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area. We were very pleased with the turnout,” area is in line with the University’s statewide
Clark said. aviation mission and the School of Aviation’s
strategic plan.
The ceremony was attended by University
President Christopher Blake, Macon-Bibb Mayor Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert
Robert Reichert, Macon-Bibb Industrial Authority said, “Our airports are already economic drivers
Chairman Cliffard Whitby, state legislators, for the region, and I’m delighted the Downtown
county commissioners and University officials. Airport will now serve as another way to attract
They gathered to celebrate an agreement in students to the area. Expanding the use of our
which: airports is part of our consolidated government’s
strategic plan, and it’s thrilling to include our
The University will expand flight instruction, newest University in that effort.”
which is now offered only in Eastman. Middle
Georgia State will offer courses in flight training, Whitby, chairman of the Macon-Bibb County
ground school and fixed-base operations in newly Industrial Authority, said,
renovated facilities at the Downtown Airport.
“The University’s expansion and opera-
The Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority tions at the Macon Downtown Airport will
will lease the facilities – including classrooms and serve not only its students and faculty but
hangar space – to the University for up to eight will also enhance viability of the airport for
years. The University also agreed to manage a our corporate partners and aviators, all while
fixed-base operation and fuel farm at the airport. providing valuable training for Georgia’s
renowned aerospace workforce.”
Clark listened to the ceremony and was very
pleased. Classes at the Macon airport will begin in
January 2016; students are being accepted now.
“Expanding what we’ve been doing for so many Initially, aircraft based in Eastman will be used for
years – and doing so well – in Eastman makes this the training in Macon. Additional employees and
an exciting time for all of us,” he said. aircraft purchases are anticipated as the program
grows.
In expanding the flight instruction, Middle
Georgia State anticipates attracting additional Growth of the School of Aviation is forecast in
students from the Middle Georgia and Atlanta its strategic plan, which was submitted to the
areas who seek the flight instruction offered by University System of Georgia Board of Regents in
the state’s only public higher education aviation July. The plan provides a multi-year approach to
program. review and adjust existing aerospace and aviation
academic programs in Georgia and establish other
“We have the aircraft and skilled personnel satellite learning locations through statewide
offering this kind of instruction right now to expansion.
students in Eastman,” said President Blake.
“It just makes sense for us to expand those Opening the Macon flight training center is one
operations and also offer these programs to of the first moves in that expansion plan. The
larger population centers.” University is leasing 5,100 square feet of
classroom and office space on the first floor of the
The Macon/Bibb operations will be a satellite airport’s main building, plus 6,100 square feet of
learning facility, building on the strong hangar space. The Industrial Authority has
foundation of the School of Aviation on the remodeled the building and also will install a new
Eastman Campus. Expanding to the Macon/Bibb heating system and lights, among other
improvements.
t
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Fall 2015 MIDDLE GEORGIA STATE TODAY 11
