The flight training pros behind Ortega Aviation Services (OAS) in Wichita, Kansas, took the training organization a large step into new territory this month with the first step toward the debut of Turboprop Training Solutions.
On September 23, Kirby and Teresa Ortega and team broke ground on the new facility at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower Airport (KICT), turning shovels on the foundation for a building that will eventually house the simulators forming the core of the enterprise.
Kirby Ortega, co-owner and chief pilot of OAS, spent 32 years at Cessna Aircraft Company, as it evolved into Textron Aviation, retiring in 2013 as chief pilot, single-engine operations. Following that, he and Teresa, his wife and business partner—also a Textron Aviation alumna—founded OAS. The company has spent the past 13 years focusing on initial pilot training as well as Cessna Citation turbine aircraft initial and recurrent training, mentoring, and purchasing assistance.
The Ortegas come from a deep well of turboprop experience, with Kirby flying the Cessna Caravan around the globe during his tenure at the manufacturer. “Our belief is the single-engine turboprop training market isn’t well served,” said Kirby in an interview with AvBrief. “Turboprop Training Solutions was created to offer a training solution mirroring what jet pilots are accustomed to. New building, new enhanced training devices, and an approach not just focusing on aircraft systems but emphasizing risk management as well.”
“We are very excited to be able to offer a training experience that can be tailored to the specific mission of the operator,” added Teresa, in a note to AvBrief. “Operating as a Part 61 training organization, rather than under Part 142, we are not bound by the specific mission profiles stipulated by the FAA; we are permitted to tailor the training to the customer’s specific needs.”
The $2.2 million, 4,000 square foot facility will open in Spring 2027, with up to six bays to host FAA-approved advanced aviation training devices (AATDs) for the Caravan 208B, Piper M series, and Pilatus PC-12, with plans to extend to the Daher TBM in the future. “These will be separate and specific training devices built by Mike Altman with Precision Flight Controls in California,” said Kirby. In-aircraft training will be provided as well.
