What’s happening: A groundbreaking ceremony for a new aviation hangar on Northwestern Michigan College’s Aero Park campus was held on Monday, Oct. 7. The $7 million project will increase the college’s capacity to train new pilots while providing a more modern facility for a program that currently utilizes a 48-year-old hangar.
Why it’s important: The aviation program at Northwestern Michigan College is a popular one, enrolling 50 students each year. There is currently a two-year waiting list to enroll in the program, which has a 100 percent job placement rate for its graduates. A nationwide pilot shortage underscores the project’s potential impact in Michigan and well beyond.
What it does: NMC expects the new facility will increase its capacity to train pilots by anywhere from 25 to 40 percent. The hangar will also provide a secure facility for storage and maintenance of the school’s growing fleet, which includes both planes and uncrewed aerial systems, or what’s commonly referred to as drones.
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Renderings courtesy of Northwestern Michigan College.
The groundbreaking also represents the first project to take off as part of NMC THrive, the school’s new 10-year campus master plan first approved in June.
How they did it: The $7 million project received $550,000 in federal funding and a $3.75 million grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). NMC contributed $3.75 million in matching funds as required by the LEO grant.
What they’re saying: "We are incredibly grateful for the support of our state and federal legislators, donors, and community partners who have made this project possible," NMC President Nick Nissley said prior to the groundbreaking ceremony. "This expansion demonstrates NMC's responsiveness to the needs of our region and our ability to deliver results."
Visit Northwestern Michigan College and its aviation program online to learn more about a career in aviation. Northwestern Michigan College and its Aero Park Campus are located in Traverse City.
Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith.
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