AC’s Aviation Program Fuels Local Flight Groups with Graduates

Amarillo College’s Aviation program continues to soar — not only in reputation, but in real-world results, supplying a critical pipeline of workforce-ready talent to regional aviation companies like Haven Aviation Services Group.

“Our Aviation Maintenance program is widely recognized for its strong partnership with Bell, which reflects the high standards we uphold in technical training,” said David Hall, dean of Amarillo College’s East Campus. “What’s equally exciting is the growing demand for our graduates across a broad spectrum of aviation employers. This program offers a direct route to a rewarding career for students with the aptitude and drive to excel in aviation repair and mechanics.”

Through a combination of rigorous coursework and strategic internships, graduates like Clayton Skarke and Bryson Barnett are making their mark long before graduation. As part of the aviation program, they study topics such as Aircraft Sheet Metal and Assembly and Rigging, then transition into paid internships with local employers in their second year.

Few know their value better than Travis Lamance, CEO of Haven ASG, who said nearly half his Amarillo-based workforce came through AC’s program.

“We’ve got a really good gig going with Amarillo College,” Lamance said. “We start interviewing and working with students part time while they’re still in school. So when they graduate, they’re already up to speed on how we operate. Guys like Clayton and Bryson have been particularly strong—Clayton’s got a talent for electrical troubleshooting, and Bryson’s already a team lead managing a crew. They’ve moved up quickly and are vital pieces of our operation.”

Under the direction of Terry Smith, a certified Federal Aviation Association (FAA) Designated Mechanic Examiner, one of 369 nationally, the program trains students to be safe, skilled, and job-ready. Smith’s FAA certification also allows students to test and certify their work on site at Amarillo College — a rare and valuable opportunity.

“One of the great things about aviation is that it’s a life-changing career and economic opportunity,” said Smith, who also holds the FAA Inspection Authorization and is an Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic. “We build more than technical skill—we help students develop critical thinking, communication, and leadership abilities, too.” 

Barnett echoed the others’ praise for the opportunities within AC’s program.

“I wouldn’t have landed the job at Haven without the certificates I earned through AC’s Aviation Program,” Barnett said. “The hands-on training and support we get here set you up to succeed from day one.”

Skarke emphasized the aspects of the program that made it the right fit for him.

“AC’s Aviation Program helped me achieve one of my career goals—earning my Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificates—locally, affordably, and on a timeline that worked for me,” Skarke said. “With A&P certifications, you’re equipped to work almost anywhere in the country.”

Lamance emphasized how vital programs like AC’s are as the aviation industry faces growing technician shortages.

“What Amarillo College is doing—especially since Terry took the lead—has made a real difference. We used to have to spend a year teaching new hires how to actually work. Now, thanks to this program, they come in already work-ready. I can’t say enough good things about it. It’s become one of our best tools for building the team we need.”