Only Aircraft Like It at a Louisiana College or University, Giving SOWELA Students A Leg Up in the Job Market
(Lake Charles) – SOWELA unveiled a new paint scheme for its largest plane to date, the Joint STARS E-8A Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft valued at $73 million. The aircraft was initially donated to the College by the U.S. Air Force through the Louisiana State Agency for Surplus Property (SASP) last fall and was recently repainted to match SOWELA’s colors by Landlocked Aviation. The plane retains notable elements from the original paint scheme, including the Air Force emblem and U.S. flag.
“SOWELA has a strong Aviation program with a healthy enrollment. We pride ourselves on the quality of our instructors and the up-to-date equipment and technology that is present in our classrooms and labs,” said SOWELA Chancellor Dr. Neil Aspinwall. “SOWELA is fortunate to have a large functioning jet aircraft available for hands-on training. However, after Hurricane Laura, the Boeing 727 used for training was severely damaged and no longer useful for training. After working with the Louisiana State Agency for Surplus Property (SASP), we were able to acquire one of the U.S. Air Force’s JStar Boeing 707 aircraft. We are very proud of this $73 million donation which allows our students to continue to receive hands-on training experience through the utilization of a functional large jet aircraft.”
Currently, SOWELA’s Aviation Maintenance program has 46 students enrolled, up 21% from last Fall.
The massive airborne ground surveillance aircraft is part of SOWELA’s growing fleet for its popular Aviation Maintenance Technology program. It is the only program in Louisiana to offer students a military-modified large-body turbofan aircraft for hands-on instruction. The Boeing 707 is fully integrated into each area of the FAA-certified curriculum, including Airframe and Powerplants (A&P).
Most Aviation Maintenance programs only have access to smaller planes. With the Joint STARS aircraft, SOWELA students receive training on the systems, engines and airframe components unique to the airline industry. Because of this, SOWELA students have an advantage when seeking employment after their training.
The Joint STARS is a modified Boeing 707-300 series aircraft. According to the Air Force, Joint STARS evolved from Army and Air Force programs to develop, detect, locate and attack enemy armor at ranges beyond the forward area of troops. The first two development aircraft deployed in 1991 to Operation Desert Storm and supported Operation Joint Endeavor in 1995. Team Joint STARS men and women have flown over 137,000 combat hours supporting Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force decided in December 2021 to retire the E-8 fleet, paving the way for the USAF to donate the aircraft to SOWELA.
The mission of SOWELA’s Aviation Maintenance program is to provide a hands-on learning environment and practical application of aircraft maintenance training. The program is a federally regulated Aviation Training School certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It is accredited by the Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering (ATMAE). Students who complete the program can test for FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification.
Earlier this summer, SOWELA’s Testing Center was approved to offer Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) exams. It’s the only FAA-approved testing site in Southwest Louisiana. The additional testing options allow students to take FAA exams on campus, significantly reducing the need for travel and associated costs.
A four-star job, according to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, due to educational requirements, salary and occupational outlook, Aviation Mechanics earn a typical salary of $62,000 or more with experience.
For more information, visit www.sowela.edu. Anyone needing additional assistance can contact info@sowela.edu.
About SOWELA Technical Community College
SOWELA Technical Community College provides traditional, distance, and lifelong learning experiences and awards associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates. The College empowers learners in career and technical education and enables transfer students to pursue a four-year degree, so all learners excel as globally competitive citizens. The College has been educating the region’s workforce for more than 85 years.