Air Force Pilot Training Expansion Brings 150 Jobs to Peachtree City

The next generation of U.S. Air Force pilots will train in Peachtree City as US Aviation Academy expands at Atlanta Regional Airport–Falcon Field, adding 150 jobs, 35 aircraft, and an expected $25 million in capital investment.

The expansion comes under a 10-year, $835 million U.S. Air Force Initial Pilot Training contract and will grow US Aviation Academy’s local workforce from approximately 62 employees to 212.

The 150 new positions will include 90 flight instructors, 40 aircraft mechanics, and 20 administrative staff. Together, the jobs are expected to add more than $7.5 million in new annual payroll to Fayette County’s economy.

US Aviation Academy also plans approximately 15,000 square feet of new hangar space and 12,000 square feet of dedicated classroom space at Falcon Field.

“We are excited to expand our presence at Falcon Field and deepen our investment in Peachtree City,” said Mike Sykes, CEO of US Aviation Academy. “The airport, community and local partnerships provide an exceptional foundation for building a premier flight-training operation.”

The expansion follows the recent acquisition of more than 34 acres at Falcon Field known as Area D, a project previously announced by the Fayette County Development Authority. The Peachtree City Airport Authority will own and manage that property for long-term aviation use, with signed leases supporting the expanded flight school and additional hangar development.

“When a business with this kind of trajectory with a federal military contract, a decade of committed investment, and 150 new skilled jobs wants to grow here, our job is to make sure nothing stands in the way,” said Darryl A. Hicks, chairman of the Fayette County Development Authority. “Assembling Area D was complex, but the outcome speaks for itself: a $25 million investment and a generational aviation asset for Fayette County.”

Amanda Fields, vice president of economic development for the Fayette County Development Authority, said the expansion continues the county’s efforts to grow its aviation industry.

“We’ve been intentional about growing Fayette County’s aviation sector for years, and US Aviation Academy’s continued investment is exactly the kind of growth we’ve worked to support,” Fields said. “The addition of 150 jobs, coupled with their Air Force contract and long-term commitment to our community, creates meaningful career opportunities in flight instruction, aircraft maintenance and military aviation training while further strengthening Fayette County’s position within the aviation industry.”

FCDA President and CEO Niki Vanderslice pointed to the growth of US Aviation Academy’s existing Peachtree City operation as an example of the county’s economic development strategy.

“When we built the Foremost Fayette Strategic Plan, we talked a lot about what it means to grow the right way. Supporting businesses that are already here, deepening the investments already being made,” Vanderslice said. “Watching US Aviation Academy go from 62 employees to 212, that’s the kind of moment that reminds you why this work matters and what happens when infrastructure, partnerships and economic development strategy align around the same goal.”

Atlanta Regional Airport–Falcon Field currently supports approximately 801 jobs and generates more than $160 million in annual economic activity. The US Aviation Academy expansion and continued development of Area D are expected to further increase the airport’s economic role in Peachtree City and Fayette County.