Middle Georgia State University receives $3.48M to expand aviation training

The funding also includes $1 million for a student pilot fuel fund designed to help stabilize the cost of required flight training.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Middle Georgia State University will use $3.48 million in federal funding to expand aviation training programs at its Eastman Campus, according to the university.

The funding was congressionally approved with support from Georgia U.S. Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock and awarded by the U.S. Department of Education for MGA’s proposal to expand its FAA-certified flight, maintenance and air traffic control programs.

MGA says the funding will be used to purchase a new 360-degree air traffic control simulator, aircraft engines, specialized maintenance trainers and updated tools and workstations. The funding also includes $1 million for a student pilot fuel fund designed to help stabilize the cost of required flight training.

MGA President Dr. Christopher Blake released the following statement:

“This is an investment in our students and in the aviation workforce that Georgia and the nation need. We are grateful to Sen. Ossoff, Sen. Warnock, and others in the congressional delegation for their strong support of this funding, and their recognition of the key role aviation education plays in preparing the state’s workforce. By expanding our training capabilities and helping make flight training more affordable, we can open the door for more students to pursue aviation careers and ensure they are prepared to succeed when they enter the workforce.”

The university says the new equipment will give students more opportunities to train with tools and technology used in aviation workplaces. The student pilot fuel fund will help offset the cost of completing flight hours required for professional pilot training.

MGA’s School of Aviation is based at the university’s Eastman Campus and serves students pursuing careers in flight, air traffic management, aviation maintenance and aircraft structural technology.

According to MGA, the School of Aviation is one of nine schools in the country with three FAA-certified aviation programs: maintenance training under Part 147, flight training under Part 141 and an Air Traffic Control Collegiate Training Initiative program.

MGA’s air traffic management program was also the first in Georgia to participate in the FAA’s Enhanced Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative. The designation provides graduates with a more direct pathway into the air traffic control field.