Missouri, USA – Moberly Area Community College (MACC) has completed renovations at the former Columbia Regional Airport terminal, paving the way for the launch of a new aviation training program by fall 2026. The facility — the airport’s former passenger terminal — is being converted into classrooms, offices, and a simulator room. A flight simulator installation is scheduled in the coming months.
- Todd Martin, MACC President, emphasized that existing Missouri pilot training programs — at Ozarks Technical Community College, the University of Central Missouri, and Southeast Missouri State University — are at full capacity. “There was no program in the central and northern part of the state,” he said.
- Additionally, Ed Longoria, Director of the Aviation Commercial Pilot Program, highlighted both the program’s quality and long-term ambition, including potential future expansion into aircraft maintenance training — another critical area facing workforce shortages.
- Over 100 individuals have expressed interest, but the inaugural cohort will be limited to 24 students. Applications open February 2026, with admission decisions by April.
- The two-year program will confer an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, alongside an FAA Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Certificate, with 250–300 flight hours upon graduation.
- Federal financial aid will be available to students enrolled in the program.
Source: MACC
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