FAA approves SWTJC as a certified general and airframe training school
The FAA is the governmental body of the United States with powers to regulate all aspects of civil aviation in that nation as well as over its surrounding international waters.
According to Johnny Guzman, dean of the school of applied sciences, the college has been in the approval process for the last two years.
"A few years ago, a group of Del Rio community leaders and Laughlin Air Force Base officials approached SWTJC with the idea to initiate an aviation maintenance program, said Guzman" The goal was to provide a workforce for the increasing demand for aviation mechanics specifically for the base in Del Rio. It has been a long road. We began the application process back in 2018, so you can imagine the joy we felt after learning we were finally approved."
According to Guzman, the FAA 147 curriculum-based program is a Level 2 Certificate program for those who desire to gain knowledge and skills in the airframe mechanics field.
Students will learn skills in aviation shop practices, ground operations, aviation science, basic electricity, landing gear systems, and airframe inspection, along with shop safety, servicing, and general operating procedures.
Instructors for the airframe mechanics program are Thomas A. Mitchell and Eloy Sifuentes of Del Rio.
Mitchell is a licensed Airframe and Powerplant Technician with a Bachelor's Degree from Hallmark University in Professional Aeronautics. Sifuentes is a 1994 graduate of Hallmark University with an Associate in Aviation Maintenance Technology and has over 30 years of experience in the aviation maintenance field.
The airframe mechanics program prepares and qualifies students to take FAA mechanic's exams for the general airframe license. Once students have completed the program, they will be able to seek entry-level employment in airframe mechanic related fields.
The first cohort began classes this year on Jan. 6 in Del Rio. Classroom lectures are conducted at the Del Rio campus, while lab instruction is taught at the Del Rio International Airport.
According to a May 2018 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was $62,920.
Individuals wanting general information about the airframe mechanics program at SWTJC can contact Mitchell at tmitchell23200@swtjc.edu.