Celebrates 50 Years With Massive Learning Center Expansion

The University of Dubuque announced plans on November 21 that would provide substantial upgrades to its Aviation Learning Center and flight ramp. These improvements were revealed during the UD Aviation Program’s 50th anniversary celebration.

UD’s aviation program currently includes three major/minor opportunities: applied aviation technology, aviation management, and flight operations. It launched in 1974 running on two aircraft and 35 students. As of January 2025, the department will operate 31 Cessna 172s, three Piper Seminoles, and two Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopters. So far, the program has produced 1,300 graduates.

“We're over 400 students now with plans to go to 5-600 students,” stated Randy Warm, UD’s Director of Aviation Programs. “With that, we need resources to accommodate that number of students so we have the planes that we ordered and received. So we're good on planes and right now with instructors, but the physical size of the building needs to adjust."

The institute’s Aviation Learning Center was only completed five years ago, but the program’s rapid growth has quickly overtaken it. The facility will be receiving a 15,000-square-foot upgrade with a new classroom, debrief areas, workstations, offices, and 20 flight simulators for more efficient training. The parking lot will also be growing from 50 spots to nearly 300.

Additionally, the flight ramp is going to be getting an almost 59,000 square foot expansion. This will allow UD’s entire fleet to be tied down on the ramp when needed, or put in one of the two planned hangar constructions.

“The aviation expansion demonstrates a firm commitment by the University of Dubuque and the Board of Trustees to provide our students with the best resources and facilities to achieve a top-tier aviation education,” Warm continued. “This expansion takes into consideration the planned growth and expected trends for the next 20 years that will keep the University of Dubuque's aviation program at the top.”

The university is slated to break ground on the upgrades after receiving final approval from the FAA and Dubuque Regional Airport Commission. UD hopes to complete the project in December of 2026.

FMI: www.dbq.edu/Aviation