Gordon Cooper Technology Center Aviation Mechanic Program

Gordon Cooper Technology Center (GCTC) operates a comprehensive Aviation Maintenance Technology program located at the Shawnee Municipal Airport in Oklahoma, offering both high school and adult pathways to FAA certification. The program has maintained FAA certification since 1985 for Airframe training and added Powerplant certification in 2001, operating under certificate #BG9T033R with full compliance to FAA Operations Handbook standards.

Quick Facts

Program Structure and Duration

The program offers two distinct pathways:

  • adult students complete the comprehensive training in 18 months attending full-time Monday through Friday (7:30 AM – 3:00 PM)
  • high school students follow a 32-month track attending either morning (8:20 AM – 11:15 AM) or afternoon (1:00 PM – 3:55 PM) sessions during junior and senior years, followed by one additional full-time year as adults.

Comprehensive Curriculum and Training

The curriculum divides into three core areas:

  • General and GAPE (General, Airframe, and Powerplant Electrical)
  • Airframe
  • Powerplant training

Students receive extensive hands-on training in electrical and hydraulic systems, reciprocating and turbine engine systems, propellers, fuel systems, sheet metal structural repairs, and composite structural repairs. The program includes non-destructive testing of magnetic and non-magnetic metals and composite structures, preparing graduates for diverse aviation maintenance roles.

An on-site FAA-authorized PSI CATS Computer Testing Center allows students to complete required examinations without traveling to external facilities.

Tuition and Financial Investment

Adult students face a total investment of approximately $8,207 including $6,882 in tuition and books ($5,682 tuition + $1,200 books/resources), plus $1,325 in testing fees ($525 for three written tests and $800 for oral and practical examinations).

Out-of-district students pay $11,364 in tuition ($3,788 per semester), significantly increasing total costs.

High school students receive General course books at no cost but pay tuition for Airframe and Powerplant blocks, with GCTC scholarship opportunities available.

Recent Facility Enhancements

GCTC recently acquired a Bell TH-57 helicopter valued at $1.2 million through the Federal Surplus Program for just a $5,000 fee, as reported by the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services. This helicopter features a Rolls-Royce 250-C20 turboshaft engine identical to those in the AMT curriculum, providing students with hands-on experience observing working helicopter engines and learning component functions in real-time troubleshooting scenarios.

Career Outcomes and Certification Process

Graduates must complete three steps for full certification:

  1. obtain completion certificates for Airframe and Powerplant
  2. pass all FAA written exams (General, Airframe, and Powerplant) with minimum 70% scores
  3. successfully complete required Oral and Practical examinations

The program maintains strict attendance requirements with 100% attendance necessary for FAA certified instruction hours, though makeup time opportunities ensure students can complete missed coursework.

GCTC serves approximately 1,000 high school and adult students annually across 23 full-time programs, with the aviation program consistently producing qualified technicians for Oklahoma’s healthy aviation maintenance industry.

Related Programs


View All Aviation Mechanic Schools in Oklahoma