Structures Mechanic ($25/hr), and Line Maintenance Technician ($34/hr). The program maintains strong industry partnerships with employers seeking technicians specifically trained in heavy commercial aircraft maintenance.

With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a need for more than 716,000 new technicians globally, graduates can expect excellent job prospects with potential starting salaries reaching $80,000 in some markets, providing an outstanding return on educational investment.

Enrollment and Special Features

New cohorts of 20-30 students begin every semester, with classes offered in full-time day schedules. The program’s instructors are experienced aviation professionals specializing in airplane mechanics, avionics, airframe assembly, and hydraulic systems, providing students with valuable mentorship and industry insights.

Texarkana College consistently ranks among the top ten community colleges in Texas for student completion rates, offering quality education with pathways to immediate employment or further academic advancement through partnership with Texas A&M – Texarkana’s B.A.A.S. program.