Training Center Breaks Ground

By Phyllis Jacobs Griekspoor, The Wichita Eagle, Kan.

Mar. 18–Steady rain dampened the earth and the air but not the spirit as government officials and technical education and aviation leaders celebrated the groundbreaking for the new national center for aviation training at Jabara Airport on Monday.

To avoid the rain, the event moved inside a Midwest Corporate Aviation hangar, where dignitaries shoveled dirt from garden pots onto a plastic mat taped to the floor.

“This is a proud moment,” said Tom Winters, Sedgwick County Commission chairman. “This is the culmination of 10 years of persistent effort.”

Sen. Sam Brownback and Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-Goddard, both addressed the crowd, vowing continued support at the federal level for the campus and the National Institute for Aviation Research at Wichita State University, which will have a presence on the campus.

Former Lt. Gov. John Moore said the campus has the potential to be the best aviation training center in the world, outclassing centers in Georgia and Montreal that currently are considered the best in North America. Moore was one of eight people who founded the Kansas Technical Training Initiative, which led to the creation of the center.

“Wichita has the advantage of the research capability of NIAR, something that gives it an advantage over any other center,” Moore said following the ceremony. “This training center will have the ability to work with researchers and aviation manufacturers on the newest technology, teach that technology to students and move them into the work force.”

The $54 million campus, slated to open in 2010, will be built in two phases. Phase 1 includes site preparation and construction of the Gateway administration building and assessment center.

Schaefer Johnson Cox Frey is the architect for the project. National Contractors will build the $7.5 million first phase of the project.

Reach P.J. Griekspoor at 316-268-6660 or at pgriekspoor@wichitaeagle.com.

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