The OTC aviation programs align with growing demand in Missouri’s aviation sector, where the average salary for aircraft mechanics is $62,490 and for pilots is $66,820. With modern facilities, strong academic support, and hands-on training, OTC offers a competitive entry point into aviation maintenance and flight careers.
Quick Facts
- Length: 24 Months
- Cost: $11,000
- Location: Springfield, MO
- Website: https://programs.otc.edu/aviation-airframe-and-powerplant/
Aviation Programs Summary
Aviation Airframe and Powerplant Technician (A.A.S.)
Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) offers a comprehensive Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Airframe and Powerplant Technology, designed to prepare students for FAA certification as licensed aviation maintenance technicians. Graduates are prepared for FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) exams and employment in commercial, defense, and private aviation sectors.
Curriculum
The curriculum includes foundational courses in aviation maintenance, mathematics, and electricity, followed by focused training in aircraft structures, fluid systems, avionics, powerplant theory, and propeller systems. The program also emphasizes regulatory compliance, safety, documentation, and troubleshooting.
Cost & Duration
While exact tuition is pending federal financial aid approval, students can expect OTC’s standard in-district tuition of $136 per credit hour, totaling approximately $10,336 for 76 credit hours, plus fees.
The program spans six semesters and totals 76 credit hours, which equates to approximately 24 months of full-time study.
Aviation Flight Technology (A.A.S.)
The Aviation Flight Technology Associate of Applied Science program at OTC prepares students for careers as commercial pilots through an intensive curriculum that includes classroom instruction and flight training. Students earn a private pilot license, an instrument rating, and a commercial pilot license by graduation.
Students train under Part 141 FAA regulations, which can reduce total flight hour requirements. Upon graduation, students are eligible for professional roles and can transfer to Drury or Missouri State University to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Curriculum
The academic portion includes coursework in aviation weather, airline operations, aircraft systems, air traffic control, and aviation safety. Flight labs involve flying up to three days a week for 16-week semesters.
Cost & Duration
Ground school courses are billed at OTC’s standard tuition rate, while flight lab costs are approximately $9,000 per course, totaling around $58,000 across four labs.
The program lasts six semesters or about 24 months and is offered in partnership with Premier Flight Center at the Springfield-Branson National Airport.
Facilities
Both programs operate out of OTC’s Roy Blunt Aviation Training Center, which opened in August 2025. The facility was funded through $13.2 million in combined federal, state, and local investment.
The Roy Blunt Aviation Training Center is a 30,000-square-foot facility located next to the Springfield-Branson National Airport. This facility features four airplanes, a helicopter, advanced training labs, and mobile learning zones for hands-on instruction.
Accreditation
OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the aviation programs follow FAA regulations. The Airframe & Powerplant program is pending final approval for financial aid eligibility.
Industry Connections
Strong industry partnerships with entities like Envoy Air, Worldwide Aircraft Services, and Jack Henry and Associates reinforce the programs’ focus on career readiness.