YSU and airport to host open house as work begins on flight center

In partnership with the Youngtown Warren Regional Airport, Youngstown State University is set to kick off its new aviation training program on Friday, June 27, with a ribbon cutting and open house at the airport. 

JETS FBO president, Mike Hillman told 21 News that construction crews are making progress on their aviation education center for the program. 

"They've broken ground now on some of the preliminary work; they have to move a fuel farm and move some sanitary and storm sewers. So that's underway now, and the completion date is end of 2026 into 27." Hillman said.

The program will offer hands-on training for careers in aviation, such as commercial piloting and aviation mechanics.

"The industry is starving for talent, and this is our attempt to meet that. So it's a huge win, both for folks that are looking for a job and a pathway to a career, and a huge win for the airport." Hillman said. 

Aviation leaders said the open house on Friday will give people a chance to tour the airport and view the equipment, helping prepare students for takeoff.

"We are an associate program...and you're going to be flying in semester one." Hillman said. 

The open house will start at 3 p.m. 

Students enrolled in the YSU program will start their training in Fall 2025.