The St. Philip's College Aircraft Technology Program is the primary Aerospace training resource in South Texas. The program offers traditional college courses for students seeking the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant license. It is also the only provider of customized instruction and development for business and industry, offering specialized training for new and incumbent employees. In response to labor shortages and an aging workforce, the program worked with industry and the community to create the nationally recognized Dual Credit Aerospace Academy as a feeder program for the growing aerospace presence in the Alamo region.
Program Topics
Population growth and rising incomes are expected to expand the airline industry, resulting in a 20% increase in the number of aircraft technicians through the year 2020 To meet that demand, St. Philip’s offers two-year degrees in Airframe Mechanics and Powerplant Mechanics
- As an Airframe Mechanic, students specialize in all phases of airframe construction and repair, receiving the in-depth training and preparation to work in the manufacture and repair of all aircraft-from small, fabric-covered airplanes to jumbo jets. Students study all phases of aircraft maintenance and repair, including training in fuel, hydraulic, pneumatic environmental control, electrical and flight control systems.
- In Powerplant Mechanics, students specialize in aircraft internal combustion, turbo jet, turbo shaft and turbo prop engines. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the operation, maintenance and repair of reciprocating and turbine aircraft engines and their associated systems. Systems training includes lubrication, carburetion, ignition, electrical, supercharging, induction, exhaust and propellers.
The St. Philip’s College Aircraft Technology program is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration for Airframe Mechanics, Powerplant Mechanics, and Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics.
Professional Organizations & Sites of Interest
- Sole provider of health-safety and technical training for the 1,700 employee workforce at the Boeing Aerospace Support Center
- Technical training provider for ARINC, Chromalloy, Lockheed Martin, Mooney Aircraft, M-7 Aerospace, Standard Aero.
- Training in advanced aerospace manufacturing in partnership with the St. Philip’s Manufacturing Engineering Technology program and the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center at the Southwest Research Institute(TMAC)
- Aerospace Careers Exploratory center for 13 school district and community-based organizations such as the YMCA, Good Samaritan, Gary Job Corps, Bexar County Juvenile Probation Center, Youth Opportunity Program, and the Alamo Summer Bridge Program
- Department of Labor formal apprenticeship programs in Aircraft Turbine Mechanic (Lockheed Martin) and Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (Mooney)
Professional Degrees and Certificates