Flight Training Continues at SIMFC During KPLU Runway Reconstruction
Runway still closed? Yep. Flight training stopped? Not a chance.
Since July 27, the runway at Pierce County Airport/Thun Field (KPLU) has been torn up for reconstruction. That means dirt, heavy equipment, and crews at work Monday through Friday. Pierce County is aiming to reopen the runway in early November. The airport grounds, businesses, and hangars are open in the meantime, and so are we.
The Runway's Closed. Our Doors Aren't.
Our Puyallup facility in the Spencer Aircraft Building is open for ground lessons, ground school, and time in our Redbird simulator (AATD). The sim doesn't care what the runway looks like, so you can keep working toward your next certificate or rating.
Have a training goal that doesn't fit the usual plan right now? Ask us. We're good at getting creative to keep your training moving.
Ground School Kicks Off October 6
Want a head start? Our 10-week Ground School begins October 6. If you finish the books this fall, you'll be ready to fly when the new runway opens. Save your seat →
Olympia Is Flying High
Our Olympia Regional Airport (KOLM) location is running as usual, with Flight Training, Charter Flights, and Scenic Flights.
Our Pilots Had a Big Summer
Construction didn't slow our students down. Several pilots soloed for the first time this summer, and others passed their checkrides. Meet our newest pilots on the Pilot Wall of Fame →
Coming Soon: A Shiny New Runway
The new runway is worth the wait. Pierce County is investing about $7.5 million in rebuilding Runway 17-35, and most of the cost is covered by FAA and Washington State Department of Transportation grants. Here's what's coming:
A runway widened from 60 to 75 feet
New LED lighting and a replacement PAPI
Improved drainage and realigned taxiway connectors
Trees cleared from pilot sightlines and the weather station
The finished runway is built to last 20 to 30 years. That means decades of runway access for airport businesses, pilots, emergency services, and future student pilots!
In the News
The project has drawn regional attention. Read more from FLYING Magazine and South Sound Magazine:
For the full schedule and FAQs, visit Pierce County's project page:
https://www.piercecountywa.gov/8876/Runway-Reconstruction-Project
Questions about Private Pilot Training, Financial Aid, or Veteran Funding? Call 253-840-5758 or email info@simflightcenter.com.
Safety In Motion Flight Center is recognized as the Pacific Northwest's leader in providing safe, professional, and comprehensive aviation services to the general aviation community.
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