Former mortuary science student soars in aviation maintenance program at TSTC

(HARLINGEN, Texas) - It did not take long for Emma Gamez to decide that a career in the funeral home business was not for her.

Gamez had studied mortuary science and even worked part time at a funeral home. But talking to a friend who had studied to be a pilot made her realize that she might be better suited for a career in aviation maintenance and steered her in the direction of Texas State Technical College.

"Our conversations reminded me about how much I liked airplanes and helicopters," she said.

Now Gamez is getting some on-the-job training at McCreery Aviation in McAllen while studying for an Aircraft Powerplant Technician certificate of completion at TSTC's Harlingen campus.

"I've worked as an aircraft technician apprentice for seven months," she said. "I help senior aircraft mechanics do tasks such as an oil change, disassemble parts, research and other duties. I also learn more about specific airplanes when the aircraft mechanics share their knowledge."

Tony Prats is director of maintenance for McCreery Aviation.

"Emma has shown her capability to be at the same level as any of my current technicians," he said. "It's great to know that women are now exploring the aviation field."

Gamez said her program experience at TSTC has been worthwhile.

"My favorite part is when I get to disassemble and reassemble aircraft parts in our labs," she said.

Leo Guajardo is team lead for TSTC's aviation maintenance program in Harlingen.

"Emma's approach to learning the complexities of an aircraft engine will give her confidence to succeed," he said.

Gamez has one goal in particular that is as far from working in the mortuary business as a person can get.

"My career goal is to earn a pilot's license so I can fly a helicopter for the government," she said.

According to onetonline.org, aircraft mechanics and service technicians in Texas earn an average of $77,640 a year. The website projected that there would be a 16% increase in the number of such jobs in the state from 2020 to 2030.

TSTC offers Associate of Applied Science degrees and certificates of completion in both Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology at its Abilene, Harlingen and Waco campuses.

Registration continues for the spring semester at TSTC. For more information, go to tstc.edu.

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