Huntington Times

Marshall University and Greenbrier Valley Airport have formed a partnership to create a new satellite flight school at the airport. This collaboration aims to provide a Part 61 flight training program in response to the increasing demand for aviation professionals.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Marshall University to bring this aviation training program to the Greenbrier Valley,” said Martha Livesay, director of Greenbrier Valley Airport. “This is a significant milestone for the airport and our entire region.”

The initiative allows residents of the Greenbrier Valley and surrounding areas to pursue aviation careers locally. The partnership between Marshall University and Greenbrier Valley Airport represents progress in expanding aviation education in southern West Virginia, offering local access to high-quality flight training as the industry faces growing needs for qualified personnel.

“Marshall University is committed to collaborating with partners across the state to help meet the demand for pilots,” said Nancy Ritter, chief of aviation operations at Marshall’s Bill Noe Flight School. “It’s estimated more than 400,000 flight professionals are needed in the next 20 years and by working with airports like Greenbrier Valley we can provide the necessary training.”

Marshall will conduct comprehensive on-site flight training for licenses, while other components of its Professional Pilot B.S. degree program will be available online through the university. The airport will supply facilities including classroom space, briefing rooms, and hangar space for Marshall's aircraft.

The program welcomes both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking candidates.

Marshall currently operates at Yeager International Airport in Charleston, Wheeling-Ohio County Airport in Wheeling, Martinsburg at Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport, and now Lewisburg at Greenbrier Valley Airport.

Enrollment is open now. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the website for more information and application details.

*The Professional Pilot program is not eligible for Veterans Affairs benefits at this time.