Media Contact: C.C. Gonzalez-Kurz;
CGonzalezKurz@DallasCollege.edu
For immediate release — March 20, 2025
(DALLAS) — Dallas College is positioning itself to become a leading institution in aerospace education, as it announces the launch of its new Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program, set to begin April 1. The 13-month program will offer three specialized certificates in the maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft and aircraft systems. It’s designed to prepare students for successful careers as aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs), ensuring that aircraft are safe, operational and meet rigorous FAA regulatory standards.
“Dallas College is taking bold steps to ensure our students are at the forefront of one of the most innovative and essential industries — aviation,” said Dallas College Chancellor Justin H. Lonon. “By launching new programs, expanding industry partnerships and providing hands-on learning experiences, we are not only opening doors for our students but also reinforcing North Texas as a national leader in aerospace. These efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to workforce education that drives economic growth and opportunity across our region.”
Students will benefit from an industry-driven curriculum, taught by experienced instructors with years of aviation expertise. The program prepares students for FAA General, Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) exams through hands-on training in a state-of-the-art hangar located at Dallas Executive Airport. Students will also have access to modern classrooms outfitted with the latest technology at the Dallas College Workforce Center at RedBird.
“Our industry partners played a vital role in shaping the program and identifying emerging needs to ensure our students gain the skills necessary for success,” said Dr. Shawnda Floyd, provost at Dallas College. “We’re thrilled to offer these courses at an active airport in south Dallas, providing access to the aerospace industry where many of our students live.”
The regional aerospace industry comprises more than 900 companies, accounting for one of every six jobs in North Texas. The median salary for aircraft mechanics and service technicians in DFW is $40.22 per hour or $80,000 annually.
“Aerospace education is essential for maintaining our region’s status as an industry leader,” said Dr. Macario Hernandez, Dallas College Mountain View president and aviation sector lead. “It’s a win-win as we provide students with a clear pathway to high-paying, in-demand careers, and our business partners benefit from a stronger local talent pipeline. These initiatives are key to our region’s ongoing growth and competitiveness.”
With over 6,900 aircraft mechanics employed in the region, Dallas College’s AMT program is positioned to help meet the growing demand for skilled aviation technicians. To celebrate the launch of the AMT program, Dallas College is hosting several key events and initiatives this spring to engage students, industry professionals and the community.
Media partners should email
NewsTeam@DallasCollege.edu if they plan to attend any of these events:
Aerospace Expo and Summit – March 28, 2025
Dallas College will host an Aerospace Expo and Summit at Mountain View Campus from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This event will provide students, prospective students and the community with insights into the many career opportunities in the aerospace industry. The expo will feature breakout sessions on careers in airport operations, aviation crews and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The event will conclude with a live landing of the Dallas Police Department’s Bell 407GX Helicopter on campus. Register to participate in the Aerospace Expo and Summit.
Drone Workshop – April 7-11, 2025
Dallas College will partner with the Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) to offer a Drone Workshop at Brookhaven Campus. This workshop will prepare participants for FAA Part 107 Certification, which is essential for anyone operating drones commercially. Topics will include airspace regulations, weather conditions, safety and flight performance. Seats are limited. Participants must register online at Dallas College Drone Workshop Registration.
Aerospace and Aviation Hangar Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony – April 22, 2025
Dallas College will celebrate the completion of its new Aerospace and Aviation Hangar at Dallas Executive Airport at 3 p.m. This facility will be the new home for the Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program. Students will gain hands-on experience and training in the aviation maintenance field. The ceremony marks a significant milestone for the college, as it celebrates the new FAA-approved certificates in General Aviation, Airframe and Powerplant maintenance.
For more information on Dallas College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program, please visit
DallasCollege.edu/AMT.
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About Dallas College
Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025, Dallas College consists of seven campuses — Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, Eastfield, El Centro, Mountain View, North Lake and Richland — plus a dozen centers located throughout Dallas County. As one of the largest community colleges in the U.S., Dallas College offers online and in-person learning, serving more than 127,000 credit, workforce and continuing education students annually. Students benefit from partnerships with local school districts, four-year universities, industry and community leaders. Dallas College offers associate degrees and career/technical certificate programs in more than 100 areas of study, as well as bachelor’s degrees in education, nursing and software development. As the largest provider of dual credit in Texas, Dallas College serves 30,000 high school students through 63 dual credit programs.