Butler Tech Breaks Ground on Aviation Education Hanger

Butler Tech hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for its highly anticipated Aviation Education Hanger, marking a significant milestone in the region's aviation education and workforce development. The project was made possible through a combination of financial contributions, including $1 million from the JobsOhio Ohio Site Inventory Program (OSIP).

"This OSIP grant is a crucial piece of the puzzle, allowing Butler Tech and our partners to begin immediate construction," said Jon Graft, Superintendent/CEO of Butler Tech. "With all this funding secured and the recent FAA approval for the Air Frame and Power certification, we can now transform the site into a hub of aviation education, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities and preparing them for high-demand careers in the aviation industry."

The $15 million Butler Tech Aviation Education Hangar at Middletown Airport represents a major step forward in addressing the growing demand for aviation professionals in the area. The 28,000-square-foot facility will house classes and state-of-the-art labs dedicated to aviation skills such as aviation maintenance, engineering, and private pilot and unmanned aircraft systems.

“With the increase in the need for aviation professionals, the Butler Tech Aviation Education Hangar creates a dynamic opportunity for the Middletown Airport to support the industry and increase opportunities for education in the aviation space,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “The Middletown Airport’s location between the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky and Dayton International airports, along with its proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, makes it ideally situated to bring industry leaders and students together to prepare the future aviation workforce.”

Middletown Airport is an active airfield and an ideal location for training future aviation mechanics, supporting FBO operations for numerous aircraft annually, including 66 T-Hangar units, two 50′x50′ aircraft hangar units, a 24,000 square foot maintenance hangar, and 39,000 square feet of corporate/community hangar space.

"The investment at the Middletown Regional Airport represents an innovative approach to strengthening our region's aviation corridor with a talent pipeline, allowing educators to train students using a relevant curriculum through hands-on learning labs," said Kimm Lauterbach, president and CEO of REDI Cincinnati. "This commitment supports Butler Tech's dedication to producing students who are both career-ready and prepared for college.”

In addition to JobsOhio assistance, the project received $7 million from the Butler County Commissioners, $500,000 from the City of Middletown, and $6.5 million from Butler Tech. The Butler Tech Aviation Center is expected to open in 2026.