COLUMBIA — The Columbia Airport Advisory Board heard the first presentation Wednesday about a program by Moberly Area Community College that's set to be offered at Columbia Regional Airport starting in fall 2026 .

The Moberly Area Community College Aviation Commercial Pilot Program is the northernmost collegiate aviation course offered in the state of Missouri, and it's the second from a community college.

Course director Ed Longoria, a former pilot of 25 years who also serves as the education representative for the board, gave the presentation.

The course will operate out of the original Columbia Regional Airport terminal, which was built in the 20th century.

Longoria said the course will be an intense, six-semester program that does not include summer breaks. Students who take the

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