So, You Want To Be An Airplane Mechanic? Texarkana College Has Big News

One industry that just keeps getting bigger every year is aviation, so what is in high demand right now and in the future of aviation? Pilots and Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics. Texarkana College has announced a new partnership with Texarkana Regional Airport and will soon begin training new A&P Mechanics right here in Texarkana. 

At the Texarkana College Board of Trustees meeting Monday, college president Dr. Jason Smith reported that TC’s Aviation Program is on track to kick off in the Fall 2024 with the start-up of its Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic training program. The program will be located on the airport grounds.

Paul Mehrlich, Executive Director of Aviation at TXK Airport, was in attendance and provided an update on the TC/TXK partnership.

“The Texarkana Regional Airport will be leasing an existing 23,000 square foot building to TC to operate their program,” said Mehrlich. “TC has a long history with the Airport, having previously had a flight program here in the 1970s.”

The Texarkana Regional Airport has begun work on a 20-year master plan to meet future transportation demands created by growth from regional economic development groups. Mehrlich said the long-standing partnership with TC, and the availability of space to house the training program provide great potential to help expand the Airport and provide jobs to support the aviation industry.

“The United States has been experiencing a workforce shortage in aviation mechanics and pilots which has made it difficult for our industry to grow,” said Mehrlich. “We get frequent inquiries from wide-body aircraft maintenance repair & overhaul companies looking for hangar space to operate out of, and the first question we are asked by every one of them is about their likelihood of having access to a skilled workforce in our area.”

Step One: Bring In A Program Director

“I am pleased to introduce Brandon Sanders as the Director of Aviation,” said Dr. Smith. “Mr. Sanders’ experience in aircraft maintenance perfectly aligns with our airport’s need for an A&P specialized training program to help with its upcoming expansion plans. We are confident that Mr. Sanders is a good fit for our program, and we are excited to welcome him back to his hometown.”

Sanders is an A&P mechanic who grew up and learned how to fly in Texarkana. At age 18, he left the area to work on combat aircraft in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a civilian, Sanders has worked in general, heavy commercial, and, most recently, in aviation manufacturing as an Experimental Radio Frequency & Microwave Technician at Boeing.

Step 2: Bring In The Equipment and Tools

“All A&P schools must be certificated by the FAA to begin training prospective aircraft mechanics for careers within the aviation industry,” said Sanders. “We have begun our FAA certification process and will submit our formal application before the end of the year.”

After certification by the FAA, enrollment can begin to train towards becoming a certified airframe and powerplant mechanic.

For more information about TC’s Aviation program, email Brandon Sanders at brandon.sanders@texarkanacollege.edu.

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