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76th MXW partners with local schools to offer part-time training programs

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. Armstrong
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., --  Tinker has teamed up with two area schools to offer base personnel a new certification program. Held on a part-time schedule, Tinker collaborated with Oklahoma City's Metro Technology Centers and Oklahoma City Community College to host the airframe and powerplant certification program.

Officials said several areas schools offer a full-time version of the A&P certification course, but Tinker could be the first to present the course on a part-time schedule. Different from the traditional 30-hour per week requirement for 18 months, Tinker's course is offered 15 hours each week for 36 months. Classes began April 20, but new students may begin at any time, due to a rolling-admission structure.

"The 76th Maintenance Wing noticed in the past several years that there is need for a part-time A&P program and there is not one that we're aware of anywhere in the state," said Brandon Bussell, A&P program manager. "If you work at Tinker, have family commitments and other things, 30 hours a week in addition to all that is a pretty difficult thing to accomplish."

The program is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration and explores topics including fundamentals of aviation maintenance, technical mechanics and regulations, and powerplant electrical systems.

"This [A& P certification] is an industry standard and private industry uses it," Mr. Bussell said. "If Tinker wants to continue to make ourselves marketable for future workload, this course is a good thing for Tinker."

Mr. Bussell said the course is voluntary, not a mandated requirement. Eleven students are enrolled. Because it is voluntary, students are responsible for their own tuition, class materials and other related costs. But, if eligible, an individual can use student loans and financial aid resources -- military tuition assistance, the G.I. Bill and Tinker's Civilian Tuition Assistance Program -- to pay for the course. For those who qualify, CTAP will pay up to 75 percent of the tuition cost, subject to funds availability. The tuition costs $175 per credit hour for a total of $6,475.

When students complete the program, they are eligible to test for a general certification, an airframe certification, and powerplant certification. Upon completion, students also earn 37 college credit hours at OCCC. For more information, call Mr. Bussell at 734-3465.