MC announces evening Aviation Maintenance Technology classes

By Rebecca Bell
Dean of Community Relations & Special Events

For approximately 20 years, Midland College’s (MC) aviation maintenance technology program has been preparing students for careers as aviation airframe and aviation powerplant technicians. Up to this point, classes have only been offered during the day. However, due to large demand, especially by students who work during the day, the program will begin offering evening courses with the start of the fall 2012 semester.

Courses scheduled to be offered include "Shop Practices," "Ground Operations" and "Aviation Science." Students will be able to take all three courses Monday through Thursdays evenings beginning at 5:30 p.m. and ending at 10:00 p.m. Successful completion of the fall semester evening courses will enable students to obtain seven hours of credit by December 14, 2012.

All classes are held at MC’s aviation maintenance technology training hangar located at Midland International Airport, 2405 Windecker. The hangar contains state-of-the-art equipment that offers students hands-on training on actual aircraft. After successfully completing the entire 40-hour certificate program, students are qualified to take Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examinations for airframe or powerplant licenses. MC currently boasts a 100 percent pass rate for both of these licensing exams.

"A program completer who receives his or her FAA license will be able to get a job in aircraft maintenance at the general aviation level, the corporate aviation level and the airline level," said Midland College Aviation Maintenance Director Thomas Branon. "In addition, MC aviation maintenance completers are currently working with turbine-powered compressors in the oil and wind energy industries and in the military. Our former students are also working with elevator companies and as general mechanics in several other fields. Jobs are plentiful, and Midland College students are found to be well-trained and disciplined. Entry-level salaries range from $15 to $22 per hour and advance rapidly to annual salaries of $80,000 to $125,000."