Legacy Aviation Learning Center Receives FAA Certification

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - Nov. 28, 2023 - PRLog -- Legacy Aviation Learning Center received its official Air Agency Certificate, number LALT669K, under the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA's certification process ensures that the organization complies in all respects with the requirements of the Federal Aviation Regulations relating to the establishment of an Air Agency.

Kenneth D. Hinzman, Office Manager, GL09, Grand Rapids Flight Standards District Office, shared, "We are excited for this new school to begin, and are here to help Legacy Aviation through the early years of their development. Ensuring safety, knowledge, and skills are taught to the FAA standards is critical, and the team here has proven they're capable."

The non-profit school is the vision of its co-founders and pilots, Dan and Peg Jonkhoff and Matt and Lauren Golba. Established out of the need for aviation maintenance technicians nationwide and a commitment to creating robust job opportunities in the region, the school was founded earlier this year.

Supported primarily by the founders and buoyed by an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant for $500,000 by the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners, the dream of Traverse City being home to a FAA training center is now a reality. "We are training the men and women who will fill the essential job openings negatively impacted by COVID-19, developing our local community, keeping the U.S. economy running, and ensuring America remains first in aviation world-wide," said Peter Lane, Executive Director & CEO.

The FAA's certification process evaluated regulatory compliance, curriculum, faculty credentials, facilities, equipment, and learning materials. Legacy Aviation Learning Center is authorized to offer instruction to its first cohort of students, beginning in January 2024.

"We are proud to represent Traverse City and Northern Michigan as the only FAA certified AMTS. Our faculty, curriculum, and job placement assistance will give students the support they need to elevate their careers, earning $80,000-$100,000 in their first year," said Lane.

Applications are being accepted through December 15th for the inaugural 25-seat cohort. Cost covers tuition, fees, Snap-On aviation specialty tools, textbooks, and learning management software for $35,000; financial aid is available.

Lane also noted, "We thank Kalitta Air for donating a Boeing 727-100 aircraft to be used for turbine engine training. Students will work closely with Kalitta's maintenance facilities team on heavy equipment, ensuring career-readiness. We're proud to name our primary classroom in their founder's honor, The Connie Kalitta Classroom."

To learn more or to apply, visit https://www.legacyaviation.org/ or contact 231.600.7626.