Gov. Nathan Deal recently announced that the Technical College System of Georgia will establish an Aviation Academy to support the needs of the aerospace industry in Georgia. This new academy will operate at Silver Comet Field at the Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport.
 
“Technical jobs in the aviation industry require very specific training in unique facilities like the one that has been proposed in Paulding County,” said Matt Arthur, Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia. “This Aviation Academy will be a tremendous asset to our economy because it will ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers for years to come.”
 
Georgia companies and industry partners applaud the Governor’s efforts to support this thriving industry.
 
"We applaud the state's commitment to fund the Paulding Aviation Academy,” said Joe McDermott, Managing Director - Cabin Maintenance, Training and Support Services for Delta Air Lines. "As a growing number of Delta aviation maintenance technicians become retirement eligible, it is imperative that we become more focused on our talent pipeline. Delta has the good fortune of having some of the best, most talented maintenance technicians in the industry and by having a school like the Paulding Aviation Academy nearby, we're expanding the pipeline for Delta's future workforce."
 
“Gulfstream applauds this important investment in tomorrow’s aviation workforce. As one of the largest employers of A&P technicians in Georgia, we know first-hand what a great career path this is and how important it is for our industry to have a strong pipeline of well-trained talent. This is a win-win for Georgia’s citizens and the state’s robust aviation industry,” said Jay Neely, vice president for public affairs, Gulfstream.
 
“The funding for the aviation academy will answer the growing demand for a skilled workforce in one of our state’s high demand industries,” said Katie Kirkpatrick, Chief Policy Officer, Metro Atlanta Chamber. “The education offered here will lead to high-paying jobs for thousands of Georgians. Even in his final days as governor, Gov. Deal is working to improve our state’s No. 1 business climate and we encourage legislators to support his vision for the aviation academy.”
 
“Georgia’s aerospace industry sector is thriving as we are home to more than 800 aerospace companies,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “The Aviation Academy will provide the companies that call Georgia home access to a trained and skilled workforce so they can continue to expand their business, accelerate development and maintain a competitive edge in the global marketplace.”
 
Chattahoochee Technical College will oversee operations and build a new facility to house the Aviation Academy, where students will train in aviation mechanics and maintenance.
 
Currently, there are seven FAA-certified aircraft maintenance training programs in Georgia, five of which are affiliated with TCSG institutions. Georgia ranks fourth in the nation for the number of individuals employed in the aviation field and job growth outlook for the industry exceeds national averages over the next 10 years.