PIA’s $1.5m Expansion Set for Takeoff at Airport

VIENNA, Ohio – Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics plans to invest $1.5 million and construct a new building at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, the school announced today.

A press conference and groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday at PIA’s airport campus to mark the start of construction, and to announce the school’s purchase of its Youngstown Campus building

The new building will house electrical and welding classrooms, an aeronautics lab, administrative offices and a conference room. The campus will also include a student resource center that houses a computer lab and publications library.

“Our expansion is a pivotal first step in the significant renovation and expansion of the learning environment and technology available to our students,” said Suzanne Markle, executive vice president of PIA. “Ohio has a strong history of aviation, and PIA continues to play a large part in the growth and development of the aviation industry.”

Phase I of the project is expected to be finished by Dec. 1, and the second phase completed by March 1, she said.

Sidock Group Inc. , Novi, Michigan, will serve as architect, engineer and project manager for the build, while Jack Gibson Construction Inc., Warren, will serve as general contractor on the project.

As part of the expansion, PIA will acquire the building and land previously owned by the Western Reserve Port Authority.

“Residents and employers of the region are fortunate to have the specialized training that’s available at PIA,” said John Moliterno, executive director of the Western Reserve Port Authority. “Their presence makes it possible for young people in the Mahoning Valley to stay here for the type of training that can lead to high-demand careers as well as attract new people to the area.”

Since 2006, PIA’s Youngstown campus has trained certified and ready-to-work aviation maintenance technicians through a 16-month diploma program. PIA’s hangar includes specialized shop areas for aircraft propulsion systems, electricity, sheet metal, hydraulics, instruments and controls, composite materials, non-destructive testing, welding and painting.

Pictured: Rendering of construction project.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.