DANVILLE, Va. — Danville Community College is proud to announce that enrollment is now officially open for its new Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program, with classes set to begin in August 2026.
Danville Community College will initially house the Aviation Maintenance Technology program at the Sentec Building, located on the campus of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. Plans are underway for a permanent, state-of-the-art aviation training facility to be located at the Danville Regional Airport, further strengthening the program’s connection to real-world aviation operations.
Program Takeoff
The program includes an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Aviation Maintenance Technology, as well as certificate options in Airframe Technology and Powerplant Technology. The College plans to welcome an initial cohort of ten students, with the program continuing as an ongoing offering to meet long-term workforce needs. An official 'Program Takeoff' event will be held in August 2026 for local stakeholders and elected officials.
Designed to serve a wide range of students, including high school graduates, military veterans, aviation enthusiasts, and pilots, the program provides a direct pathway into a high-demand, high-skill career field.
“This program represents a major step forward in aligning our academic offerings with regional workforce needs,” said Dr. Cornelius Johnson, President of Danville Community College. “By expanding access to aviation maintenance training right here in our community, we are creating new opportunities for students while supporting the continued growth of our local economy. We are especially grateful for the partnership and support of Danville Public Schools, Averett University, and the City of Danville Airport Commission, whose collaboration has helped make this program possible.”
Local Partnerships
Danville Community College is uniquely positioned to offer this program, building on more than 60 years of delivering accredited academic and workforce training programs that support regional economic growth. Through a partnership with Averett University, students will benefit from sharing a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility at Danville Regional Airport and have the opportunity to transfer into Averett’s Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Management and Flight Operations program.
“At Danville Community College, we are committed to creating opportunities that lead to meaningful, sustainable careers," said Dr. DeAndre Howard, Vice President of Academic Affairs & Student Services. "The Aviation Maintenance Technology program not only expands access to specialized training in our region, but also opens doors for our students to enter a growing industry with strong earning potential and long-term career advancement.”
Meeting the Need
The need for locally trained aviation maintenance technicians is significant. Within a 50-mile radius of Danville, nearly 2,000 pilots operate more than 250 aircraft, including single-engine, multi-engine, and jet aircraft. Currently, many must seek maintenance services in Northern Virginia or neighboring states.
With ongoing regional developments, including the opening of Caesars Virginia, renovations at the Danville Regional Airport terminal, and increased economic activity, the demand for aviation services is expected to grow substantially. The AMT program will help ensure the region has a skilled workforce ready to meet that demand.
The program’s development has been supported by the Virginia General Assembly, which allocated $300,000 and one full-time position in Fiscal Year 2023, followed by $1.5 million and two additional positions in Fiscal Year 2024 to support planning and implementation.
Currently, the nearest aviation maintenance training programs are offered at Liberty University in Lynchburg and Blue Ridge Community College in the Shenandoah Valley. The launch of DCC’s program provides a more accessible option for students in Southern Virginia and surrounding areas.
“This program is a direct response to the needs of our region and the industries we serve," said Melissa Mann, Dean of Career and Technical Education. "Aviation maintenance offers a clear, hands-on pathway to a high-demand career, and we are proud to provide students with the technical training, industry-relevant skills, and real-world experience they need to succeed from day one.”
Graduates of the Aviation Maintenance Technology program will be prepared to enter the workforce as highly skilled aviation maintenance technicians, with opportunities to advance their education and careers within the aviation industry.
Program Leadership and Instruction
The Aviation Maintenance Technology program at Danville Community College will be led by a team of experienced aviation professionals dedicated to preparing the next generation of skilled technicians.
Márcio Couto serves as the Instructor and Program Manager for Aviation Maintenance Technology. With more than 30 years of experience in commercial aviation, Couto has held roles with ExpressJet Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines, bringing deep expertise in compliance, engineering, quality assurance, and reliability.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology and an Associate of Applied Science in Mechanics Technology, along with extensive professional training from Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer.
Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Couto is fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, allowing him to effectively collaborate across diverse teams and environments. As Program Manager and Instructor at DCC, he leads program development, ensures alignment with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards, and works closely with industry partners to deliver a rigorous, career-focused curriculum. He is committed to advancing aviation maintenance education and preparing a skilled, safety-driven workforce to meet the growing demands of the industry.
“This program is about more than learning how to maintain aircraft, it’s about building a culture of safety, precision, and accountability," said Couto. "Our students will be trained to meet the highest industry and FAA standards, while gaining the hands-on experience and technical knowledge needed to succeed in today’s aviation workforce. I’m proud to help bring this opportunity to our region and prepare the next generation of aviation professionals.”
William Robinson serves as an Aviation Maintenance Technology Instructor and brings over two decades of aviation experience spanning both military and civilian aerospace operations.
A former member of the United States Army, Robinson served for more than a decade as a UH-60 Black Hawk Crew Chief, Aircraft Mechanic, and Maintenance Test Pilot, where he played a critical role in training, evaluation, and mission readiness. His leadership contributed to a 100% pass rate during Department of the Army inspections, and he supported high-profile missions, including presidential travel operations. His military service earned him numerous commendations, including the Air Medal, multiple Army Achievement Medals, and the Sikorsky Rescue Award for lifesaving actions.
Following his military career, Robinson continued to excel in the aviation industry, holding leadership roles with Adaptive Flight, Inc., L-3 Communications, and Honda Aircraft Company. He has led large teams, managed complex flight test and production operations, and consistently delivered results ahead of schedule and under budget. Most recently, as Production Flight Test Manager at Honda Aircraft Company, he oversaw flight test operations and ensured the airworthiness and quality of aircraft prior to delivery.
In addition to his industry leadership, Robinson is a dedicated educator who brings real-world experience into the classroom.
His expertise spans aircraft systems, maintenance testing, flight operations, and program development, providing students with a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience. Known for his strategic mindset, hands-on leadership, and unwavering commitment to safety, Robinson plays a key role in preparing students for successful careers in aviation maintenance.
“Aviation is a field where there is no margin for error, and that’s exactly how we approach training our students," said Robinson. "We’re developing disciplined, safety-focused professionals who understand the responsibility that comes with this work. My goal is to give students the confidence, experience, and mindset they need to walk into this industry ready to perform at the highest level.”
Together, the program’s instructional team is committed to delivering high-quality, industry-aligned training that equips students with the technical skills, safety mindset, and real-world experience needed to succeed in aviation maintenance careers.
Ready to Register?
Questions about the Aviation Maintenance Technology program can be directed to:
Marcio Couto: marcio.couto@danville.edu or 434-797-8423
William Robinson: william.robinson@danville.edu
To get started at Danville Community College, visit danville.edu/nextsteps and fill out the interest form.
Contacts
