BANGOR, Maine — Maine Instrument Flight, a flight school based in Augusta since 1946, has opened a new location at the Bangor International Airport.
It’s now the only place people in Bangor can train in aviation.
"Bangor represents a pretty great opportunity for us to reach the northern half of Maine," Chad Morris, owner and CEO of Maine Instrument Flight, said.
Partnering with the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA), the school is offering students at UMA's Bangor campus the chance to earn bachelor’s degrees in aviation.
"Our students are equipped with the skills, confidence, and adaptability to thrive in an industry that is vital to Maine and beyond," Jenifer Cushman, president of UMA, said.
Cassie Bates, a graduate of UMA's aviation program, is one of two instructors teaching in Bangor. Inspired by her grandfather to become a pilot, Bates finds joy in the adventure of flying and teaching others.
"It’s beautiful. I feel like every day is different. It teaches me so many different things," Bates said.
She spends her days taking students into the air and sharing her expertise.
"The greatest part of it is just seeing something click one day and see them just figure it out," Bates said.
According to Morris, there’s a nationwide shortage of pilots, so getting more people interested in the field is important.
"There’s going to be a need for new pilots in the country, and flight schools like ours are the way to get there," he said.
Maine Instrument Flight is also working to recruit veterans for the Bangor program.
Veterans can receive fully-funded flight training through the Department of Veterans Affairs. That’s how Morris, who served in the Navy for 12 years, became a pilot.
"We’re here to educate the community, the veteran community in particular, and be available to provide that service if they’re interested," Morris said.
The school hopes to welcome its first veteran trainees to the Bangor program next fall.
Looking ahead, Morris said he aims to expand aviation training to more UMA campuses across the state.