Mark Maryak details expansion plans for CAE Pueblo Training Center at city council meeting

During the Pueblo City Council Work Session on July 21, 2025, significant discussions centered around the CAE Pueblo Training Center, highlighting its growth and future plans. Mark Maryak, the director of flight training at the center, provided an extensive update on the facility's operations since its inception in 2006, emphasizing its role in training military aviators and its potential for expansion into civilian aviation training.

Maryak detailed the center's impressive track record, having trained over 25,000 aviators for the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps, and achieving over half a million flight hours. He noted the center's strategic location and favorable weather conditions, which enhance its training capabilities. The discussions also touched on the center's collaboration with local institutions, such as Pueblo Community College (PCC) and Colorado State University Pueblo, to establish an airframe and power plant mechanic school. This initiative aims to provide high-paying jobs for local youth and diversify the training offerings at the center.

Looking ahead, Maryak indicated that the Air Force is seeking more comprehensive training solutions, prompting the center to adapt its programs. This includes potentially expanding its facilities to accommodate increased training demands and exploring partnerships with international military forces, such as the German Air Force.

Council members expressed strong support for the center's initiatives, recognizing the economic benefits and job opportunities that could arise from its expansion. They discussed the importance of leveraging Pueblo's airport facilities to attract more aviation-related businesses and training programs.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the CAE Pueblo Training Center's pivotal role in both military and civilian aviation training, with plans for significant growth that could enhance the local economy and provide valuable career opportunities for residents. The council's commitment to supporting these initiatives suggests a promising future for aviation training in Pueblo.