WHEELING, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Marshall University and West Liberty University have unveiled plans to establish an additional location of Marshall’s renowned Bill Noe Flight School on the campus of West Liberty University.
The announcement was made on Thursday at Wheeling-Ohio County Airport.
Classes at West Liberty University are scheduled to commence in the fall of 2024.
The expansion of Marshall University’s aviation program to West Liberty University’s campus aims to bolster the production of skilled aviators, aligning with Marshall’s mission of providing high-quality talent for one of today’s most sought-after professions.
Bill Noe, Marshall’s chief aviation officer, expressed the significance of this partnership, stating, “This new location will be fully equipped with technologically advanced Marshall University airplanes and a top-tier flight instructor team. It will serve to enhance Marshall’s mission while opening doors to the opportunities available in the aviation industry for the talented professionals from West Virginia.”
The collaboration between Marshall and West Liberty universities endeavors to establish West Virginia as a prominent hub for aviation. The intention is to create a platform that solidifies the state’s standing as the premier location for training future aviators in the country.
Bill Noe also mentioned that additional sites for the aviation program are currently being developed and will be announced soon. Notably, Marshall’s aviation program has gained recognition for its strong emphasis on safety and state-of-the-art technology, facilities, and capabilities.
The program goes beyond certification requirements by promoting student development in professionalism, service, integrity, and attitude.
Dr. Cathy Monteroso, West Liberty’s interim president, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are pleased to join forces with Marshall University and work towards positioning West Virginia as the premier aviation state. This collaboration will provide excellent opportunities for students in our region to secure high-demand careers.”
Marshall University’s aviation program was officially launched in the fall of 2021 and aims to address the projected need for commercial pilots in the United States over the next two decades. The program offers comprehensive ground and flight courses that lead to various FAA certifications, preparing graduates for careers as commercial pilots.
Once fully operational, the Marshall University Bill Noe Flight School is projected to enroll over 450 students annually and produce approximately 80 commercial pilots per year.
Marshall’s aircraft fleet includes the advanced Cirrus SR20 planes, which are single-engine aircraft widely recognized for their industry relevance. These state-of-the-art aircraft are equipped with cutting-edge avionics, such as large display screens, Garmin-outfitted instrumentation, synthetic vision technology, and all-digital Bluetooth audio, engine, fuel monitoring, and weather and traffic monitoring systems.
Notably, the planes also feature a parachute system that can be deployed in emergencies, further emphasizing the program’s unwavering commitment to safety.