St Phillips College Aviation Mechanic Programs

St. Philip’s College offers a comprehensive suite of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-accredited aircraft technician programs designed to meet the growing demand in San Antonio’s booming aviation industry. As the only provider of customized instruction for the aerospace industry in San Antonio, the college operates under FAA Part 147 certification, ensuring all programs meet federal aviation standards. The program serves as a critical workforce pipeline for major employers like StandardAero and Boeing San Antonio, with industry leaders noting they “can’t say enough about the pay and it just keeps going up” for qualified aviation mechanics.

Quick Facts

Aviation Maintenance Programs Overview

ProgramDurationCost
Aircraft Structures Mechanic Level 1 Certificate18 months$4,916
Aircraft Turbine Mechanic Level 1 Certificate18 months$4,752
Aircraft Mechanic Airframe Level 2 Certificate12–15 months$7,920
Aircraft Mechanic Powerplant Level 2 Certificate12–15 months$7,920
Aircraft Technician Powerplant, A.A.S.24 months$10,560

Notes: Costs shown use the figures provided and reflect in-district estimates including the program fee where indicated.

Certificate Programs

Level 1 Entry Certificates (5 semesters, ~18 months)

Aircraft Structures Mechanic Level 1 Certificate (28 credit hours) This introductory program provides foundational skills in aviation maintenance, preparing students for helper positions in the industry.

The curriculum covers shop practices, aviation science, aircraft sheet metal work, and basic electrical systems.

Estimated tuition: $3,892 (28 credits × $109 in-district + $67 program fee × 28 credits = $4,916 total).

Aircraft Turbine Mechanic Level 1 Certificate (27 credit hours) This specialized certificate focuses on turbine and reciprocating engines, covering theory and overhaul procedures. Students gain hands-on experience with modern powerplant systems through 570 hours of directed practice.

Estimated tuition: $3,823 (27 credits × $109 in-district + $67 program fee × 27 credits = $4,752 total).

Level 2 Professional Certificates (3 semesters, ~12-15 months)

Aircraft Mechanic Airframe Level 2 Certificate (45 credit hours) This advanced program prepares students for FAA Airframe Mechanic certification, covering aircraft systems, electrical components, and inspection procedures.

Estimated tuition: $7,920 (45 credits × $109 in-district + $67 program fee × 45 credits = $7,920 total).

Aircraft Mechanic Powerplant Level 2 Certificate (45 credit hours)
Students receive comprehensive training in both reciprocating and turbine engines, preparing them for FAA Powerplant Mechanic certification.

Estimated tuition: $7,920 (45 credits × $109 in-district + $67 program fee × 45 credits = $7,920 total).

Associate Degree Programs

Aircraft Technician Powerplant, A.A.S. (60 credit hours, 4 semesters, ~24 months) This comprehensive associate degree combines technical aviation training with general education requirements, including courses in composition, mathematics, economics, and physics.

Estimated tuition: $10,560 (60 credits × $109 in-district + $67 program fee × 60 credits = $10,560 total).

Curriculum

Coursework includes:

AERM 1205 – Weight and Balance
Introduces FAA-required principles for weighing aircraft and computing weight-and-balance. Students practice making accurate calculations and recording compliant maintenance entries to ensure safe operational limits.

AERM 1208 – Federal Aviation Regulations
Covers how to find, interpret, and apply FAA and manufacturer publications, forms, and records. Emphasizes mechanic privileges and limitations to ensure regulatory compliance in daily maintenance.

AERM 1303 – Shop Practices
Builds proficiency with hand tools, precision measurement, and aircraft hardware identification. Includes fabrication of fluid lines/tubing plus testing, heat treating, and structural inspection with strong safety focus.

AERM 1310 – Ground Operations
Introduces aircraft servicing for fuels, oils, and hydraulics; towing and securing procedures; and use of external power. Adds cleaning and corrosion control techniques anchored in standard safety practices.

AERM 1315 – Aviation Science
Applies math, physics, and technical drawing to aircraft systems and operations required for A&P foundations. Students connect core scientific principles to real maintenance tasks and schematics.

AERM 1357 – Fuel Metering and Induction Systems
Develops skills to inspect, troubleshoot, and service fuel metering and induction systems on reciprocating and turbine engines. Topics include carburetors, heat exchangers, airflow, and cooling with consistent safety procedures.

AERM 1414 – Basic Electricity
Explores aircraft electrical theory and practice, including series/parallel circuits, inductance/capacitance, and magnetism. Students convert AC/DC, read diagrams (including solid-state/logic), and service batteries using proper safety methods.

AERM 1351 – Aircraft Turbine Engine Theory
Surveys turbine engine history, operating theory, and servicing. Covers lubrication, instrumentation, APUs, and exhaust systems with emphasis on safe maintenance practices.

AERM 1444 – Aircraft Reciprocating Engines
Examines development, principles, and operation of reciprocating engines. Includes engine instruments, lubrication, and exhaust system fundamentals within a safety-first framework.

AERM 2351 – Aircraft Turbine Engine Overhaul
Provides comprehensive training in inspecting, disassembling, reassembling, and replacing turbine engine sections and components. Stresses troubleshooting, performance analysis, and adherence to safety standards.

AERM 2547 – Aircraft Reciprocating Engine Overhaul
Covers complete overhaul procedures for reciprocating engines, including measurement, inspection, removal/installation, and repair. Emphasizes conformity checks and safe, methodical practices.

AERM 1456 – Powerplant Electrical
Focuses on theory, operation, and maintenance of powerplant electrical systems. Students work with ignition, starting, and fire protection systems while applying rigorous safety protocols.

AERM 2352 – Aircraft Power Plant Inspection
Delivers in-depth methods for airworthiness and conformity inspections on powerplant systems. Reinforces regulatory compliance, documentation, and safety considerations.

AERM 1340 – Aircraft Propellers
Covers propeller design, function, and construction, plus servicing and repair of fixed-pitch, constant-speed, and feathering systems and governors. Includes removal, balancing, and installation procedures with a strong safety emphasis.

Curriculum and Hands-On Training

The programs utilize a milestone course structure with hands-on training in state-of-the-art facilities featuring real aircraft donated by industry partners. According to recent reports, the college’s fleet includes 10 small planes and two helicopters, with significant donations from Boeing San Antonio, Southwest Airlines, and prominent community members.

Students work with engines from various eras, learning that while technology advances, basic aircraft engine designs remain rooted in mid-20th century principles.

World-Class Facilities and Industry Partnerships

The aviation program operates from a comprehensive hangar facility at St. Philip’s Southwest Campus, featuring aircraft ranging from Cessna trainers to commercial jet engines worth millions of dollars.

StandardAero, which recently raised $1.44 billion in its IPO, has established strong partnerships with the college and even created its own 12-week training program to supplement the local workforce pipeline, with nearly 130 graduates since launching in spring 2024.

Special Features and Student Success

The program offers multiple entry points including a high school Aerospace Academy for junior and senior-level students, and traditional cohort programs for adults with no prior aviation experience.

Recent curriculum updates align with new FAA Airman Certification Standards, replacing decades-old Practical Test Standards and requiring students to apply knowledge in varied scenarios rather than just memorize content.

The college reports strong job placement rates, with graduates quickly hired into positions starting at approximately $35 per hour, and the program maintains two annual start dates in fall and spring semesters.

Industry Demand and Career Outlook

With San Antonio’s aviation industry experiencing unprecedented growth, StandardAero alone employs 850 workers locally and plans to become the company’s largest location within five years. The program addresses critical workforce shortages, as traditional providers like Hallmark University and St. Philip’s couldn’t graduate enough technicians to meet demand, leading to innovative industry partnerships and expanded training capacity.

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