Local Firm Seeks to Offer Flight Training in Sioux City

An Omaha aviation company is working to open a center at Sioux City’s airport and offer professional flight training there.

Oracle Aviation of Omaha plans to partner with Morningside University to establish a fully accredited aviation program, which will offer a Bachelor of Science in aviation-related fields, The Sioux City Journal reported.

The Sioux City Council is considering  inviting proposals for the lease of land and the construction of a new hangar facility for the program.

Documents show the project would include a 39,400-square-foot facility, with 20,400 square feet of hangar space and a two-level office/training space. The project would also include improvements for parking, plane movements, storage and landscaping.

Proposed agreements include a commitment by the city to invest $7 million for the construction of the new hangar facility. The city would also fund site improvements, which are estimated to cost another $295,500.

The city was awarded a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration to help pay for the project, which will also be funded through about $6 million in general obligation bonds.

Oracle operates a similar training center at Millard Airport with a partnership to offer a degree through the University of Nebraska at Omaha.