This spring the Knoxville Municipal Airport will be shut down for a short period of time as runway resurfacing is done as well as the construction of a new airport hanger. Due to the shutdown, pilots and flight students are looking for ways to keep pilots and students proficient without the ability to actually fly. Open Air Flight Club in Knoxville is wanting to raise funds to potentially bring a permanent flight simulator to the airport that could be used by pilots whenever flying is unavailable as well as potentially for local schools to help teach aviation as part of the schools STEM programs. Jeff Jorgenson with Open Air Flight Club tells KNIA/KRLS News the club is wanting to work with the local high schools to do job career training. He says training would not just be limited to pilot training but could also include maintenance and other fields. Jorgenson says approximately $26,000 is needed to bring a flight simulator to Knoxville but says the educational opportunities the simulator would be clearly outweigh the price. For more information click here: https://openairforeveryone.com/