ECSU opens new flight training center in Currituck County

Elizabeth City State University has opened a new flight training center in Maple, Currituck County, expanding its aviation program, News 3 WTKR reported. This new facility is the university's third flight training location in northeastern North Carolina, joining its main site in Elizabeth City and another in Kinston.

The project has been in development for over a year, with local leaders breaking ground in March 2025. The new center includes two FAA-approved Aviation Advanced Training Devices made by Redbird, allowing students to train using simulators when weather conditions prevent actual flying.

The facility also features a heated and air-conditioned hangar and a separate storage hangar. It is currently in a soft-opening phase this semester, starting with one aircraft, with plans to add more planes as the program grows.

University officials said students can choose to train either at the new Currituck County center or at the Elizabeth City location. The expansion aims to provide more training space and create additional career pathways for aviation students through partnerships with several airlines.

These airline partnerships include United Aviate, Delta Propel, PSA Airlines Cadet Program, Republic PJet Cadet, and JetBlue Pilot Gateway, offering students opportunities to advance toward careers in aviation.