(Columbia, MO) — Interest in a mid-Missouri pilot training program is taking off, according to its director, Ed Longoria. Moberly Area Community College is launching a formal pilot training program in the fall of 2026, at the former Columbia Airport terminal. Longoria says the timing of the program is excellent, given projections that the airline industry will need 700-thousand new pilots, as well as flight attendants and aircraft mechanics. The formal program will begin with a cohort of 24-students in the fall of 2026.
Longoria says their formal two-year program allows students to get initial training and earn an Associates Degree. He says students will also earn a private pilot’s certificate, an instrument rating, and a commercial pilot’s licensee and earn up to 300 flight hours. He says that’s a good foundation, because pilots need 1,500 flight hours to fly for a commercial airline and must earn additional certifications. Commercial pilots also must be at least 23 years old. The MACC Aviation program consists of six semesters, with no summer breaks.
Longoria says in addition to the formal program, they’re offering an “Intro to Aviation” course in January of 2026. It’s an elective and is open to all students.