New Flex Pod Hangar to Enhance SUNY Schenectady Aviation Program

NY – Students in the Aviation Science Program at the Schenectady campus of the State University of New York (SUNY) will soon have their own airplane hangar and classroom space on the field at Schenectady County Airport (SCH). Ground was broken in June on a hangar structure containing four pods, each of which will be 56 x 53 feet. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of October 2022, with funding provided by the New York State Department of Transportation. Schenectady County is providing the funds for the two aviation pods.

The SUNY program will occupy two of the pods, one for aircraft housing and the other for coursework instruction. The space represents a significant addition to the college’s facilities. Students learn to fly in Piper and Cessna aircraft with the actual flight and ground instruction being provided by Westfield Flight Academy and Richmor Aviation. The Aviation Science program has been very successful since it began in 1997, winning regional flight team competitions and sending numerous pilots on to commercial airlines. Students graduating from the program are prepared to transfer to a baccalaureate program, and the pilot option provides a substantial head start toward a Private Pilot certificate. There is also a non-pilot option for those aspiring to careers in aircraft maintenance or airport management, as well as an Air Traffic Control Option for those interested in that career path.