By Thomas Sellers Jr.
With the hangar on the campus of the Millington-Memphis Airport opened and the special guests gathered, Tennessee Flight Training President Chris Erlanson quickly acknowledged the forecast.
With a 90 percent chance of rain for April 16, the early morning hours had a few showers. But by the time of the official ribbon cutting for Tennessee Flight Training hosted by the City of Millington and the Millington Area Chamber of Commerce the skies were clearing up.
“We were nervous about the weather,” Erlanson acknowledged. “Pilots are always looking at the weather — always looking at the weather. It’s part of who we are and what we do. It’s just pat of our DNA, consistently studying the weather.
“Today turned out to be an absolutely gorgeous day,” he added. “My heart is full and I am completely touched and overwhelmed by the support of this community. It’s fantastic.”
The ceremony took place at Millington-Memphis Airport (NQA), 8101 Hornet Avenue.
Chamber Executive Director Chris Thomas was the master of ceremonies for the grand opening and gave dignitaries like Millington Mayor Larry Dagen and Airport Director Mike Gill a chance to reflect on the process of opening Tennessee Flight Training in Millington.
“More than anything, it’s the ethos, the atmosphere that we’re in,” Erlanson said. “Even if we didn’t have this world-class facility, the people and the support we’ve had from the community have been absolutely overwhelming.”
The school in Millington joins fellow locations across the Volunteer State in Nashville, Columbia, Shelbyville and Crossville.
Tennessee Flight Training, one of the state’s longest-serving flight training providers. The Flag City location is being built as the new aviation training facility in West Tennessee. The grand opening showcased the facility, aircraft, certified flight instructors, and the flight training programs available.
“What the airlines are looking for are people who don’t mind hard work,” Erlanson explained. “Pilots represent less than one percent of the American population. It’s a vocation that doesn’t require a college degree, but if someone doesn’t mind rolling up their sleeves, jumping in and doing some hard work, they can achieve those dreams. They really can.”
The new facility will offer comprehensive pilot training programs, including private pilot certification, instrument rating, and commercial pilot training.
With a focus on safety and professionalism, Tennessee Flight Training aims to serve students at every stage of their aviation journey.
Erlanson said the newest addition to Millington and the Airport is a milestone.
“It’s very humbling,” he concluded. “I was going back just researching. 1917 was when flight training first started here. Right in the middle of World War I, they actually began flight training out here. I can’t believe we get to be part of that rich history.”
For more information visit www.tnflighttraining.com or contact 901-698-0098.
