As Arabella Bowen grew older, her grandfather’s influence continued to shape her interests and, eventually, her career ambitions.
A holiday visit to his home near Flagstaff, Ariz., when she was 8 years old, provided an unforgettable experience inside a cockpit of an airplane he owns and maintains. Something sparked inside her that day.
Bowen, 18, of Yukon, completed the Pre-Engineering program last spring at Canadian Valley Technology Center. The college-preparatory program is designed to foster student success in engineering majors at the college level.
But there was one problem. Bowen’s heart was being pulled in a different direction.
“My grandfather’s passion definitely laid the foundation,” she said. “Growing up around his enthusiasm gave me an early respect for aircraft and how complex they are.”
Initially, Bowen chose Pre-Engineering because she enjoys problem-solving. But as her interest in aviation grew, she realized she wanted something more hands-on. She subsequently enrolled in CV Tech’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program for adults at the El Reno Campus.
“As I went deeper into the program, I realized I didn’t only want to design systems on paper, I wanted to be hands-on with the machines themselves.”
Bowen is currently immersed in one of three main curriculum components called “General.” Coursework, which follows strict Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines, includes airframe structures, airframe systems, reciprocating engines, propeller systems and gas turbines. The “Airframe” and “Powerplant” portions are the two other main parts of the program. They prepare students to sit for the FAA’s Airframe and Powerplant (or A&P) certification examination.
CV Tech’s program boasts a 97.3% FAA exam pass rate, ranking 13th nationally among comparable schools. Certified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) technicians can work on U.S.-registered aircraft anywhere in the world.
“Mainly, what I’ve learned so far is that there’s no such thing as a small detail,” Bowen said. “That’s whether it’s double-checking torque values, properly safety-wiring a bolt or inspecting a control cable. Every action directly impacts human lives.”
The program has taught Bowen the importance of slowing down, consulting official technical manuals rather than relying on memory and taking pride in doing the job right the first time.
Her career plans are now focused on aviation. She expects to complete the program in Winter 2027.
“The program gives you the exact hands-on experience and system knowledge needed to build a solid career keeping aircraft safe and airworthy.”
Her chosen field also offers significant opportunities close to home. Oklahoma’s aerospace industry employs more than 250,000 people across 1,300 companies. It ranks as the state’s second-largest industry, behind energy, and generates an estimated $52.5 billion in annual economic impact, according to Oklahoma.gov.
Nationally, the median wage for aircraft maintenance technicians is $38.40 per hour, or nearly $80,000 annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment in the field is projected to grow 6% through 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
Enrollment for CV Tech’s adult Aviation Maintenance Technology program at the El Reno Campus is currently underway for a January 6, 2027, start. To apply, contact Director of Counseling, Dr. Kristi Stephens, by email at kstephens@cvtech.edu or by phone at (405) 422-2252.
