By Michael Futch
SANFORD – A family-owned aviation company has moved its central North Carolina operation from Fayetteville to Sanford with expectations of expanding.
Dillon’s Aviation Inc., which offers flight training and aircraft rentals, is now based out of Raleigh Exec, the corporate and general aviation airport in northwestern Lee County. The business leases a hanger.
Before changing locations earlier this summer, the company had run the satellite flight school for about eight years from Fayetteville Regional Airport.
Dillon’s Aviation maintains company headquarters and a full-service maintenance shop at Pitt-Greenville Regional Airport in Greenville.
In Lee County, the business “has better access to the Research Triangle,” said a news release from the Lee County Economic Development Corp. The Lee County airport is about 15 miles from a segment of Interstate 540 scheduled to open in January.
“This was really a chance to have our own facility,” site manager Shannon Lyman said in the release. “Before, we had a small classroom, but now we have an office area, conference room and more space for our aircraft. Being close to Raleigh, Cary and Apex was appealing, as well.”
Dillon’s offers training toward pilot certificates. In the release, Lyman says the company is particularly attractive for veterans because instructional programs are approved to receive funding through Veterans Affairs benefits and the N.C. Tuition Assistance program.
http://fayobserver.com/articles/2012/09/17/1204231?sac=fo.business