Ortega Aviation Services Announces Groundbreaking of Turboprop Training Solutions LLC
WICHITA, Kan., Sept. 21, 2026 – Ortega Aviation Services will host a groundbreaking Wednesday, Sept. 23, on a new $2.2 million aviation training facility, further expanding Wichita’s role as a national hub for advanced flight education.
The 4,000-square-foot facility, Turboprop Training Solutions LLC (TTS), will be constructed as an addition to Ortega Aviation Services’ existing location at 1922 Midfield Road near Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport. Training operations are expected to begin in spring 2027.
The groundbreaking will take place at 11:30 a.m., just south of 1922 Midfield Road. Media are asked to arrive by 11:15 a.m.
TTS will provide initial, recurrent, and proficiency training using motion-based, FAA-approved Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATDs) for single-engine turboprop aircraft, including the Cessna 208B and Pilatus PC-12, with more planned in the future. Despite rapidly growing demand across the aviation industry, few facilities nationwide offer this level of specialized training.
“This project is the culmination of decades of experience,” said Kirby Ortega, Chief Pilot and Member of Ortega Aviation Services. “Throughout my career, I have seen a clear and growing need for high-quality, full-motion-based training for single-engine turboprops delivered in a newly constructed and dedicated facility. Turboprop Training Solutions will bring pilots from across the country to Wichita for the training they need to stay safe, current and operational.”
The new facility is expected to initially attract more than 400 flight trainees annually, or about 10% of the national market, and will create four to six permanent jobs. Training demand is driven in part by insurance requirements for annual simulator-based proficiency checks and a nationwide increase in pilot certifications.
“This project is a strong example of how Wichita supports the growth and retention of local companies,” said Andrew Nave, Chief Economic Development Officer at the Greater Wichita Partnership. “The Partnership was proud to assist Ortega Aviation Services through the expansion process by helping navigate incentives and connecting the team with the South Central Kansas Economic Development District. This investment strengthens our aviation industry and delivers long-term economic value for the region.”
The project will be developed on property leased from the Wichita Airport Authority, further reinforcing Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport’s role as a center for aviation operations, training and innovation.
“This expansion aligns with our mission to support aviation-related growth at Eisenhower National Airport,” said Jesse Romo, Director of Airports for Eisenhower National Airport. “Turboprop Training Solutions will bring new activity to the airfield, attract visitors to our community and enhance Wichita’s reputation as a leader in aviation training.”
Once complete, the facility will house motion-based aviation training devices with room for future expansion as demand grows. In addition to recurrent pilot training, TTS will offer initial turbine instruction, second-in-command training, companion flying courses and in-aircraft turbine training.
Decades of Aviation Experience
Ortega Aviation Services has built a strong reputation in the aviation marketplace through decades of hands-on instruction, operational excellence and deep industry relationships. The company is led by one of the world's most respected turbine instructors, Kirby Ortega.
Ortega began his career at Cessna Aircraft Company in 1980 as a flight instructor, later conducting worldwide flight demonstrations and serving as Chief Pilot for Single-Engine Aircraft. Ortega has logged more than 28,000 incident-free flight hours and provided over 16,500 hours of dual instruction, flying in more than 90 countries. He holds ATP and multiple Citation-type ratings, is a Designated FAA Examiner, and is approved by most insurance providers to conduct in-aircraft, simulator, and ground training.
Ortega has received numerous national honors, including FAA Regional Flight Instructor of the Year (2001), FAA National Flight Instructor of the Year (2002), induction into the NAFI Flight Instructor Hall of Fame, the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, and the NBAA accident-free flying recognition. In 2024, he was inducted into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame.
Local Project Partners
The company is proud to have a local team working on the project, including:
- Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport
- Alloy
- EBY
- Garver
- INTRUST Bank
- PEC
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About Ortega Aviation Services
Ortega Aviation Services’ founders, Kirby and Teresa Ortega, have combined aviation experience of over 60 years. Whether you are interested in aviation and want to become a private pilot, desire to further your aviation training, or are a business jet owner and need assistance with the ownership process, they have the expertise and the passion to assist you. The Ortegas and their team offer in-depth knowledge of flying, flight training, aircraft maintenance and inspections in Citations, Caravans, Hawkers, and Beechcraft jets and other aircraft models as customer needs dictate. Their goal is to offer a community of support, regardless of your aviation interest.
About the Greater Wichita Partnership
The Greater Wichita Partnership is dedicated to fast-forwarding regional economic growth in Wichita and south-central Kansas. The organization works within three key priorities – jobs, talent and quality of place – to accelerate this objective. For more information, visit https://greaterwichitapartnership.org/home.
