The aviation industry offers a wide range of different career options including aircraft manufacturers, researchers, air safety specialists, businesses involved with military aviation and, increasingly, companies that design, produce and/or make use of drones.  Significant growth in aviation jobs is expected due to increased aircraft maintenance requirements, as well as a shortage of mechanics and pilots due to retiring Baby Boomers.    A 2016 report by Boeing shows that 42% of the pilots currently flying for the major airlines in the US will reach their mandatory retirement age of 65 within the next 10 years.  

Texas is one of the top three states for aerospace manufacturing jobs.  Average annual income for an aerospace and aviation industry employee in Texas is $84,300.   The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that aircraft equipment mechanics and technicians will show a 3 % job growth from 2018 to 2028, with a 6 % job growth for airline and commercial pilots.  

With the opening of HCH Aviation, development at the A. L. Mangham Jr. Regional Airport has taken flight.  As a proud SFA alumna and woman-owned business, HCH Aviation has an exclusive partnership with Stephen F. Austin State University to provide professional pilot training as part of the university aviation flight training initiative.

Following the dynamic growth of HCH’s flight school, the Civil Air Patrol Powered Flight Academy, and increased military usage, the city submitted to TxDOT a new terminal area plan that will invest over $14 million in airport improvements.  The airport is primed for growth with over 600 undeveloped acres including over 70 acres aviation compatible parcels, giving aviation related commercial, industrial and logistics development top priority.