PSC Unveils $16M Aviation Training Hub at Pensacola Airport

Pensacola State College (PSC) has officially broken ground on a cutting-edge aviation mechanic training facility at Pensacola International Airport. The new $16 million project will serve as the home for PSC’s Aviation Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics Program, addressing the growing demand for skilled aircraft maintenance professionals in Northwest Florida.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, PSC President Ed Meadows emphasized the importance of this development, which is strategically located on the northern edge of the airport’s property. This new 34,000-square-foot facility will significantly contribute to the expansion of the aviation industry in the region, which includes companies like ST Engineering and Leonardo Helicopters.

The first cohort of students will begin the 18-month FAA-aligned certification program in January 2025, with temporary classes being held in an existing ST Engineering hangar at the airport. The program will train students to repair, service, and overhaul aircraft powerplant systems, helping fill the increasing shortage of skilled aviation mechanics.

Key stakeholders like Jeffrey Lam, President of ST Engineering’s Commercial Aerospace division, and Bill Hafner, VP of Operations at ST Engineering, also attended the ceremony. They presented PSC with a $100,000 check toward scholarships, highlighting the strong collaboration between the college and local aviation businesses.

The program’s funding includes support from various sources, including Triumph Gulf Coast and the Florida Department of Commerce. Once completed in 18 months, the facility will provide students with state-of-the-art training while meeting the demands of an expanding local aviation industry.

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