TP Flight School announced Wednesday that it is opening a 70th location in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, right outside Pittsburgh at the Allegheny County Airport (KAGC). This new training center will be the first of its kind in the Pittsburgh area.
The school is scheduled to open February 14, with tours beginning February 18.
Michael Arnold, director of marketing for ATP, said in a statement that the company hopes the new facility can help combat the pilot shortage.
“The airline industry is facing a shortage of pilots, presenting a tremendous opportunity for new pilots to establish a rewarding and lucrative career,” Arnold said. “We’re excited to bring this opportunity to aspiring pilots in Pittsburgh and provide them with the fastest track to becoming an airline pilot.”
The Airline Career Pilot Program will feature a fleet of Cessna 172s, Piper Seminoles, and glass-cockpit Piper Archers. The 25 total airplanes will join ATP’s existing fleet of 450 aircraft this year.
Once the school opens, classes will start every Monday.
Traci Clark, vice president of corporate and general aviation for the Allegheny County Airport Authority, said in a statement that the airport is excited to welcome the school.
“We are thrilled to welcome ATP to Allegheny County Airport, which has a 90-year history in the aviation industry,” Clark said. “More pilots need to be trained to address the national pilot shortage, and having another first-class option like ATP in Western Pennsylvania is key. It’s another example of the important role general aviation airports like AGC have in the community and industry.”