Resicum International LLC, which provides flight training and maintenance support to government, commercial and general aviation customers, plans to open an aviation training academy at Craig Field in Selma, Alabama, that will prepare the next generation of industry professionals from around the world.

According to The Craig Field Airport & Industrial Authority and the Selma & Dallas County Economic Development Authority, Resicum has signed a 10-year lease for a 50,000-square-foot hangar on the Craig Field flight line. Renovation work is already under way on the facility. Resicum plans to invest $1.3 million, creating 70 jobs over a three-year period at its new operational hub at the former U.S. Air Force base in Dallas County. The jobs will pay an average wage of $30 an hour, not counting benefits.

Resicum’s new aviation training academy is aimed to recruit future industry professionals from around the world. Courses include Resicum’s successful A&P Test Preparation Course, which is now open for applications. The company is immediately bringing avionics training, flight training (fixed and rotor wing) and certificate courses for aviation maintenance skill-building.

“The location is ideal for our company’s expansion, and we look forward to ongoing growth of our aviation operations in this storied place,” said Resicum CEO Jeanine Ziervogel.

Governor Kay Ivey applauded the decision by Warrenton, Virginia-based Resicum to locate its aviation training academy at Craig Field, where thousands of American and British pilots received flight instruction during World War II.

“Craig Field has aviation training in its DNA, so it’s great to see Resicum establish a facility in such a historic location that will tap into this rich heritage while also solidifying the future for this Selma landmark. This project has significant potential, and I look forward to seeing how it unfolds,” said Governor Ivey.

Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said Craig Field’s long runway, large parking apron and excellent hangar facility make it a perfect match for Resicum’s project. In addition, a groundbreaking new remote tower facility and Air Traffic Control Training Academy are enhancing the complex’s flight safety and training opportunities.

The Selma & Dallas County EDA coordinated meetings with representatives from state agencies, including AIDT, the state’s primary workforce development agency, in the recruitment of the project. AIDT, part of the Alabama Department of Commerce, will work with Resicum to develop a local workforce training and hiring program.