Ozarks Technical Community College has officially launched its new Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) program, a state-of-the-art aviation mechanics training program designed to address the rapidly growing demand for skilled aircraft technicians.
The newly approved program will allow students to earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Aviation Airframe and Powerplant Technology and will prepare them for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) written, oral and practical examinations for certifications as Airframe and Powerplant technicians.
Set to begin in Fall 2025, the new program is designed to meet the workforce needs of the expanding aviation industry. It is the only one of its kind within a 100-mile radius of Springfield and is wrapped with the well-known benefits of Ozarks Tech – high-quality instruction, affordable tuition, various financial aid options, and meaningful student support and advisement.
“This program signals an important evolution to the aviation education we offer students in Southwest Missouri,” said Ozarks Tech Chancellor Hal Higdon. “Airframe and Powerplant professionals are in high demand, and our teams have worked diligently to bring this program to the college. We are excited to dedicate the new Roy Blunt Aviation Training Center and for our students to experience this program.”
As the aviation industry experiences a surge in demand for aircraft maintenance professionals, Ozarks Tech’s A&P Program is poised to play a critical role in closing the skills gap. The program will train students in the maintenance and repair of aircraft structures (airframes) and engines (powerplants), encompassing a range of machinery from traditional piston-driven engines to modern turbine engines.
The Roy Blunt Aviation Training Center, located near the Springfield-Branson National Airport former airline terminal, is scheduled to host its grand opening ceremony in June 2025 and officially open to students shortly after. The center features four classrooms, two lab rooms, and an expansive 11,000-square-foot hangar with mobile class zones. Students will have access to a fleet of aircraft, including a helicopter and four airplanes, one of which is a King Air with twin turbo propeller engines. The program will also incorporate advanced training systems in fire suppression, autopilot and instrumentation, landing gear, and other essential aircraft systems – providing a comprehensive, hands-on education.
“The establishment of this program provides a unique opportunity for students to learn this valuable trade,” said Department of Aviation Technology chair Kyle McKee. “We are prepared to supply a skilled workforce to meet the needs of both existing and emerging aviation businesses in the region.”
Ozarks Tech’s A&P Program is made possible through strong partnerships with local and national stakeholders and marks a major milestone in the college’s commitment to providing students with excellent training for high-demand careers. The program has received funding from federal, state, county, and city sources. Additionally, partnerships with Springfield-Branson National Airport, Worldwide Aircraft Services, Envoy Air, and Jack Henry and Associates have been instrumental in bringing this initiative to life. Approval from the Department of Education is pending and once approved, will ensure students have access to financial aid.
For more information about the A&P Program, including enrollment details, visit https://programs.otc.edu/aviation-airframe-and-powerplant/.