A Charles City-based airport group is expanding its service with the addition of a certified flight school.
Charles City Aeronautics, Inc., which includes North Iowa Air Service (NIAS) in Mason City and Charles City, has announced that its Central Iowa Air Service (CIAS) airport in Ames, has become an FAA Part 141 Certified Flight School.
 As one of only five FAA Part 141 Flight Schools in Iowa, CIAS Flight School can now partner with local universities and community colleges to develop piloting majors and minors. These partnerships will allow students to use financial aid, grants, and utilize the resources of the schools to achieve their career goals.
 Bill Kyle, President of Charles City Aeronautics, said, “The Central Iowa Air Service Flight Training Department has been working toward this goal for five years. Achieving Part 141 Certification takes a tremendous amount of time, work and dedication. This team is more than ready to take the CIAS Flight School to the next level.â€
 Christopher Schrodt, Charles City Aeronautics’ Flight Training Manager, added, “With the nationwide pilot shortage, adding an FAA Part 141 School in Ames is a great step forward. Pilots have become the number one hottest job in the country, and this school will allow students of all ages to work towards the career goals of becoming a Pilot.â€
 With the growth of the CIAS Flight School, the school will be moving into their own building at the Ames Airport beginning April 2023. Currently the school has 4 full-time flight instructors and 4 training aircraft.
