ҹèÊÓÆµ breaks ground on Aviation hangar

$7 million facility will allow college to train more pilots

Media are welcome to cover the invitation-only groundbreaking ceremony, set for 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at the aviation facilities on ҹèÊÓÆµ’s Aero Park campus, 2600 Aero Park Drive.

Architectural rendering of ҹèÊÓÆµ Aviation Program hangar expansionArchitectural rendering (download high-resolution version)TRAVERSE CITY – ҹèÊÓÆµ will break ground for a new aviation hangar on October 7, marking a significant milestone that is testament to ҹèÊÓÆµ's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the Grand Traverse region and the aviation industry.

The new hangar will expand the college's aviation facilities and increase its capacity to train pilots by 25 to 40 percent. It is also the first project in ҹèÊÓÆµ's 10-year campus master plan, ҹèÊÓÆµ Thrive. This investment reflects ҹèÊÓÆµ's dedication to providing high-quality education and preparing students for successful careers in aviation. Presently ҹèÊÓÆµ’s Aviation program enrolls 50 students per year, but has a up to a two-year waitlist.

Architectural rendering of ҹèÊÓÆµ Aviation Program hangar expansionArchitectural rendering (download high-resolution version)"We are incredibly grateful for the support of our state and federal legislators, donors, and community partners who have made this project possible," said ҹèÊÓÆµ President Nick Nissley. "This expansion demonstrates ҹèÊÓÆµ's responsiveness to the needs of our region and our ability to deliver results."

The current hangar is 48 years old. The renovated, 40,000 square foot hangar will feature state-of-the-art facilities,, and a secure facility to store and maintain the college's growing fleet of technically advanced aircraft. Total project cost for the hangar is $7 million. ҹèÊÓÆµ matched a $3.75 million state grant. The project also received $550,000 in federal funding.

ҹèÊÓÆµ Aviation has a proven track record of success, with graduates experiencing 100 percent job placement. As the demand for skilled pilots continues to grow, ҹèÊÓÆµ is committed to providing the necessary training and resources to meet the industry's needs. The college is also a leader in the growing field of uncrewed aerial systems.

ҹèÊÓÆµ Thrive, the campus master plan guiding development for the next 10 years, was adopted by the Board of Trustees in June. The plan lays out a decade-long vision of renovations and construction and is estimated to cost between $164 and $235 million. Expansion of the Aviation facilities and program are also part of the college’s strategic plan adopted in 2022.

Media are welcome to cover the invitation-only groundbreaking ceremony, set for 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at the aviation facilities on ҹèÊÓÆµ’s Aero Park campus, 2600 Aero Park Drive.

Release date: SEPTEMBer 27, 2024

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President, Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019 (o)
(231) 392-6082 (mobile, text preferred)

 

 

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