July 12, 1940
Preparing to Expand Plane Training Here

Expansion of the aviation training program through the vocational education department of the Williamsport School District moved a step nearer realization through decisions made by Williamsport City Council and the school district.

The school board voted last night to purchase the Seth Bennett four-acre tract adjoining the Williamsport Airport, to the north, near the Aviation Manufacturing Corporation hangar. In the afternoon conference, members of City Council decided to deed the school district the four-acre triangular plot in the northeast corner of the airport. These two parcels of land are adjoining.

While no building is contemplated, it is expected that eventually all aviation training under the jurisdiction of the school district will be centered there with an adequate building to house the necessary shops and equipment.

As one committee member of the board put it, the city and school board are cooperating in an effort to make Williamsport an outstanding aviation center. As the training course now in existence develops through federal assistance, it may be necessary to provide adequate shops on the property. At present, however, there are no plans for a building.

Councilman Frank Henninger also announced that the city would erect its own tower at the airport to house a beacon on top of Bald Eagle Mountain.