TAKE OFF IN POLK COUNTY

With an eye to the sky, Polk offers proximity to major infrastructure access points including the Orlando International Airport, Tampa International Airport, Lakeland Linder International Airport and three regional airports within the County propelling our competitiveness in aviation and aerospace – meaning expertise and efficiencies for companies looking to grow.

With close to 700 total aircraft operations a day, offering all the advantages of metro airports, without the heavy traffic and high costs of major metro areas, Polk County’s aviation sector is soaring.

Alex Price

Director of Business Development

Our Region

5
Int’l Airports
within 75 miles

3
Regional Airports
within the county

2
Spaceports
in the state of Florida

12
Flight Academies
in the state of Florida

Leading Education Programs

Central Florida Aerospace Academy

CFAA is a unique high school that offers specific aeronautical instruction including flight training, aircraft maintenance and avionics. CFAA also supports an FAA Part 147 Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic course to help students earn FAA certification as Aviation Maintenance Technicians.

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Polk State College

Polk State offers an A.S. in Professional Pilot Science, A.S. in Aerospace Administration and a B.S. in Aerospace Sciences. Students can earn additional certifications as Certified Flight Instructors, Certified Instrument Flight Instructors and/or Certified Multi-Engine Flight Instructors.

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Southeastern University

Southeastern University offers affordable and accessible degrees that prepare professional pilots. In this program, students will earn their Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Multi-Engine Rating, Flight Instructor Certificate, and AAS degree in Professional Pilot.

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Traviss Technical College

Offering both high school and adult vocational training, Traviss has programs in Avionics and Airframe Mechanics. Students can earn a FAA certification as Aviation Maintenance Technicians.

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Student Success

Polk State grad shares how Aerospace Program puts exciting careers within reach

Shaundra Gibbs is exercising her education and training from Polk State College

Polk State College grad Shaundra Gibbs is a flight operations coordinator for Aero Air Charter in Pensacola, where she is exercising her education and training from both Polk State Aerospace’s aircraft dispatcher certification and aerospace administration degree programs.

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Take Your Business to New Heights

Polk County has three general aviation airports in Bartow, Winter Haven, and Lake Wales and an international airport in Lakeland. All provide a full range of corporate and private aviation services, and several are also connected to rail spurs and industrial parks. Polk County is also within 60 miles of both Tampa International Airport, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and Orlando International airport.

Lakeland Linder International Airport

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Bartow Executive Airport

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Winter Haven Regional Airport

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Lake Wales Municipal Airport

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Featured Project

Amazon Builds its Largest Air Hub in the Southeast

Amazon is constructing a sorting facility that will be connected to Lakeland Linder International Airport with a ground service equipment warehouse that will house maintenance, storage and service.