Southern Air Services opens A&P prep school

Arkansas Business, April 20, 2009

Southern Air Services Inc. opened Arkansas' first airframe and powerplant prep school earlier this year at Conway for those interested in obtaining an A&P license.

An A&P license allows mechanics to work on the airframe and powerplant of an aircraft.

Before it opened, Arkansans interested in attending an A&P prep school had to travel to locations such as Nashville, Dallas or Oklahoma City.

"Southern Air Services promotes the general aviation and aerospace industry in Arkansas," said Tim Tyler with SAS. "SAS is committed to providing an opportunity for future airframe and powerplant mechanics to better prepare for their FAA testing process. We feel that it essential for Arkansas to have a centrally located prep school so that we may assist in keeping our local work force in Arkansas."

The school offers students three written exams, oral and practical exam prep and a designated maintenance examiner is available. The school can accommodate up to five students a session.

The school will follow FAA-published information for teaching guidelines and takes about seven to 10 days to complete. Upon completing the program, participants may test with a designated maintenance examiner for their A&P license.

For more information, call (501) 328-7800 or visit www.sasinc.info.