Flight training is returning to St. Clair County International Airport after county commissioners approved agreements allowing Ascend Aviation to expand its operations.
During an on-air conversation with WPHM’s Paul Miller, County Administrator/Controller Tom Hull said the airport had been without an active flight school since the previous operator closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then he said, county officials have been receiving regular inquiries from people looking for flight instruction but had to refer them to airports in Pontiac, Romeo and other communities.
Hull said Ascend Aviation is one piece of a bigger effort to breathe new life into the airport. He said county officials are looking at ways to improve the facility, attract more aviation activity, and give visitors who land in St. Clair County a reason to stay and experience what the community has to offer.
Hull said Ascend Aviation, which began operating in 2025, was looking for room to grow and found that opportunity at St. Clair County International Airport. The airport’s two runways, instrument approaches and other infrastructure will allow the company to expand both flight training and aviation services while serving more students locally.
The county approved a commercial operating agreement, building lease and community hangar agreement with Ascend Aviation. Hull said the arrangement is expected to generate new revenue for the airport while bringing additional aircraft activity and fuel sales.
Ascend Aviation officially celebrated its expansion with a ribbon-cutting and grand opening at St. Clair County International Airport last week and now offers private, instrument, commercial and flight instructor training.
More information can be found on their website.
Photo credit: Ascend Aviation
