PIA Hagerstown to Hold Ribbon-Cutting for 10,000-Sq-Ft Campus Expansion on August 26
Why It MattersThe expansion reflects continued investment in aviation maintenance training capacity as the industry anticipates a large long-term need for FAA-licensed technicians.
Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) Hagerstown will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 1:00 PM at its training campus at 14516 Pennsylvania Ave, Hagerstown, MD, to mark a major facilities expansion. The project adds 10,000 square feet of new hangar space to house additional training aircraft and relocate PIA's Powerplant training equipment, freeing up better use of the existing Airframe and Powerplant shops that support the FAA-mandated A&P certification earned by graduates. It also includes expanded restrooms, a café-style lunch area, dedicated instructor offices, and additional employer interview spaces.
Expected attendees include representatives of the FAA, the offices of U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, regional aviation companies, and representatives of Piedmont, United, and American Airlines, with the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and the Secretary of Commerce presenting formal recognition of PIA Hagerstown's contributions to aviation. Steven D. Sabold, Executive Vice President of PIA, said the expansion represents a significant step forward in the institution's commitment to aviation education and training.
According to the 2026 U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, PIA graduates earn median salaries of $80,825 four years after graduation, versus a $34,519 midpoint for graduates of all certificate schools and $48,560 for graduates of all schools including Associate's and Bachelor's degree programs. Boeing projects that North America will need 125,000 new aviation maintenance technicians by 2045 to meet minimum demand for FAA-licensed mechanics. Founded in 1929, PIA is a non-profit accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and certified by the FAA, operating campuses in West Mifflin, PA; Youngstown, OH; Hagerstown, MD; and Myrtle Beach, SC.
