Flint Bishop Airport is excited to announce the opening of a new business and flight school. Crosswinds Aviation is the newest tenant at the airport. Not only is it another new business to the area but it is one that will hopefully help fill a nationwide shortage for pilots. Crosswinds is partnering with the Genesee Career Institute to offer a high school flight program to Genesee County students. Roughly thirty students started the High School Flight Program.
The United States is facing a serious shortage of airline pilots which has and continues to impact regional airports like Flint Bishop. “We are in need of young aspiring aviators and we are very hopeful Crosswinds Aviation will help spur excitement in our region about aviation career opportunities,” said Nino Sapone, Interim Airport director.
Austin Sawicki, a Powers High School Senior, and Kelcie Stevens, a Grand Blanc High School Senior, are in the first class at Crosswinds. Kelcie has been interested in aviation for several years now and is thrilled this new class will expose her to different parts of the industry, “I really want to fly a plane - even if I can’t be a commercial pilot, but I would like to.” Like many other students, Austin was on a waiting list for the class. “I’ve wanted to be a pilot for as long as I can remember. My mom found out about this class and I wanted to sign up immediately.”
The students will have an introduction to many aspects of the industry along with 10 hours of free simulator time and computer-based ground training. Matt and Andrea Dahline own and operate Crosswinds which has two other locations in the state. Their high school program is one of few like it. “Usually about 50 percent of the students actually pursue aviation careers. And many of them wouldn’t have otherwise been exposed to aviation,” said Matt Dahline.
