Kent State trustees OK a master plan for the university airport • Plan calls for the facility to operate as a flight-training school pending Federal Aviation Administration approval

The Kent State University trustees has approved keeping the university’s airport operating as a pilot-training facility with no changes to runway lengths or other assets.

In 2004, the trustees voted to close Kent State’s airport. But the Federal Aviation Administration rejected that decision because the airport had accepted grants requiring it to remain in operation. Since then, the airport has become a highly respected flight-training facility.

Aileen Maguire-Meyer of C and S Companies helped develop the new airport master plan. She says it is built around a growing need for new pilots and more flight training.

“There’s a change in the aircraft being used as well as schedules. The majority of the pilots who are there today are reaching retirement age. There’s also changes to the FAA’s requirements for pilot training -- so in general, an increased need for pilots."

There are more than 200 students in Kent State’s flight training program. The FAA must still approve the new master plan.

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