STIVERS, REGIONAL LEADERS CELEBRATE EKU AVIATION BUILDING GROUNDBREAKING
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 19, 2024)—Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, along with regional leaders, held a groundbreaking ceremony for Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) new flight training center at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport (CKRA) on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
The $25 million facility, funded by Kentucky’s General Assembly, is expected to be completed by early 2027. State leaders spoke at the event, including Senate President Robert Stivers and House Speaker Pro Tem David Meade, R-Stanford.
“The addition of the EKU Flight Training Center to the already successful EKU Aviation program will enhance the Commonwealth's ability to serve Kentucky’s students and continue to elevate Kentucky’s place nationally in the high-demand aviation industry,” said Stivers. “The General Assembly’s $25 million investment affirms our commitment to being a leader in the aviation field.”
The new facility will replace two outdated trailers that currently house the EKU Aviation program at the airport and support the program’s unprecedented growth. As the only university-based flight program in the Commonwealth, EKU Aviation boasts a current enrollment of more than 460 students and a 100% job placement rate.
“Kentucky’s economy relies on aviation. The funding of the EKU Flight Training School is an investment not only for our EKU students, but for those businesses and organizations where aviation is critical to the supply chain,” said Meade. “Our support of the EKU Aviation program ensures the over 430 EKU students working on flight, aviation management and unmanned aircraft degrees are successful at moving our economy forward.”
CKRA in Madison County, the third busiest airport in the state, is home to EKU’s Aviation program. The new training center will provide updated facilities, ensuring EKU Aviation students receive state-of-the-art training and graduate ready to enter the workforce. The updated flight center will include space for:
● Flight instruction
● Flight briefing
● Flight planning and weather briefing
● Scheduling and dispatching
● Office space for EKU’s flight team
● Designated pilot examiner rooms
● Space to host Safety Stand Downs
● Hangar and maintenance space for aircrafts
● Flight simulator lab
● More realistic simulations for the aerospace management program
Once completed, the new flight training center will be the first facility aircrafts will see upon flying into the airport.
“The new flight training center represents a pivotal step forward in EKU's commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “At a time when the aviation industry is experiencing critical pilot shortages, this facility not only equips our students with cutting-edge resources but also positions them to meet the growing need for skilled professionals in the aviation field.
In addition to the new flight training center, EKU’s Aviation program was awarded $3.5 million in federal funding in April to construct a general aviation terminal. EKU will be matching $1 million of the funding awarded, bringing the total funding to $4.5 million.
Recently, EKU became the 12th university in the nation to partner with Allegiant Air to offer an Accelerate Pilot Pathway Program, offering students a fast track to the airline industry. EKU offers concentrations in professional flight, aerospace management and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for students interested in a career in the aviation industry.
