Austin, Texas

SWAT donates extensive aircraft parts inventory to technical college

Donation will benefit students training for aviation careers

Southwest Aerospace Technologies (SWAT) recently donated a large inventory 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 is significant in that it includes a current in-service complete airframe’s worth of parts which will be used to train students aspiring to work in the aviation industry. The parts will be distributed to three of the campuses within TSTC’s system. These are 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 this generous donation will be held at the school’s Waco campus this summer.

“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.

“The aviation industry definitely has a need for well-trained professionals in a variety of capacities, including aircraft maintenance,” added Encinias. “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.”

TSTC is dedicated to meeting the high-tech challenges of today's global economy, in partnership with business and industry, government agencies and other educational institutions. TSTC graduates are highly valued by business and industry for their work ethic, knowledge and workplace skills.

“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.

“We look forward to a continuing relationship with TSTC,” said Encinias. “Aviation offers the opportunity for a rewarding career and we are committed to helping aspiring students achieve the necessary skills to be part of this dynamic industry.” In addition, SWAT will provide annual funding toward a scholarship for aviation students.