Aviation, for all its advances in technology, is a uniquely hands-on industry that requires personal interaction between pilots, mechanics, dispatchers, and their aircraft. But that does not mean there isn’t room for innovation. US Aviation Academy, headquartered in Denton, Texas, provides the type of interactive learning only seen at top-tier colleges in an accelerated, accessible format. The academy strives to bring students of all kinds into a new aviation career in a year or less.
Established in 2006 as a small flight school, US Aviation Academy has grown into one of the largest in the world with a fleet of about 130 aircraft and six flight locations. The academy’s growth is a product of professionalism, safety commitment, and training excellence. These core values have made US Aviation Academy the choice of flight training partners for colleges nationwide. They launched their first Part 147 airframe and powerplant aircraft mechanic program in 2021, and it is rapidly expanding with three locations: Denton, San Marcos, Texas, and Atlanta. In 2024, US Aviation Academy launched a dispatcher program and expects to add a Minneapolis aircraft technician location in the third quarter of 2024.
Flight School
Colleges across the country have chosen US Aviation Academy to provide their professional pilot training program due to their self-examining authority, financial stability, and professionalism. Self-examining allows US Aviation to issue FAA certificates and ratings without external designated pilot examiners (DPEs). This reduces delays in pilot training and keeps costs down. Those looking to earn their degree in aviation have options across the country, including Tarrant County College, Lone Star College, Southeast Missouri State University, Dutchess Community College, and a new partner that will be announced soon.
US Aviation, through its partnerships with six campuses across the U.S., found that college is the best choice for some, but not all. Students often felt they had to choose between an unstructured, low-touch vocational training or collegiate programs with in-depth, rounded academics but a much longer timeline. For those students who already have a degree or don’t wish to pursue one at this time, US Aviation continues to develop high-touch vocational flight training. This includes in-person ground schools, student affairs coordinators, and a growing alumni network. All these resources are in place to help dreams take flight.
“My dream of aviation started when I was a child. I grew up on a grass airstrip in a Third World country. I’ve always wanted to pursue flight and get into the airlines and never had the opportunity until now.”
Michael Ward (Southwest Destination 225°)
US Aviation’s students, whether in a degree program or training vocationally, go on to work for major airlines through its partnerships with United Aviate Academy, Southwest Airlines Destination 225°, Envoy Air Pipeline, SkyWest Airlines, and more. Pathways provide mentorship and clear goals for students to meet in order to succeed at becoming captains at their airline of choice.
“My ultimate goal is to end up at United [Airlines] and be flying with my Dad and be a father-daughter crew. That would just be amazing.”
Avery Cates (United Aviate)
Aircraft Maintenance Technician School
Although the pilot shortage has received more media coverage, the shortage of qualified aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs) is just as bad if not worse. US Aviation has felt that shortage acutely, raising wages for mechanics at the flight school by over 30 percent in the past 18 months. At the beginning of that shortage, US Aviation launched its FAA Part 147 airframe and powerplant (A&P) program. It grew faster than ever expected. The academy found that A&P schools had a similar gap to flight training. There are many great colleges providing two- and four-year aviation degree programs and unstructured apprenticeships but few accelerated, accessible programs. US Aviation launched a 12-month, FAA-approved A&P mechanic program in 2021.
The 12-month FAA Part 147 aircraft technician program offered by US Aviation is a full-time commitment. Students are on campus eight hours per day, working on both academic and lab projects. Training is hands-on as much as possible. Labs include sheet metal, composite construction, piston engine teardown, jet engine install, aircraft taxi, electrical, and much more. Every campus boasts a Learjet, high-bypass jet engine, and multiple running aircraft. Becoming an A&P aircraft mechanic is a great career for students that may have considered similar occupations in automotive repair, diesel mechanics, etc. Financing is available through a variety of student loan products as well as the GI Bill™. Written and practical testing costs are included in tuition so that students don’t have to come up with those funds after graduation.
“My hands-on experience working on cars has honed my mechanical aptitude, enabling me to quickly grasp and apply concepts in the A&P program…I am particularly drawn to opportunities that allow for travel, as I believe combining my skills with the excitement of working on diverse projects in different locations will provide a dynamic and fulfilling career path.”
Aidan Conklin
What was originally planned as a single location for aircraft mechanic training to support the flight school is expected to become four locations with almost 500 students by the end of 2024. Continuing to innovate, US Aviation Academy is rolling out night courses, a new campus in Minneapolis, and an even more accelerated full-time A&P program that will allow students to graduate in as little as eight months. These training options and innovative formats allow students from all backgrounds to become successful aircraft airframe and powerplant mechanics.
“I am a mom and one of the challenges I face is not being able to spend as much time with my daughter. We definitely make up for lost time on the weekends though. It’s a small sacrifice for a great outcome.”
Brittney Miller
Dispatcher School
In January, US Aviation launched their aircraft dispatcher program. Dispatchers join the airline industry in as little as five weeks. Dispatchers are the backbone of airline operations, matching aircraft, pilots, and routes to keep airplanes flying. This accessible course can be taken largely online for students worldwide. Airlines hire thousands of dispatchers at competitive pay along with flight benefits.
New Career in a Year or Less
US Aviation Academy believes in education’s ability to change lives. Anyone can become an airline captain, fix jets, or connect the nation by making flights happen. US Aviation programs provide access to a new career in a year or less as a pilot, aircraft technician, or dispatcher in an accelerated format with financing available. Boeing forecasts a need for 649,000 new pilots and 690,000 new maintenance technicians.
“This is a fantastic time to join the industry. No experience required.”
Scott Sykes, Chief Development Officer
To enroll, go to USAviationAcademy.com or call 940-297-6419.
