TUSKEGEE AL- It was a double header at Tuskegee's famed Moton Field today as an enthusiastic aviation-minded group of dignitaries and citizens attended a ground breaking for a new hangar and the first-ever graduation for the Legacy Flight Academy.
State Senator Billy Beasley told the group "...the building of this hangar will allow increased utilization of Moton Field and will help bring jobs to the region. What better place to jumpstart aviation related economic activities than right here in Macon County."
Tuskegee Mayor Omar Neal said, "This continues our vision to expand aviation activities regionally in Alabama...Tuskegee epitomizes aviation around the world and this expansion will help improve our local and state economy."
The 11,712 square foot "T" hangar will be part of the expanding Golden Eagle FBO and will house 10 aircraft. Project cost will be $250,000 according the Steve Phillabaum, Project Manager for Bailey & Harris Engineers, who are located in Auburn.
Dr. Bill Winston, president and founder of Golden Eagle Aviation, told the group, "We are building partnerships to help establish Tuskegee as an important aviation center. Today's groundbreaking celebrates the legacy of this airport, Golden Eagle Aviation, and marks the graduation of the first class from the Legacy Flight Academy."
After the groundbreaking, the 15 students from the Legacy Flight Academy were graduated from the course. The academy director, Captain Kenyetta Ruffin, a U.S. Air Force pilot who has flown the F-16 fighter, said he anticipates the academy growing in size for next year. "In two weeks, these students take an aviation ground school, get hands on flying, and visit regional aviation activities. Three of our students passed their FAA Private Pilot written examinations."
Gabrielle Burton, an early childhood education major at Troy University, found the two week flight academy challenging. "I didn't think I would ever see the day I would fly!"
Tyrell Rhodes, from Illinois, inspired the group with his determination and spirit. Tyrell was stricken with cerebral palsy as a child but has not let that stop him from pursuing his dream of a career in aviation. "I am going to be an air traffic controller", he said, "Just like the Tuskegee Airmen, I am proving wrong those who said I couldn't do this!" -Special to Alabama Aviator by Al Allenback