by: Luke Shevchik

Junior Kason Tai. Photo by: Luke Shevchik

Vee Neal Aviation recently expanded its operations at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport by building an aircraft hangar and flight school. 

The Westmoreland County Airport Authority approved and granted the option to construct two new hangars at the end of the airport.  

According to TRIB Live, government officials have estimated there will be about 18,000 openings annually for airline and commercial pilots this decade. 

Junior Kason Tai attended flight school through Vee Neal Aviation in Pittsburgh and is still in the process of pursuing his career as a pilot. 

“I had to study and research how to fly the plane and the protocols,” Tai said. “After a few trainings I got to fly the plane with my instructor.” 

Senior Alex Toth, who is currently a member of the U.S Army, advises anyone looking to pursue this field to attend a flight school because it can be beneficial. 

“This will help kids planning on going into the service by broadening their career options in the future and better their knowledge regarding carers in aviation,” Toth said. 

Jodaron Realty, a real estate development firm, awarded $1.9 million in contracts for the first phase of the terminal addition and improvement to Allegheny Construction Group Incorporated and ABS Building Systems.  

“Seniors have taken a flight school for their senior projects in the past,” Physics Teacher Mrs. Cheryl Harper said. “I think it’s a fantastic learning experience for anyone going into that field and I’m glad that it is now available locally.”