(Green Bay, Wis.) – Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) welcomes the continued growth of Pilotsmith Flight Academy, a leading flight training program headquartered at GRB for 10 years.
Pilotsmith Flight Academy offers training programs ranging from private pilot certificates to advanced commercial and instrument ratings. The academy currently serves over 400 students each year traveling across the Midwest to participate in the program. Pilotsmith’s state-of-the-art curriculum, experienced instructors and modern training fleet make it one of the fastest-growing aviation schools in the Midwest.
“We’ve seen tremendous growth in both enrollment and interest in aviation careers during the past several years,” said Charlie Smith, CEO of Pilotsmith Flight Academy. “We chose GRB as our headquarters because it offers the perfect combination of controlled airspace, modern facilities and access to commercial operations—providing our students with real-world flying experience in a dynamic environment.”
The comprehensive training program is designed to take aspiring aviators from their first flight all the way to airline-ready status. Pilotsmith covers every stage of a pilot’s journey and proudly gives first hiring preference to qualified students who complete the full curriculum through the instrument instructor (CFI-I) level. With a strong emphasis on safety, Pilotsmith provides Cirrus training aircraft equipped with whole-airframe parachutes, in addition to traditional training aircraft.
“The presence of Pilotsmith Flight Academy at GRB is an important asset to the airport and the region,” said Marty Piette, A.A.E., Airport Director at GRB. “Their aircraft are in the air every day, providing invaluable training for the next generation of pilots while contributing to the overall activity and vitality of the airport.”
Pilotsmith has also recently announced a partnership with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) to offer free prep-classes for the private pilot written test. Classes begin October 30, 2025 and are available for students that are either enrolled in training at Pilotsmith, will enroll in training at Pilotsmith or decide not to do flight training.
“The influx of students from across the Midwest and the United States not only fuels economic growth in our region but also gives us the opportunity to encourage these students to base here once their training is complete,” said Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach. “It’s a win for aviation, for GRB and for our community.”
Pilotsmith Flight Academy continues to expand its offerings to meet rising demand, preparing students for careers in commercial airlines, corporate aviation and other sectors—all while remaining rooted in Green Bay.
For more information about Pilotsmith Flight Academy, visit www.pilotsmith.com/.
