Airport Celebrates CTC’s New Aviation Training Facility

Punta Gorda, FL - March 24, 2026 - Charlotte Technical College (CTC), in partnership with the Charlotte County Airport Authority (Authority), Charlotte County Public Schools (CCPS) and key community stakeholders, celebrated a monumental milestone with the ribbon cutting of its highly anticipated Aviation Training Facility on March 23, 2026. This state-of-the-art facility is a pivotal step in bolstering aviation workforce development in Charlotte County and beyond.

After photos and networking, guests heard inspirational words from CCPS Superintendent Mark Vianello, CTC graduate Ryan Ayala, Charlotte County Economic Development Partnership President Lucienne Pears, and Authority Chair Robert Hancik. The local Experimental Aircraft Association also presented 20 new Huskey toolsets for students to utilize.

Situated near the PGD Air Center within the Aviation Expansion Area (PGD AviEx), the facility provides comprehensive hands-on training in Aviation Maintenance Technology, preparing students for careers as certified Aviation Maintenance General Technicians and Aviation Power Plant Maintenance Technicians. The 19,420-square-foot building features a 10,000-square-foot hangar, classrooms, labs, and modern amenities, supported by $5.75 million in state funding secured during the 2022-2024 legislative sessions.

Recognizing the critical support from Senator Ben Albritton, Representative Michael Grant, and Representative Spencer Roach, the success of this project is a testament to their dedication to education and workforce development in Southwest Florida.

Engineering was completed by C&S Companies, and construction partner Stellar Development, Inc. finished the facility in early 2026. Charlotte County Airport Authority staff managed the facility's construction, and served as the liaison for the grant from Florida's Department of Economic Opportunity.

For more information about the CTC Aviation Program, visit yourcharlotteschool.net/ctc.

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