Templeton Morgan Aviation
It all begins with an idea.
The small town of Texarkana, straddling the Texas-Arkansas border, is known for its rich history and unique charm. However, when it comes to aviation, this city faced a challenge: the lack of a full-service aircraft maintenance facility. Aircraft owners, operators, and aviation businesses in the area were forced to travel far and wide to find reliable maintenance services, adding significant cost and downtime to their operations. That was until Templeton Morgan Aviation, a business founded by a returning Army veteran with a passion for aviation, opened its doors and quickly became a vital part of the local aviation community.
A Soldier's Calling and an Aviation Journey
Brandon Sanders had always been fascinated by aircraft. As a child, he would spend hours watching planes take off and land, dreaming of one day working with them. His passion only grew as he enlisted in the U.S. Army and became a crew chief, responsible for maintaining and ensuring the safety of military aircraft. His career as a crew chief exposed him to the full spectrum of aircraft maintenance — from routine inspections to more complex repairs and modifications. Over the years, he honed his skills and developed an intimate understanding of aviation mechanics.
After serving his country, Brandon transitioned to civilian aviation and began an incredible journey through different facets of the industry. His first civilian job was working on bush aircraft in Washington State, performing wheel-to-float conversions on DeHavilland Beavers and conducting acceptance inspections on Quest Kodiak 100s. This role was demanding, requiring deep technical knowledge and precision to ensure these rugged aircraft could operate safely in some of the most remote and challenging environments.
Brandon with a DeHavilland Beaver after reinstallation of the landing gear.
From there, Brandon moved into the world of heavy commercial aviation, joining a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility. At the MRO, he worked on major inspections, repairs, and modifications of large commercial aircraft, gaining invaluable experience with the complexities of high-capacity jets and the rigorous standards of commercial aviation.
Recognizing his exceptional skills, Boeing recruited Brandon to join their team, where he specialized in avionics installations and troubleshooting. At Boeing, Brandon worked on cutting-edge aircraft systems, ensuring that each plane met the highest standards of safety and performance. This role not only broadened his technical expertise but also gave him insight into the innovation driving modern aviation.
Honoring a Family Legacy
Despite his success in various roles, Brandon felt a pull to return to his roots in Texarkana. Inspired by his grandfather’s entrepreneurial spirit, he decided to name his business Templeton Morgan Aviation, honoring the Templeton Morgan Clothing Company, which his grandfather had once operated in downtown Texarkana. The clothing store was a community landmark, famous for frequently selling Stetson hats to country music legend Hank Williams. Now it houses Pecan Point Brewery, another local landmark.
By naming his business after this family legacy, Brandon hoped to pay tribute to Texarkana’s heritage while setting an example for others in the community. He believes continuing this tradition of entrepreneurship and excellence can inspire a new generation of Texarkana natives to follow their dreams, invest in the community, and help restore the city’s former glory.
Hank Williams hat, purchased at Templeton Morgan Clothing Company in Texarkana.
A New Chapter: Mentoring the Next Generation
In 2023, Texarkana College recognized Brandon's wealth of experience and his dedication to the aviation industry by hiring him as the Director of their Aviation Program. In this role, Brandon is shaping the future of aviation maintenance by instructing the next generation of aircraft mechanics. Combining his military precision, hands-on expertise, and commitment to excellence, Brandon has developed a curriculum that emphasizes both technical skill and the values of professionalism and safety. Under his leadership, Texarkana College is preparing students to meet the growing demand for skilled aviation technicians, ensuring the region remains a critical hub for aviation innovation and development.
Brandon with Tango Flight, Texarkana College’s dual credit partner.
Templeton Morgan Aviation: A Full-Service Maintenance Facility
Brandon’s diverse background — from Army crew chief to bush plane technician, MRO specialist, and Boeing avionics expert — culminated in the founding of Templeton Morgan Aviation. Located at Texarkana Regional Airport, the facility offers a comprehensive range of services, including general maintenance, Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) installations, major alterations, and repairs.
Templeton Morgan Aviation quickly earned a reputation for its exceptional service and technical expertise, filling a critical gap in Texarkana’s aviation ecosystem. Brandon’s military precision, hands-on experience, and dedication to excellence have made his business a trusted partner for regional aircraft owners and operators.
Inspiring Texarkana’s Future
Templeton Morgan Aviation is more than just a business; it is a symbol of what can be achieved when passion, skill, and a commitment to the community come together. Brandon’s journey — from Army crew chief to skilled aviation technician and finally to business owner and educator — highlights the opportunities available in aviation and the value of perseverance.
By continuing his grandfather’s entrepreneurial legacy and mentoring the next generation, Brandon hopes to inspire others in Texarkana to pursue their dreams and contribute to the community’s revitalization. Templeton Morgan Aviation and Texarkana College's aviation program represent a bridge between Texarkana’s rich history and its promising future, proving that the spirit of innovation and excellence can thrive once again in this vibrant community.
Customer aircraft ready to take off after an annual inspection.
Aircraft Maintenance Texarkana
It all begins with an idea.
Minimize Your Aircraft Downtime
Aircraft downtime can be a costly inconvenience, whether you're a recreational pilot or running a charter operation. At Templeton Morgan Aviation, we understand how critical it is to keep your aircraft in top shape and ready for the skies. Scheduling your maintenance early and preparing thoroughly can save time, money, and stress. Here’s how you can minimize downtime and maximize your flying time.
Why Early Scheduling Matters
In today’s aviation landscape, skilled mechanics are in high demand, and maintenance slots can fill up quickly. By scheduling your aircraft maintenance well in advance, you can:
Avoid Delays: Ensure your aircraft is at the front of the queue.
Plan Around Your Schedule: Align maintenance with downtime you’ve already planned, such as off-peak travel periods.
Address Issues Early: Minor discrepancies caught during inspections can prevent larger, costlier repairs down the line.
The Ultimate Downtime Minimization Checklist
Here’s a checklist to help you streamline the maintenance process and reduce unnecessary delays:
1. Schedule in Advance
Book your next inspection or routine maintenance as soon as possible. Annuals, phase inspections, or scheduled overhauls should be on your calendar months ahead.
Coordinate with your maintenance facility to determine their current lead times.
2. Prepare Maintenance Records
Organize your logbooks and ensure they are up to date.
Include detailed notes on any issues you've noticed during recent flights, such as odd noises, performance changes, or recurring alerts.
3. Pre-Inspect Your Aircraft
Conduct a thorough pre-inspection before delivering the aircraft to the shop.
Take note of any cosmetic or operational issues that you’d like addressed.
4. Communicate Your Needs
Provide a detailed list of maintenance tasks you expect, such as standard inspections, repairs, or optional upgrades.
Be upfront about your timeline requirements and discuss realistic expectations with your maintenance provider.
5. Consider Stocking Parts
If you know certain parts are nearing the end of their lifecycle, order replacements ahead of time to avoid delays caused by backorders.
Discuss with your shop whether they stock common parts for your aircraft model.
6. Align With Regulatory Requirements
Ensure you’re aware of upcoming Airworthiness Directives (ADs) or Service Bulletins (SBs) affecting your aircraft.
Discuss compliance needs with your maintenance provider to bundle tasks together.
7. Plan for Unforeseen Repairs
While routine maintenance is predictable, unexpected findings can extend downtime. Build a small buffer into your schedule to accommodate these surprises.
8. Stay Flexible
Coordinate closely with your shop. If they finish ahead of schedule, be ready to pick up your aircraft promptly to avoid storage fees.
Why Choose Templeton Morgan Aviation?
At Templeton Morgan Aviation, we prioritize efficient service without sacrificing quality. Located conveniently at Texarkana Regional Airport, we offer:
Experienced Technicians: Skilled in general aviation and commercial aircraft, ensuring high-quality work on every project.
Comprehensive Services: From inspections to major repairs, we handle it all under one roof.
Proactive Communication: Keeping you informed every step of the way to minimize surprises and delays.
Stocked Parts and Expertise: With strong vendor relationships and a well-equipped facility, we’re prepared to tackle a wide range of maintenance needs.
Book Your Maintenance Today
The sooner you schedule, the smoother your experience will be. Contact Templeton Morgan Aviation to lock in your next maintenance appointment and keep your aircraft ready for its next mission.
📞 Call Us: (903)276-9699
📧 Email: admin@templetonmorganaviation.com
📍 Visit Us: Texarkana Regional Airport (KTXK)
By planning ahead and working with a trusted maintenance provider, you can ensure your aircraft stays in the air and downtime becomes a thing of the past. Let us help you fly further, faster, and safer.