Aviation & Avionics

This industry plays an important supporting role in the regional economy, with approximately 750 aviation sector jobs, 2,000 direct industrial jobs on the airport’s industrial park, and indirect employment in the thousands through the oil-and-gas industry. It also features 20 other aviation businesses.

The Houma-Terrebonne Airport at Augustus Brown Field is a general aviation airport that boasts a 6,500-foot and a 5,000-foot runway along with 1,000 acres of adjacent industrial land. The airport has three fixed base operators (FBOs) and three helicopter operators, which mainly serve the oil-and-gas industry.

The parish is well positioned to capture rising demand in the U.S. aircraft, engine, and parts manufacturing industry, and already one local company is manufacturing turnkey parts for aerospace. Among available incentives for investment include Foreign Trade Zones for advantageous duty schedules.

Within the region, the oil industry remains a key part of the aviation sector, as helicopter pilots and mechanics are needed to service offshore drilling facilities. Other opportunities include maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations; drone manufacturing; and navigation and avionics systems manufacturing. Already, Fletcher Technical Community College offers a drone pilot program that prepares students to test for an FAA Part 107 Unmanned Aircraft System certification.

Assets:

• Centrally located for regional and national markets
• Presence of FBOs and helicopter operations
• Long runways and ample capacity at Houma-Terrebonne Airport
• Availability of post-secondary vocational training
• Availability of on-the-job training assistance
• Within half-hour of major university/college
• Opportunity to create A&P program at FTCC
• Availability of manufacturing processes
• Availability of tax credits, incentives, and low-interest loans
• Availability of labor training incentives
• Low rate of unionization in local labor force
• Opportunity to retain resident workers within the region
• Existing drone pilot course at community college
• An existing local pool of high-demand occupations
• Quality of place assets: availability of all types of housing, low cost of living, cultural activity, recreational opportunities, medical facilities