Sinclair Community College forms partnership with aerospace manufacturing company BETA Technologies

Sinclair Community College has formed a partnership with BETA Technologies, an aerospace manufacturing company. The college was able to secure $2 million in federal funding to support the acquisition of an electric aircraft from BETA, as well as a flight simulator. The college will work with BETA Technologies to develop pathways that will help students receive familiarization training and credentials in electric aviation and will be used within the college’s National UAS Training and Certification Center.

According to an article on Sinclair Community College’s website, Jeffrey A. Miller, who serves as the Senior Vice President of Workforce Development and Consulting at Sinclair Community College, was quoted as saying of the developments, “The growth of this market is essential not only for improving urban and rural transportation, cargo logistics, and emergency services, but also for driving economic progress by enabling new infrastructure, generating jobs, and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, as in this case through our partnership with BETA. We are thrilled to establish this novel partnership to advance the interests of industry, government, and academia. We appreciate Congressman Turner’s leadership and support for this vital Dayton Region program.”

Of his assistance in the matter, Congressman Mike Turner said, “The recent purchase of a BETA flight simulator and BETA aircraft by Sinclair Community College is another great step toward advancing Dayton’s role as the future of flight. These systems will enable more students to gain critical training and education in Advanced Air Mobility programs, which is essential for integration into the National Airspace System.”

Sinclair Community College acquired the flight simulator in April 2025 and will receive the ALIA CTOL (Conventional Takeoff and Landing Aircraft) sometime in early 2026. The college is the first academic institution to receive BETA Technologies equipment. Both the simulator and the aircraft are to be housed at the Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport.

Sinclair Community College and BETA Technologies will work to develop a credential program for Sinclair students and other clients to become familiarized with the technology. As soon as Summer 2025, Sinclair will be prepared to start offering ground school and pilot orientations.

JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef said, “BETA Technologies’ decision to partner with Sinclair Community College demonstrates that Ohio’s long-term strategy to be the world’s premier hub for advanced air mobility is attracting more opportunities from world-class companies that share our creativity and vision. With assistance from BETA’s cutting-edge flight simulators, Sinclair students will have unparalleled access to the latest electric aviation technology that will bring a competitive advantage to Ohio as we build out our workforce to meet the growing demand for pilots and technicians for the advanced air mobility enterprises that are choosing to invest here.”

For more information about Sinclair Community College, visit the school’s website.