Aviation school Aviator College of Aeronautical Science & Technology in Fort Pierce, Florida, will permanently close its campus, resulting in layoffs for its employees. The closure follows a recent lawsuit that impacted the school's ability to finalize a sale to new buyers.
What happened
The Fort Pierce campus of Aviator College is shutting down permanently. Employees were notified of the closure on April 9, 2026, with layoffs beginning April 15, 2026.
How many employees affected
The closure will affect roughly 40 to 50 employees, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice.
Why layoffs happened
The school's closure is attributed to a lawsuit filed by the family of a former student, which prevented the completion of a sale to new buyers. The company also referenced allegations of bankruptcy. Prior to the closure, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges issued a warning to Aviator College citing concerns that included the school’s fiscal condition and budget, student services, administrative support, faculty documentation and retention of educational staff.
Company background
Ari Ben Aviator Inc. operates Aviator College of Aeronautical Science & Technology. The college is located at 4220 Aviator Way in Fort Pierce. The school is not affiliated with any union, and there are no known bumping rights for employees.
Industry impact
Treasure Coast International Airport, where Aviator College operated, is a significant general aviation hub in St. Lucie County. The airport hosts various aviation-related businesses, including flight training operations. The closure of Aviator College may impact the local aviation training landscape.
What's next
Laid-off employees will be seeking new employment. The future of the Aviator College campus and its facilities is currently unknown.
Source: cbs12.com