Written by Jerry Underwood

(Black PR Wire) For the first time since 1946, Tuskegee University has reinstated flight training at the historic Moton Field, marking a significant milestone in aviation education for Alabama and the nation.

This revival is made possible through a partnership with Republic Airways’ Leadership In Flight Training (LIFT) Academy, which aims to cultivate a new generation of aviators.

Moton Field, renowned as the training ground for the Tuskegee Airmen — the first African American military aviators in U.S. history — now serves as the base for this innovative program.

The collaboration between Tuskegee University and LIFT Academy not only honors this rich legacy but also addresses the contemporary need for skilled pilots in both commercial and military sectors.

“Tuskegee University is proud of its heritage of training pilots who serve our country,” said Dr. Mark A. Brown, the university’s president and CEO. “As North America faces a pilot shortage of about 130,000 in the next 20 years, our new degree program will prepare aviators to serve their country through the defense or commercial aviation industry, which is in need of rebuilding pilot programs to meet the demand.”

Bob Smith, the Alabama Department of Commerce’s point man on aerospace, emphasized the broader importance of the program on the sector’s growth prospects within the state, including its rural areas.

“This initiative is a powerful example of how Alabama’s history and future can come together to create opportunity,” Smith said.

“By bringing flight training back to Moton Field, we are not only honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen — we are also investing in workforce development that will shape the next generation of aviation professionals,” he said.

The program offers students a dual pathway: a bachelor’s degree in aviation science from Tuskegee University and a commercial multi-engine pilot license through LIFT Academy.

Training encompasses classroom instruction, flight simulators and hands-on experience with a fleet of Diamond DA40 and DA42 aircraft equipped with advanced glass cockpit technology.

LIFT said 15 students enrolled in the initiative’s first class, with expectations for growth as the program gains national attention. Tuskegee University anticipates that students can complete their flight training in as few as three years within the four-year academic program.

Beyond technical training, the program emphasizes community involvement and professional development. The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals is establishing a collegiate chapter at Tuskegee, providing mentorship opportunities.

Additionally, partnerships with the FAA and other organizations are being pursued to offer internships and advance career pathways for students.

The LIFT Academy initiative, announced in February 2024, is expected to create 35 full-time aviation-related jobs in Tuskegee over three years, with an average annual salary of nearly $75,000. Furthermore, 57 certified flight instructors will contribute to the program at Moton Field.

“Tuskegee’s place in aviation history just started another chapter in American history,” said Joe Turnham, director of the Macon County Economic Development Authority.

“Moton Field, in addition to pilot training, has available land and is cultivating new opportunities for all types of aviation industries, including freight, assembly and air traffic control as well as maintenance.”

Alabama Sen. Katie Britt supported the launch of the Tuskegee University aviation program through a federal allocation totaling $6.7 million last year. The program has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges.