Benjamin O Davis Academy for Aerospace and Fire Training at City Airport

by Richard C. Clement

Today Detroit City Council President Pro Tempore George Cushingberry Jr. proposed that the city add $200,000 to the Fire department’s budget  for the purpose of completing a plan to build a new Benjamin O. Davis Academy of aeronautics, fire prevention, and, emergency medical service(EMT) on the grounds of Detroit City Airport.

This unique facility would maintain the FAA approval for the aeronautic and fire aeronautical programs. Mr. Cushingberry expects that a Request For Proposal (RFP) could be let for an estimated $10 million dollar school which will be paid for from rents from the City and Detroit School District. This effort to bring aviation careers to Detroit students is similar to the development in Grand Rapids Michigan at the Gerald R. Ford Airport in Grand Rapids Michigan. The State of Michigan has made a significant investment in the development of this project and the same thing will be done here in Detroit.

(MLive Article - Detroit City Airport)

This proposal if approved will save the taxpayers dollars because the Detroit Fire Department will have a dedicated fire training facility in the City of Detroit. This investment will give us a unique opportunity to continue the legacy of aeronautics like the Tuskegee Airmen of which Mayor Coleman Young was a proud member of.   Most important, the Aeronautics program will be moved back to Coleman Young International Airport where it belonged in the first place.

Councilmember Pro Tem Cushingberry Jr. is more than happy to discuss this project with the public.