McEachin Announces Grant to Support Aviation Training Programs in Virginia

Richmond - Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) announced a grant award of $474,000 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to the Virginia Space Grant Consortium to create a precollege pipeline for potential aircraft pilots.

The project will provide students with both a free online course through the Virginia Community College system and a free 12-day immersive residential experience with ground and real flight instruction. The project will also provide professional development for teachers to instruct relevant courses.

"This funding is quite significant and timely as the airline industry and the demand for trained pilots continues to grow," said Rep. McEachin."Community colleges, four-year universities, and flight schools around the state will benefit from this funding. With these outstanding programs and the many collaborators, this will provide great opportunities for Virginia students interested in aviation. Moreover, this program will help train students in the Commonwealth to be prepared for good-paying and valuable jobs."

###