A new aviation training facility is set to take off at Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, thanks to the final $1 million in funding secured through JobsOhio’s Site Inventory Program Grant.

The project, led by the Western Reserve Port Authority (WRPA), will provide hands-on training for aspiring pilots and aviation mechanics, equipping them with the skills needed to enter the high-demand aviation industry.

According to WRPA Executive Director Anthony Trevena, the expansion comes at a crucial time. He says the Youngstown Flight School has continued to grow, with students completing solo flights and advancing in their training. However, space limitations have made it difficult to meet demand, making this new facility a key addition.

The program is also in the early stages of finalizing a partnership with Youngstown State University (YSU). While the curriculum has already been approved, officials are still working out the details of the agreement.

Joe Maxin, the lead flight instructor at Youngstown Flight School, says the program will provide training at all levels, from private pilot licenses to multi-engine certifications, with access to state-of-the-art simulators and professional-grade aircraft.

"This is a fantastic opportunity," said Alexa Sweeney Blackann, Interim CEO of Lake to River, which helped secure the final funding. She emphasized that the training center will not only prepare future pilots but also help fill critical workforce gaps in aviation, including advanced air mobility and mechanics training.

Economic development leaders believe this project will help strengthen workforce development in the region, offering opportunities for high school students, college students, and career changers looking to enter the aviation industry.