At the Dec. 18 City Council meeting, the Columbia City Council approved an agreement for Moberly Area Community College (MACC) to lease space at the Columbia Regional Airport (COU) to establish an Aviation Technology Program.
The program will be a college-accredited FAA-certified flight school where graduates will attain an Associate in Applied Science degree (AAS). The program will include the following:
- Private pilot course
- Commercial pilot course
- Instrument rating course
- Multi-engine aircraft course
- Elective flight instructor course
The coursework also includes training in a flight simulation training device.
“As a city known for offering exceptional workforce opportunities, this partnership will expand Columbia’s offerings to further individual’s education and career development,” said Stacey Button, Economic Development director. “We are very appreciative of this partnership with Moberly Area Community College and the opportunity to positively impact the region.”
“Workforce development programs are a key priority for MACC and these programs are most effectively developed and maintained through partnerships such as this agreement between MACC, the City of Columbia, and Columbia Regional Airport. Our ability to offer an Aviation Technology program would simply not be possible without this partnership,” said MACC President Dr. Jeff Lashley.
Michael Parks, Columbia Regional Airport manager, said the agreement calls attention to the exceptional results of partnering with the local education community.
“This is a major step locally toward partnering with education to make a difference in the world of aviation right here at COU,” Parks said.
Under the two-year agreement, MACC will lease approximately 1,900 square feet of ground space at the airport’s old terminal for office space and classrooms. MACC will rent the space for $15 per square foot and will be responsible for buildout costs totaling around $287,320. The lease will begin Jan. 1, 2024 with the option to renew for an additional two years in one-year terms.
