The Delta Regional Airport Authority in Colt has expressed interest in creating aviation clubs in partnership with the Wynne and Forrest City School Districts.
District Court Judge Mike Smith, who is also a pilot, said he and Dr. Sandra Smith, the Wynne district’s federal programs director, have discussed the possibility of a school-based aviation club for about a year. Judge Smith said funding could be obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration and Experimental Aircraft Association for the program.
Judge Smith said he would like to acquire a Redbird simulator, to be housed at the airport, for students to receive real-life instrument training. Judge Smith said the Experimental Aircraft Association would provide a $1 million insurance policy for free to take students up in a plane. The school is also establishing an internship program at the airport, which would be funded through the federal government. Judge Smith plans to meet with Forrest City Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Hardrick about adding a program there as well.
In other news, the airport has been approved for a grant through the Arkansas Department of Aeronautics for hangar construction. DRAA chairman Shannon Hobbs said the state will pay up to $500,000 for the hangar, which has to be completed or requested to be completed within the next 12 months. Garver Engineering will put out bids for a 70×70 hangar, as well as a 100×100 hangar to see what the airport can afford.
