FAST Trac Airframe and Powerplant

The FAST Trac program is intended solely for people who are eligible to have their 8610-2 signed by the FAA on the basis of prior civilian or military aviation maintenance experience. Prospective students without prior aviation maintenance experience who want to get their Airframe and Powerplant licenses should enroll in our traditional college program.

The program runs four days per week, three hours per day over a fourteen-week period for a total of 160 hours of training. Upon successful completion of the training, trainees will be fully prepared to take the mandated FAA general, airframe and powerplant computer, oral and practical exams.

Airframe and Powerplant Jobs

The nationwide job market for Airframe and Powerplant technicians is continuing to grow. Texas currently employees approximately 20 percent of all aerospace workers in the United States and hosts four airline headquarters. Trainees can readily find employment locally or can seek opportunities throughout all of Texas and the United States.

Location

Training will be held on TSTC’s Abilene campus hangar located at Abilene Regional Airport. Utilizing the building’s state-of-the-art lab facilities, trainees will have access to aircraft, helicopter and tooling equipment necessary to complete both airframe and powerplant training.

Airframe and Powerplant Technician

The Airframe and Powerplant Technician accelerated program at TSTC is intensive training and prepares you for an entry-level position as an A&P technician. Technical instruction and hands-on training on aircraft systems and engine equipment gives trainees the skills necessary to begin a well-paying and rewarding career. The wide variety of skills acquired through the A&P program will be extremely beneficial since the brightest employment outlook is for generalists, not specialists.

TSTC has been providing superior skills based training programs through collaborative partnerships with business, industry, service organizations and higher education and state agencies for more than 50 years.

Brush-Up Your Skills

Prior to enrolling in the course, civilians, veterans and active service personnel that have maintained, or are currently maintaining aircraft, should possess the eligibility by the FAA to take your certification exams. However, each exam must be passed in order to receive your certifications. The exams are not only costly, but are also comprehensive for the civilian aviation industry and cover topics that you might not have the experience or background.

TSTC’s Fast Trac Airframe and Powerplant program will provide the opportunity for you to brush up on topics prior to your certification exams. The training is hands-on, technical and will provide you with practical experience needed before you attempt to take your FAA exams.

TSTC FAST Trac Airframe and Powerplant Program Structure

Cost: $4,500
Length: 160 hours
Schedule 5:30pm-8:30pm: M, T, W, Th
Start Date: Please call
End Date: Please call

TSTC FAST Trac Airframe Program Structure

Cost: $3,000
Length: 100 hrs
Schedule 5:30pm-8:30pm: M, T, W, Th
Start Date: Please call
End Date: Please call

TSTC FAST Trac Powerplant Program Structure

Cost: $3,000
Length: 100 hours
Schedule 5:30pm-8:30pm: M, T, W, Th
Start Date: Please call
End Date: Please call

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does this course cost?
The TSTC FAST Trac Airframe & Powerplant course costs $4,500. This cost covers everything from tools, materials, equipment and testing fees.

Do I need to bring my own tools or supplies?
No. We supply tools, flash drives and any other supplies necessary for the class.

How long is the class?
Each evening class is 14 weeks long for a total of 160 hours of training.

When is the class held?
Classes are held Monday through Thursday, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

When does the next class start?
Currently, we offer the TSTC FAST Trac Airframe & Powerplant class three times per year.

Additional classes, including hybrid classes, will be announced soon.

Where is the class held?
At the TSTC hangar on the Abilene Regional Airport:

1717 Navajo Trail, Abilene, TX 79601

I am in the military and would like to know if I can use my benefits to pay for the class?
Yes. Currently, we accept the following methods of payment:

AFCOOL funds: Please talk with your N.C.O.I.C. to make sure that your experience and knowledge as an aviation mechanic meet the guidelines for your career path. AFCOOL will provide up to $4,500 to cover the cost of the class and is designed for active duty service members in the Air Force.

Can I use my Hazelwood or GI Bill funds?
Currently, this program is not authorized to receive VA funding. However, you may still use your AF COOL funds.

When can I apply for my AF COOL Funds?
Once an invoice is generated by TSTC, you can begin the process. You will need to upload your invoice as well as your Form 8610-2 FAA and any other paperwork that AF COOL requests. The AFCOOL website will prompt you at each step that must be taken.

What if my separation date happens during the class?
You will not be eligible for AF COOL funds. Your separation must occur 180 days after the end of class date.

How much are the fees to take my computer, oral and practical exams?
The testing fees for the 3 exams in each of the general, airframe and powerplant sections total $1,200 and are included in the course cost.

Where do I go to test?
The TSTC testing center in Abilene. Although you can technically test at any testing center that is authorized by the F.A.A., using the TSTC testing center guarantees that your testing fees, included in your class tuition, will be covered. For more information, or to schedule your test, please contact:

Francis Gross, Testing and Support Services
325-734-3641
mfgross@tstc.edu

When can I begin testing?
Technically, if your 8610 has been signed off by the F.A.A., you can take your tests any time. However, the purpose of this class is to prepare you for your tests by reviewing information that you are already familiar with as well as information on topics that you may not have knowledge or experience in; yet, are covered in the exams.

Our instructors suggest that after you complete each section of the class (General, Airframe, and Powerplant), take your written/computer tests immediately.

If I fail one of my exams, can I make it up?
Yes. However, the course cost for the class includes only the first attempt at each exam. Any exam that you need to re-take must be paid for by you.

Can anyone sign off on my 8610?
The F.A.A. is the only authorized signatory on the 8610.

If you have registered for the TSTC FAST Trac Airframe & Powerplant course and your TBA records have been approved by your N.C.O.I.C., TSTC will contact the F.A.A. to come to Abilene and review/inspect your records. The F.A.A. will verify if each participant is eligible to be in the class.

Another option is to schedule a time with the F.A.A. at their location review and sign your 8610. You can contact them at: (800) 858-4115

Who can I talk to at TSTC to find out more information?
Please contact:

Cindy Brunett
325-734-3658
ckbrunett@tstc.edu