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Helping A&Ps learn their craft

By General Aviation News Staff · June 2, 2021 ·

AUSTIN, Texas — Southwest Aerospace Technologies (SWAT) recently donated a number of Global Express parts to Texas State Technical College (TSTC). The parts will be used in the school’s aviation curriculum, which offers Airframe and Powerplant Technology training, as well as Avionics Technology, Pilot Training, and Aviation Management degree paths.

The donation includes a current in-service complete airframe’s worth of parts that will be used to train students aspiring to work in the aviation industry. The parts will be distributed to three of the 10 campuses within TSTC, including Waco, Harlingen, and Abilene, which are located in different parts of the state, giving students interested in an aviation career the opportunity to pursue their goals in a location convenient to them. A formal presentation recognizing the donation will be held at the school’s Waco campus this summer, according to school officials.

“We were impressed with the school’s mission and the quality of their programs,” said Kurt Encinias, president and CEO of SWAT. “Having gone through technical training and earning my A&P license back when I was starting my career, I know the importance of hands-on training.”

College officials pick up the parts at SWAT’s facility at Georgetown Airport in Texas.

“The aviation industry definitely has a need for well-trained professionals in a variety of capacities, including aircraft maintenance,” he added. “Institutions such as TSTC play a valuable role in providing students the training and education needed to be successful in their chosen field. I’m very gratified that, as a company, SWAT was able to work with the school to make this donation happen.”

“Southwest Aerospace Technologies has all our thanks for their generosity,” said Mike Reeser, chancellor of Texas State Technical College. “This extraordinary gift will ensure we continue to train best-in-class technicians with the industry-relevant equipment needed to prepare them for great-paying jobs in aviation.”

This is the largest in-kind donation the school has received to date, he added.

In addition, SWAT will provide annual funding toward a scholarship for aviation students.

SWAT is an FAA/EASA 145 Repair Station and parts supplier headquartered in Georgetown, Texas

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