TSTC Aviation Mechanic Programs

Texas State Technical College is FAA-certified and has delivered technical education for over 50 years. It is known for hands-on training, strong industry partnerships, and experienced faculty. All aviation programs align with FAA Part 147 requirements. TSTC’s Abilene facility features hangars, lab equipment, and aircraft for student use. Graduates benefit from strong job placement rates and connections to leading aerospace employers.

Quick Facts

Associate Degrees

Aircraft Airframe AAS Degree

  • 20 months
  • $18,420

This program is available at the Abilene, Waco, and Harlingen campuses.

Curriculum

The curriculum covers shop practices, basic electricity, welding, hydraulics, composites, and FAA regulations. Students also complete courses in rigging, inspection, and assembly. General education classes in math, writing, and humanities are included.

  • AERM 1203 – Shop Practices: Covers shop safety, use of hand tools, precision measurement, aircraft hardware identification, and fabrication of fluid lines and tubing. Includes procedures for testing, heat treating, and inspection.
  • AERM 1205 – Weight and Balance: Introduces FAA subjects on aircraft weighing, performing calculations, and maintenance record entries.
  • AERM 1208 – Federal Aviation Regulations: Focuses on understanding FAA and manufacturer publications, forms, and records, and mechanic privileges.
  • AERM 1210 – Ground Operations: Covers fuels, servicing, aircraft movement, safety procedures, external power equipment, and corrosion control.
  • AERM 1414 – Basic Electricity: Studies aircraft electrical systems including meters, circuits, magnetism, AC/DC conversion, batteries, and diagram interpretation.
  • AERM 1107 – Aviation Mathematics: Basic math for aircraft principles and FAA requirements.
  • AERM 1109 – Aviation Physics: Physics concepts applied to aircraft maintenance.
  • AERM 1112 – Aviation Drawings: Fundamentals of reading and using aviation drawings.
  • AERM 1315 – Aviation Science: Integrates math, physics, and drawing concepts for aircraft operations.
  • AERM 1347 – Airframe Auxiliary Systems: Teaches repair of steel, brass, magnesium, and aluminum using welding, brazing, and soldering techniques.
  • AERM 1345 – Airframe Electrical Systems: Covers installation, repair, and safety of airframe electrical components.
  • AERM 1350 – Landing Gear Systems: Discusses inspection, overhaul, and operation of landing gear and warning systems.
  • AERM 1449 – Hydraulic, Pneumatic, and Fuel Systems: Focuses on servicing and maintaining fluid systems in aircraft.
  • ACGM 3MNS – Gen Ed Math/Natural Science Elective: A general education elective in math or natural science.
  • AERM 1241 – Wood, Fabric, and Finishes: Covers materials, finishes, and wood structures with an emphasis on safety.
  • AERM 1243 – Instruments and Navigation/Communication: Teaches inspection and repair of navigation and communication systems.
  • AERM 1153 – Aircraft Welding: Develops skills in welding and repairing various metals used in aviation.
  • AERM 1254 – Aircraft Composites: Covers repair of composite and laminated structures including safety and storage.
  • ACGM 3HFA – Gen Ed Humanities/Fine Arts Elective: Elective in humanities or fine arts.
  • ACGM 3SBS – Gen Ed Social/Behavioral Science Elective: Elective in social or behavioral sciences.
  • AERM 1352 – Aircraft Sheet Metal: Develops skills in inspecting and forming sheet metal structures and using fasteners.
  • AERM 2230 – FAA Review – Airframe: Reviews FAA airframe and general curriculum in preparation for exams.
  • AERM 2231 – Airframe Inspection: In-depth training on conducting airframe inspections per FAA standards.
  • AERM 2333 – Assembly and Rigging: Covers assembling aircraft and rigging control systems.
  • ACGM 3GED – Gen Ed Elective: General education elective.
  • ENGL 1301 – Composition I: Teaches academic writing and critical analysis.
  • ENGL 2311 – Technical & Business Writing: Focuses on professional document types and workplace writing skills.

See curriculum details here.

Career Preparation

The program prepares students to meet FAA certification requirements and is ideal for those seeking hands-on experience with aircraft structures and systems. Graduates are eligible for FAA exams and can pursue careers in aviation maintenance at airlines, government contractors, and manufacturers.

Aircraft Powerplant AAS Degree

  • 20 months
  • $18,420

Available at all three campus locations, the program teaches turbine and reciprocating engine theory, electrical systems, powerplant inspections, and overhaul techniques.

Curriculum

  • AERM 1203 Shop Practices
    An introduction to shop safety, the correct use of hand tools, equipment and precision measurement, identification of aircraft hardware, and the fabrication of fluid lines and tubing. Emphasis on procedures for testing, heat treating, and inspection of aircraft structures.
  • AERM 1205 Weight and Balance
    An introduction to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) required subjects relating to the weighing of aircraft, the performance of weight and balance calculations, and appropriate maintenance record entries.
  • AERM 1208 Federal Aviation Regulations
    A course in the use and understanding of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and aircraft manufacturers’ publications, forms, and records; and the exercise of mechanic privileges within prescribed limitations.
  • AERM 1210 Ground Operations
    An introductory course in fuels, servicing methods, safety procedures, aircraft movement, securing and operations of aircraft, external power equipment, aircraft cleaning, and corrosion control.
  • AERM 1414 Basic Electricity
    A study of aircraft electrical systems and their voltmeter, and ohmmeter; series and parallel circuits; inductance and capacitance; magnetism; converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC); controlling devices; maintenance and servicing of aircraft batteries; and reading and interpreting aircraft electrical diagrams to include solid state devices and logic functions. Fundamentals of safety also addressed.
  • AERM 1107 Aviation Mathematics
    Fundamentals of mathematics applied to aircraft principles and operations as required by the Federal Aviation Administration for airframe and powerplant mechanics.
  • AERM 1109 Aviation Physics
    Fundamentals of physics applied to aircraft principles and operations as required by the Federal Aviation Administration for airframe and powerplant mechanics.
  • AERM 1112 Aviation Drawings
    Fundamentals of aviation drawings applied to aircraft principles and operations as required by the Federal Aviation Administration for airframe and powerplant mechanics.
  • AERM 1315 Aviation Science
    Fundamentals of mathematics, physics, and drawings as they apply to aircraft principles and operations as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for airframe and powerplant mechanics.
  • AERM 1351 Aircraft Turbine Engine Theory
    General principles of theory, history, and servicing of turbine engines to include lubrication, instrumentation, auxiliary power units, and exhaust systems. Fundamentals of safety procedures are also addressed.
  • AERM 1357 Fuel Metering and Induction Systems
    Skill development in fuel metering and induction systems used on reciprocating and turbine engines including fuel metering systems, carburetors, induction systems, heat exchangers, and cooling systems. Fundamentals of safety procedures will also be addressed.
  • AERM 1444 Aircraft Reciprocating Engines
    Reciprocating engines, their development, operating principles, and theory. Includes engine instruments, lubrication, and exhaust systems. Also addresses fundamentals of safety.
  • AERM 1356 Aircraft Powerplant Electrical
    General principles of theory, operation, and maintenance of powerplant electrical systems including ignition, starting, and fire protection systems. Fundamentals of safety procedures will also be addressed.
  • AERM 1240 Aircraft Propellers
    Fundamentals of propeller design, function, and construction. Skill development in inspection, servicing, and repair of fixed-pitch, constant-speed, and feathering propellers and governing systems. Instruction in removal, balancing, and installation of propellers and fundamentals of safety are also addressed.
  • AERM 2341 Powerplant and Auxiliary Power Units
    Advanced concepts of auxiliary power unit (APU) and powerplant systems and components. Safety procedures will also be addressed.
  • AERM 2351 Aircraft Turbine Engine Overhaul
    Comprehensive study in inspection, disassembly, reassembly, and replacement of gas turbine engines, sections, and components including operational troubleshooting, analysis, and safety.
  • AERM 2234 FAA Review – Powerplant
    Federal Aviation Administration subject matter in the General and Powerplant curricula with an emphasis on enhancing knowledge and physical skills in preparing for the FAA-required computer, oral, and powerplant examinations.
  • AERM 2352 Aircraft Powerplant Inspection
    In depth coverage of methods and procedures to perform powerplant conformity and airworthiness inspections (including one hundred hour inspections) in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations and manufacturer’s information. Safety procedures will also be addressed.
  • AERM 2447 Aircraft Reciprocating Engine Overhaul
    A comprehensive study of reciprocating engine overhaul including measurement and inspection procedures. Instruction in removal and installation, inspections, checks, servicing, repair of engines, and safety procedures will also be addressed.
  • ENGL 1301 Composition I
    Intensive study of and practice in writing processes, from invention and researching to drafting, revising, and editing, both individually and collaboratively. Emphasis on effective rhetorical choices, including audience, purpose, arrangement, and style. Focus on writing the academic essay as a vehicle for learning, communicating, and critical analysis.
  • ENGL 2311 Technical & Business Writing
    Intensive study of and practice in professional settings. Focus on the types of documents necessary to make decisions and take action on the job, such as proposals, reports, instructions, policies and procedures, e-mail messages, letters, and descriptions of products and services. Practice individual and collaborative processes involved in the creation of ethical and efficient documents.

View curriculum details here.

Credit Requirements

Students complete 60 credits, including FAA reviews and general education courses.

Career Value

This degree is ideal for individuals interested in engine-focused aircraft maintenance careers. It complements the Airframe AAS and increases earning potential when both are completed.

Certificates

Aircraft Airframe Technician Certificate (CER2)

  • 16-month hybrid option
  • $13,815.

Program Structure

It includes 45 credits and emphasizes airframe structures, electrical systems, hydraulics, and fabrication techniques. Coursework mirrors the AAS but omits general education components.

Technical Skills Development

Students gain practical skills in welding, sheet metal, wood and fabric work, and composite repairs. The program prepares graduates for the FAA Airframe certification and employment in structural aircraft maintenance.

View curriculum here.

Aircraft Powerplant Technician Certificate (CER2)

Program Structure and Cost

  • 16 months (45 credits)
  • $13,815

Technical Curriculum

It includes courses in turbine engines, reciprocating engines, electrical systems, fuel metering, and inspections. Students also review for the FAA Powerplant exam.

More curriculum details hhttps://www.tstc.edu/industry/aviation/ere.

Employment Preparation

Graduates are prepared for certification and employment in engine maintenance roles. The curriculum omits general education but maintains all technical training found in the AAS version.

FAST Trac Airframe and Powerplant Program

  • Tuition is $4,500 and includes tools, materials, and testing fees.

The FAST Trac Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) program at Texas State Technical College (TSTC) is a 160-hour, 14-week workforce training program designed for individuals with prior military or civilian aviation maintenance experience. This evening program runs Monday through Thursday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at TSTC’s Abilene campus hangar.

Certification Preparation

It prepares students to take the FAA general, airframe, and powerplant written, oral, and practical exams.

Specialized Options

Separate Airframe- or Powerplant-only tracks are also offered at $3,000 each for 100 hours of training.

Eligibility Requirements

The program is ideal for military service members using AF COOL funds, though it is not currently VA-approved. Participants must have an FAA-signed 8610-2 form to enroll. The training serves as a refresher for individuals planning to certify their skills and enter the civilian aviation industry. FAA representatives may review eligibility records onsite.

Regulatory Standards

TSTC’s aviation programs are FAA-regulated, following strict standards for aircraft technician training with instruction from FAA-certified faculty.

Facilities and Experience

The training facilities feature over 50 years of experience in providing skills-based programs through collaborative partnerships with business, industry, and government agencies. The Abilene campus houses one of Texas’ largest aviation training centers equipped with millions in instructional equipment.

Career Opportunities

Graduates have found employment with major aviation companies including American Eagle, Southwest Airlines, SpaceX, L3Harris, and government contractors for the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and NASA.