Northwest Florida State College trains aviation mechanics through its Aviation Center of Excellence at Bob Sikes Airport in Crestview, in a region anchored by Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field.
Verified October 3, 2026 against NWFSC’s program pages, catalog and fee schedule. Compare all Florida A&P schools.
Quick Facts
- Length: About 15 months per certificate
- Cost: $6,458 resident (about 2,250 hours)
- Location: Crestview, FL (Bob Sikes Airport) and Niceville
- Website: Official School Web Page
Our Take
NWFSC is one of the cheapest full A&P paths in Florida, about $6,458 for residents, with an 89.0% pass rate. It suits Panhandle students and military families. The college publishes little about schedules and lab fees, so confirm hours and start dates with the program.
At a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| FAA status | Part 147 certificated school (certificate NFST653K) |
| Programs | Aviation Airframe Mechanics and Aviation Powerplant Mechanics career certificates (about 1,350 hours each) |
| Both ratings | About 2,250 hours (our estimate, General shared) |
| Length | About 15 months per certificate (college) |
| Cost | $86.10 per 30-hour vocational credit resident (about $6,458); $344.10 non-resident (about $25,808) |
| FAA pass rate | 89.0% (65 of 73 written tests, Aug 2023–Dec 2024) |
| Facilities | Aviation Center of Excellence, Bob Sikes Airport, Crestview (27,000 sq ft, per 2021 college release) |
| Verified | October 3, 2026 |
Programs and Costs
NWFSC offers Airframe and Powerplant career certificates; students wanting both ratings complete both.
| Program | Hours |
|---|---|
| Aviation Airframe Mechanics | About 1,350 |
| Aviation Powerplant Mechanics | About 1,350 |
| Both ratings (General shared) | About 2,250 |
NWFSC did not publish exact hours for 2026-27 when we checked.
What You Will Actually Pay
NWFSC’s fee schedule charges $86.10 per vocational credit (30 clock hours) for residents and $344.10 for non-residents, about $6,458 or $25,808 for 2,250 hours. Lab fees, tools and FAA tests are extra.
How It Compares in the Florida Panhandle
| School | Full A&P path | Length | Cost | FAA pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Florida State College (Niceville/Crestview) | Airframe + Powerplant (about 2,250 hours) | About 15 months per certificate | $6,458 | 89.0% |
| Pensacola State College | Airframe + Powerplant | 18 months | About $6,435 tuition | New program |
| George Stone Technical College (Pensacola) | Airframe + Powerplant | About 2 years | About $9,750 (est.) | 92.1% |
| Tom P. Haney Technical College (Panama City) | Airframe + Powerplant (1,800 hours) | 68 weeks | $13,566 | Too few tests |
| Lively Technical College (Tallahassee) | Airframe + Powerplant (2,160 hours) | About 2 years | $8,521 (2025-26) | 95.6% |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville | Three certificates (60 credits) | About 5 terms | $6,324 + tools | 92.9% |
NWFSC is the low-cost choice in the western Panhandle. See all Florida A&P schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwest Florida State College’s aviation program FAA-approved?
Yes. It operates FAA Part 147 school NFST653K; graduates passed 65 of 73 FAA written tests from August 2023 to December 2024, per the FAA’s pass-rate report.
Where are classes held?
At the Aviation Center of Excellence at Bob Sikes Airport in Crestview.
How much does it cost?
About $6,458 for Florida residents for both ratings, plus lab fees, tools and FAA tests.
Related Programs
View All Aviation Mechanic Schools in Florida
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) - Orlando
- Broward College - Fort Lauderdale
- Charlotte Technical College - Port Charlotte
- Eastern Florida State College - Melbourne
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach
- Epic Flight Academy - New Smyrna Beach
- Florida State College at Jacksonville - Jacksonville
- George Stone Technical College - Pensacola
- George T. Baker Aviation Technical College - Miami
- International AeroTech Academy - Lakeland
- Lively Technical College - Tallahassee
- Lorenzo Walker Technical College - Naples
- National Aviation Academy – Tampa Bay - Clearwater
- Pensacola State College - Pensacola
- Tom P. Haney Technical College - Panama City
- Traviss Technical College - Lakeland
- U.S. Aviation Academy - Kissimmee
- Universal Technical Institute - Miramar