State awards $450,000 to Little Falls program to fund aviation and CDL simulators

Ron and Mark told the Little Falls Public School District board that a multi-year transportation and aviation pathway is underway, with community partners and district staff collaborating to create high-school ground-school classes, a drone elective and community-education opportunities.

Ron and Mark said they secured a state appropriation of $450,000 "to help get this thing kicked off," which the presenters said will be used to buy a full-motion flight simulator and a commercial driving (CDL) simulator. Mark said the simulators are intended to give students industry-standard experience without operational risk: "we are purchasing a full motion flight simulator and a ... CDL truck driving simulator," he said.

Presenters described plans for a ground-school course (first classroom ground-school to be taught in spring semester), instructor training (a district teacher will travel for certification in July), and using simulators for community training and partnership work. They reported expectations that at least one simulator would be delivered and installed within weeks and that both would be in place by the end of October.

District leaders said the pathway is designed both as student career exploration and as a community resource for adult education and employer training. They emphasized that broader partner relationships and scholarship opportunities are being pursued to expand access. Board members welcomed the appropriation and asked for updates as installation and classes begin.