Lincoln North Star debuts $5.4 million hangar for aviation program

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — After seeing a boost in interest since starting in 2019, North Star High School’s aviation program has a new base of operations.

During an open house on Monday, the public was able to tour the program’s new $5.4 million hangar.

Lincoln Public Schools officials said the space will allow for more equipment, as well as more classrooms.

“By moving into the new hangar, we have more space,” aviation teacher Amanda Woodward said. “We are able to have more equipment that is in line with what’s going on with industry because before, we didn’t have space for it. And so we’re able to expand our sheet metal, we’re able to expand hydraulics, we’re even able to expand what we’re teaching in electrical.”

Duncan Aviation paid for most of the project, spending about $3.34 million, according to district officials.

LPS funded $1.5 million, and the Boys and Girls Club of Lincoln/Lancaster County contributed roughly $805,000.

Officials said the space will also house the Boys and Girls Club after-school community learning center program.

Administrators hope to partner with Duncan Aviation in the future to allow more aviation activities after school.