LeTourneau University Aviation Mechanic Programs

LeTourneau University offers the only comprehensive, university-level aviation program in Texas, featuring multiple concentrations within their Aviation Maintenance Science degree program that combine hands-on technical training with four-year university education. The program operates from the state-of-the-art Paul and Betty Abbott Aviation Center, a 55,000-square-foot facility located at East Texas Regional Airport with a 10,000-foot runway and FAA control tower. All instruction is provided directly by LeTourneau University faculty with world-class industry experience, with no subcontracting to third-party providers, ensuring consistent quality and integration with the university’s Christian polytechnic mission.

Quick Facts

Aviation Maintenance Bachelors Degree

The core Aviation Maintenance Science bachelor’s degree requires 125 total credit hours distributed across the following:

  • aviation maintenance courses (64 hours)
  • concentration requirements (12 hours)
  • cognate courses (7 hours)
  • general education (30 hours)
  • theology/vocation courses (12 hours)

Curriculum and Hands-On Training

The program includes courses in powerplant electrical systems, airframe electrical, aircraft composites, and advanced aircraft gas turbine engines, providing comprehensive technical preparation.

The aviation maintenance curriculum emphasizes extensive hands-on experience with high-tech equipment, covering welding, metalwork, reciprocating engines, turbine engines, propellers, fuel systems, electricity, and machining.

Students work in specialized laboratories including turbine engines labs, composites labs, and drone facilities, with 360-degree virtual tours showcasing the comprehensive training environment.

The full list of courses is available here: https://catalog.letu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=20&poid=7694

Cost & Duration

The total cost is $156,250 based on 125 credit hours over approximately 4 years.

Students should expect additional aviation-specific fees beyond the standard $50,560 annual cost that include:

  • tuition ($37,470)
  • housing and meals ($11,520)
  • required fees ($820)
  • course fees ($750)

Specialized Concentrations

Mechanical Technology Concentration

This concentration prepares students to work as aircraft engineers for companies like Cessna Aircraft, combining A&P maintenance technician curriculum with significantly less mathematics and theory than full engineering degrees. Students learn practical applications of mechanical systems in aircraft design and maintenance, preparing for roles as aircraft systems engineers, design engineers, maintenance facility engineers, and aviation engineering technologists.

Electrical Technology Concentration

Focusing on aircraft electronics and avionics systems, this concentration addresses the modern aircraft’s integration of multiple electronic systems. Graduates are aggressively recruited by companies like Cessna Aircraft and Collins Aerospace, with placement rates at or near 100% for years. Students prepare for careers as avionics systems engineers, designers for aircraft completion centers, and technicians for avionics specialty shops.

Computer Science Concentration

This unique concentration combines LeTourneau’s decades-long strengths in aviation and computer science, preparing students to program aircraft software, understand avionics software communication, build airline databases, and program aviation simulators. Students earn both A&P certification and comprehensive computer science knowledge, creating highly specialized career opportunities in the intersection of aviation and technology.

Maintenance Management Concentration

Designed for students seeking leadership positions in aviation management, this concentration combines technical A&P knowledge with business courses including aviation management, accounting, and economics. Graduates pursue careers in aircraft sales, airline management, airport management, aviation finance, and operations management, with preparation for potential MBA studies.

Certifications and Accreditation

All Aviation Maintenance Science programs include preparation for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Technician Certificate, providing graduates with federally recognized credentials to work on aircraft ranging from small private planes to commercial airliners.

The university operates under FAA approval and maintains strong industry partnerships, including a pilot pipeline partnership with American Eagle Airlines, one of only eight such partnerships in the United States.

Career Outcomes and Industry Connections

LeTourneau maintains a 95% three-year average job placement rate for aviation students following graduation, with alumni working globally as mission aviators, airline pilots, engineers, managers, aircraft inspectors, military pilots, and aircraft mechanics.

The program’s graduates reduce the required flight hours for first officer positions from 1,500 to 1,250 hours through FAA-approved coursework for Restricted Airline Transport Pilot Certification. Industry partners actively recruit LeTourneau graduates, with companies like Cessna Aircraft conducting major recruitment efforts and Collins Aerospace regularly hiring graduates as avionics systems engineers.

Special Features and Christian Mission

As a Christian polytechnic university, LeTourneau integrates faith-based education with technical excellence, requiring theology and biblical engagement courses alongside technical training. The program began in 1956 as an on-the-job training program at founder R.G. LeTourneau’s aviation business, maintaining a tradition of personal integrity and professional excellence. Students can combine their aviation maintenance major with various minors or concentrations including aircraft dispatch, aviation management, missions flight, private pilot, or unmanned aircraft systems, creating customized educational pathways.

Additional Programs and Opportunities

Beyond aviation maintenance, LeTourneau offers 17 degree and concentration programs within the College of Aviation & Aeronautical Science, including professional flight, aviation management, mission aviation, and unmanned aircraft systems programs.

The university provides extensive student opportunities including NIFA team participation, mission aviation service learning, and industry engagement, preparing graduates who actively contribute to aviation workplaces worldwide while maintaining the institution’s hallmarks of faith, integrity, and professional excellence.

Related Programs


View All Aviation Mechanic Schools in Texas