Templeton Morgan Aviation
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.
