Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) officially took its aviation ambitions higher and broke ground on the Currituck Flight Training Center. This $8.1 million facility, funded by the state Legislature, will elevate ECSU's aviation program and address the growing demand for aviation professionals. As shovels hit the dirt, the university took another step in turning dreams into departures.
The ceremony took place last week near the Currituck Regional Airport, where university officials, faculty, students and community members gathered to celebrate the expansion. The new center will feature a 4,800-square-foot classroom and office facility, along with a 6,600-square-foot hangar directly connected to the airport via a taxiway.
"This groundbreaking marks a monumental step forward for Elizabeth City State University and our commitment to aviation excellence for our students, faculty and staff. Thanks to the support of the NC General Assembly, UNC Board of Governors and UNC System, our partners and our dedicated community, we are not just expanding our program—we are shaping the future of aviation," said Interim Chancellor Catherine Edmonds.
ECSU's aviation science program has experienced a 48% increase in student enrollment this year, making it the largest major at the university. The Currituck Flight Training Center will accommodate this growth by relocating advanced students to the new facility, while beginning students will continue training at the Elizabeth City airport. The university plans to move some of its 19 aircraft and six Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved flight simulators to the Currituck location to enhance training opportunities.
Kuldeep Rawat, Thorpe Endowed professor and dean of the School of Science, Aviation, Health and Technology, said, "The opening of our Flight Training Center in Currituck County will be a major milestone in our commitment to expanding aviation education and workforce development in the region. We are excited about the long-term impact this center will have on our students, the local economy, and the future of the aviation workforce. This expansion proves our dedication to positioning ECSU's aviation program as a premier collegiate flight training provider."
ECSU offers the nation's most affordable collegiate flight program, with the NC Promise Program allowing students to major in aviation for just $500 per semester for tuition.
Looking to the Future
As ECSU continues to grow its aviation program, the future looks bright. The Currituck Flight Training Center is expected to open in 2026, providing state-of-the-art facilities for students. However, ECSU isn't just focused on one runway. The long-term goal is to have a presence in every corner of North Carolina.
Along with the Currituck hub, ECSU plans to establish four additional aviation hubs across North Carolina to ensure students across the state have access to premier aviation education and flight training. Beyond its own flight hubs, ECSU is setting its sights on new partnerships to expand access to aviation education.
ECSU aims to extend its reach even further by partnering with independent flight schools. Through these partnerships, students can take ECSU aviation courses online while training at affiliate flight schools, making it easier than ever for aspiring pilots.
Interim Chancellor Catherine Edmonds emphasized the importance of increasing the institution's aviation footprint. "The groundbreaking of our Currituck Flight Training Center is just the beginning of a much larger vision. At ECSU, we are not just looking to expand our aviation program—we are redefining aviation education across North Carolina and beyond. Through our flight hubs and partnerships with affiliate flight schools, we are ensuring that aspiring pilots have access to the resources they need to succeed.”
With these plans in motion, ECSU isn't just training students to fly—it's reimagining how and where aviation education happens. This vision will position ECSU as the go-to destination for aviation education whether on campus, online, or at one of ECSU's aviation hubs. The university ensures that North Carolina's next generation of aviators can chart their own course—wherever they are.