(ABILENE, Texas) – Coltton Johnson hopes his journey will continue a family tradition.
The first-year Aircraft Powerplant Technology student at Texas State Technical College is following in his father’s footsteps. The Idaho native arrived in Abilene after his father retired from the U.S. Air Force and began working for Eagle Aviation Services.
“I have been around planes my whole life,” he said. “I wanted to make working in aviation a family tradition.”
While Johnson has not yet started working on the aircraft at the TSTC hangar, he knows that will be the best part of the program.
“I like the hands-on aspect of this program. I appreciate what we are learning right now because it keeps us on track,” he said. “All of the material is laid out really well.”
Johnson said he is working to obtain his associate degree and knows his father is always willing to help. His Air Force and Eagle experience is helping Johnson during lectures.
“He has worked with me a little. But he wants me to learn what I need to know,” Johnson said. “I sometimes ask him general questions, but always have to make sure I know the answers.”
One piece of advice that Johnson’s father gave him when he started still resonates with him.
“My dad told me that if there is anything that is considered Federal Aviation Administration material in the course, I need to study it and know it,” he said. “I make sure that I know it.”
Being around aircraft before he started classes paid off early for him.
“I felt well prepared for the start of school,” Johnson said. “I am going to study everything to make sure I succeed.”
Johnson said being able to walk into the hangar and see students working on planes is helping him work harder.
“My choice to attend TSTC is better than I could have ever expected,” he said. “I am glad I chose to follow my dad in the aviation field.”
For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.
