ASU showcases new aviation training facility

Yahoo

20-05-2025

SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — Angelo State University held a grand opening ceremony for the new ASU Aviation Training Facility on Tuesday, May 20.
According to ASU, the $10.2 million, 15,000-square-foot facility is located at 8450 Hangar Road on the eastern side of the San Angelo Regional Airport, 'right next to Skyline Aviation's new FBO facility, San Angelo Jet Center, where ASU student pilots undergo their flight training and where the ASU/Skyline fleet of Diamond aircraft is maintained.'
The university stated that the training facility will now serve as 'the primary hub of ASU's Bachelor of Commercial Aviation (B.C.A) degree program' and has features such as:
Large lobby modeled like an aircraft hangar
Pre- and post-flight briefing room
Large meeting room
Technologically advanced classrooms
Faculty offices
Breakroom
Advanced aircraft engine training displays
Simulator Room with six industry-standard Redbird flight simulators
Funding for the new ASU facility came from both public and private sources, including a $2 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration, a $2 million local grant from the City of San Angelo Development Corporation, a $2 million gift from ASU supporter Richard Mayer and a $4.2 million gift from an anonymous donor.
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'This new facility is more than just an expansion of our program – it's a clear reflection of the university's dedication and the unwavering support of our partners and donors,' Dr. Scott Turner, B.C.A. program director, said. 'Like all the faculty and staff at ASU, we are passionate about our students' success, and this facility allows us to deliver a dynamic learning experience that prepares them for high-impact aviation careers.'
The university said that it 'enrolled its first students in the B.C.A. program in fall 2021, produced its first graduates in spring 2024, a year ahead of schedule, and has now graduated over 30 students through the program.' It also said 'there are already 80 new students enrolled for the upcoming fall semester,' bringing the program's student total to around 250, which ASU reported is 'more than triple the initial programs.'
On top of the growth of the aviation program's student population, the ASU/Skyline Aviation fleet of Diamond aircraft has expanded from the initial eight planes to the current 27 planes of various sizes.
'The success and advancement of our commercial aviation program has surpassed even our most optimistic expectations,' ASU President Ronnie D. Hawkins said. 'We are already graduating pilots and aviation administrators who will help fill dire needs within the aviation industry, and we will soon be graduating air traffic controllers, as well. But the continued growth of our program is essential because those industry needs are not going away, and this outstanding new facility will give us even greater forward momentum as we prepare our students for careers that matter in an industry that keeps the world moving.'
The college also stated that, 'with the continued development and expansion of ASU's commercial aviation program, not only will students in the region get to stay home to prepare for fundamental roles in the aviation sector, but the program will also continue to attract even larger numbers of students from across the state and the nation.'
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