2026-2027 Official University Academic Catalog 
    
    May 04, 2026  
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2026-2027 Official University Academic Catalog

Department of Applied Aviation Sciences

Dr. Richard Hellings, Chair 

 

    

Aviation Maintenance Science

The Aviation Maintenance Science curriculum is math-science based and is designed to give students a thorough understanding of the increasingly complex systems found in aircraft. This Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved curriculum leads to certification as an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic.

Included in the FAA approved curriculum are the following courses, ENGR 1311 , DSTC 1203 , MATH 1203 , and all AVTC courses. To satisfy FAA requirements, each of the approved curriculum courses must be successfully completed. Lecture courses have sectional tests that must be passed with a minimum score of 70%, and laboratory courses have required projects that must be completed to passing standards. Additionally, students must score a minimum of 80% on a comprehensive exam during the last semester of AVTC courses. Upon successful completion of the comprehensive exam and all FAA approved courses, students will receive a certificate of completion and will be authorized to take FAA oral, practical, and knowledge examinations leading to the A&P certificate.

Successful completion of one of the following: MATH 1203 , MATH 1503 , MATH 1604 , or MATH 1903  is a prerequisite to all AVTC courses except AVTC 1001 /AVTC 1003 - Foundational Concepts Of Aviation Studies , and AVTC 1401 /AVTC 1403 - Aircraft DC Electricity  which can be taken as corequisites. Additional prerequisite corequisite requirements are listed with each course description. Course sequence and prerequisite requirements are strictly enforced due to FAA requirements.

The Aviation Maintenance Science, B.S. major is designed for students interested in obtaining the FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic certificate. This high level program of study will prepare students for a leadership role in a number of different aviation related fields. By combining this in-depth study of aircraft systems with concentrations of their choosing, students can tailor their education to fit their particular interests and career goals.

Students may combine selected aviation maintenance science AVTC courses with a major in Engineering Technology. The course requirements are listed in the Engineering Technology section of this catalog. (Engineering Technology degree programs do not lead to the A&P certificate.)

Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificate Requirements

Mission Aviation

LeTourneau University has a long heritage of preparing students for service as missionary pilots and technicians. Mission aviation organizations visit the campus regularly, meeting with students and providing input into the A&P mechanic training program. Students interested in working with a missionary organization in an aviation maintenance capacity may enroll in the Mission Aviation, B.S. degree plan. The coursework provides students with the knowledge and skill base that is needed to earn their FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate (see the section concerning Aviation Maintenance Science). Additionally, students also take courses that provide insight into cross cultural missionary work and Christian ministries in general. Students interested in serving as a missionary pilot - mechanic should refer to the Flight Science Department section for more information about our Mission Aviation, B.S. degree.

Transfer of A&P Certificates

Students who hold an A&P certificate and wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree at LeTourneau are encouraged to do so. However, to ensure that the Aeronautical Science graduate is a product of our program, transfer students who already hold an A&P certificate must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours of AVTC courses with a grade of C or better. The specific AVTC courses that will be required are determined on an individual basis by the Department of Applied Aviation Sciences after a personal interview. In each case, the courses selected are those that will be the most beneficial to the student. In some cases, testing may be required to document knowledge and skill requirements. After completing the 15 credit hours of AVTC courses, students who have obtained their A&P certificate through formal training (FAA approved school) in a college level* program will be granted transfer credit for the remaining AVTC courses. Students who have obtained an A&P certificate through other means will be allowed to bypass the remaining AVTC courses. The credit hours from bypassed courses do not count toward the minimum credit hour requirement for the various degrees. Transfer students who have completed some but not all of the requirements for the A&P certificate at another institution are evaluated on an individual basis.

* College level is determined by one or more of the following: 1) The institution is accredited by a regional accrediting association; 2) College level entry requirements are met by all students; and 3) The institution offers a broad selection of course work in general studies involving liberal arts, math, and science. We cannot grant college credit for course work which is offered at the vocational level.

Aircraft Dispatch Certificate

LeTourneau University has an FAA approved Aircraft Dispatch certificate program. Students who earn the Aircraft Dispatch certificate can work as an aircraft dispatcher with an airline or corporate flight department. The role of an aircraft dispatcher is to work together with the pilot to ensure the successful outcome of each flight while staying within the rules that the FAA has set forth. As part of their job the aircraft dispatcher will collect and analyze data needed for each flight, perform weight and balance calculations, determine fuel needed, evaluate weather, identify appropriate routes and alternative airports, and monitor each flight while in progress.

Not only does this certificate provide the needed background to have a great career as an aircraft dispatcher, but it also provides a solid aviation background for someone wanting to pursue an Air Traffic Control position with the FAA. A large percentage of the courses needed to obtain this certificate are part of any degree containing the flight curriculum and thus the student would only need to take two elective courses (Aircraft Dispatch 1 and 2) to be eligible to take the FAA Aircraft Dispatch practical exam.  The Aviation Management, Aircraft Dispatch Concentration, B.S. (AVMD) degree contains all the courses that are needed to take the FAA exam. Due to FAA regulations, a student must have reached the age of 21 before taking the Aircraft Dispatch 1 and 2 courses to earn their FAA Aircraft Dispatcher certificate.

Aviation Management

The Aviation Management, B.S.  degree is designed for the student who wants to pursue a management and/or leadership role in one of the thousands of airports or aviation businesses worldwide.

Aviation Studies

The Aviation Studies, B.S.: Online  degree is designed to provide a path to degree completion for students who have already earned significant credit in an aviation field. This degree is only offered online. To be eligible, students must have completed a minimum of 15 hours of aviation-specific credit before enrolling. This is especially helpful for students who have served in the military, taken aviation courses as part of that service, and who desire to go to the next level and earn a bachelor’s degree. The flexibility of the program makes it very transfer friendly. Students will study both aviation and business management. Aviation courses include aviation law, aviation safety, and human factors. Business management courses include organizational behavior, financial analysis, and human resource management.

 

Majors

    Bachelor of Science

    A Bachelor of Science degree may be granted in the following areas:

    Minor

    A Minor may be selected from the following areas:
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