This month marks the start of Western Michigan University’s new aviation program at the Punta Gorda airport. The program is located on the campus of Florida Southwestern State College and features a brand new flight simulator identical to the front of a commercial airplane. The program launches at a time when the airline industry is forecast to see a shortage of more than 600,000 pilots over the next 20 years. As many older pilots hang up their wings in retirement, few are coming in to fill their spots. Officials at Western Michigan say they are still taking applications from anyone who is interested in taking its four-year Bachelor of Arts aviation program.
