Texarkana College’s New Flight Training Program Is Ready To Takeoff

Texarkana College is expanding its aviation department with the launch of a new flight training program through its Career and Technical Training Division, according to a report presented at the December meeting of the TC Board of Trustees.

The non-credit, 16-week program is scheduled to begin in early Spring 2026 and will be based at Texarkana Regional Airport. Enrollment is open to students within the Texarkana College service area as well as those from outside the region.

Texarkana Program Designed to Meet Industry Demand

College officials say the program was developed in response to an ongoing nationwide pilot shortage. Students will receive hands-on instruction covering all core flight competencies, including pre-flight inspections, basic and advanced maneuvers, navigation, emergency procedures, night flying, and radio communications.

The curriculum prepares students to complete both the FAA written and practical exams, leading to a Private Pilot license from the Federal Aviation Administration and a certificate of completion from Texarkana College.

Vice President of Instruction Dr. Dixon Boyles told trustees the program complements TC’s existing Aviation Mechanics program by placing students in a real-world airport setting that maximizes hands-on training and workforce readiness.

Tuition, Flight Hours, and Future Expansion

Tuition for the flight training program is set at approximately $10,000, a cost officials say is lower than the national average. Students will complete a minimum of 40 flight hours, meeting the FAA’s Part 61 requirements and including both instructor-led and solo flight time.

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In related business, trustees were asked to consider allowing the college to seek approval for an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Flight, with a proposed launch in Fall 2026.

Are You Ready To Fly?

Enrollment is now open. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Kadie Allen at 903-823-3015 or kadie.allen@texarkanacollege.edu.

Log on to TexarkanaCollege.edu for more workforce information.

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