Team CTI making an impact

Helicopters like these have become a common sight around the Marianna Municipal Airport due to a proof-of-concept pilot program for Army Aviation flight school students

U.S. Army Photo by Leslie Herlick

Marianna’s airport has a new tenant with high-flying ambitions. Team CTI has officially launched operations at the Marianna Municipal Airport, bringing with it military training, economic benefit, and renewed excitement for the region’s aviation footprint.

Team CTI, comprised of Crew Training International, based in Memphis Tennessee and Helicopter Institute, a Fort Worth-based flight-training contractor, began operations March 1 under a 15-month lease with the City of Marianna. According to City Manager William Long, the training company is contracted to provide military helicopterflight instruction as part of an agreement with the U.S. Army.

“This is a great addition to our airport,” Long said. “They’re paying rent, purchasing fuel, and we’re glad to have them. We hope it turns into a long-term relationship.”

The program primarily serves pilots from Fort Novosel—formerly Fort Rucker—in Alabama. According to Bill Young, Finance Director for Helicopter Institute, the site is currently staffed by flight instructors who rotate classes of eight students through a 16-week program. Over the course of the year, the institute expects to train up to 48 students.

While the program is expected to last only a year, the potential for expansion remains on the horizon. “This contract is for a year, and then they’ll look into a larger contract, which would take place on the base,” Young explained. That future contract would be competitively bid and may or may not include continued training in Marianna.

For now, the activity is already making an impact. Students are transported daily from Fort Novosel to Marianna for instruction in R-66 helicopters based at the city’s airport. The flight instructors reside locally, housed in Marianna just a half-mile from the airfield.

Jim Hart, a long-time pilot and member of the Marianna Airport Board, noted the significance of the program’s presence. “This is a big deal for Marianna,” Hart said. “Having military training happening right here brings attention and opportunity.” Team CTI’s arrival marks a strategic use of airport infrastructure and aligns with ongoing efforts to expand Marianna’s role in regional and military aviation. Whether the contract extends beyond its initial term or not, city officials remain optimistic.

“We’re proud to host a program like this,” Long said. “It’s the kind of operation that puts Marianna on the map.”

One of the helicopters used by the Army Aviation flight school students from Fort Novosel is checked out
U.S. Army Photo by Leslie Herlick

Army Aviation flight school students from Fort Novosel are participating in a proof-ofconcept pilot program at the Marianna Municipal Airport

U.S. Army Photo by Leslie Herlick