State-of-the-Art Hangar Complex Breaks Ground
On a warm summer morning last month, city elected and administrative officials, FAA members, aviation enthusiasts, Jessup faculty, staff and students gathered at the edge of the Lincoln Regional Airport airstrip for a groundbreaking ceremony marking a new chapter for the area in both aviation and education.
The much awaited event celebrated the launch of a state-of-the-art hangar complex that will serve as the training hub for Jessup’s rapidly growing aviation program — a partnership that blends cutting-edge flight instruction with a mission-driven purpose to prepare the next generation of pilots for service and leadership.
Lincoln Mayor and Jessup Advancement Officer Holly Andreatta opened the ceremony asserting the viability of the project and how the hangar build is transformational for the Lincoln Regional Airport. The hangar build kicks off the first new construction at the airport in more than 20 years.
Over the next six months, the hangar stock will increase by 48 individual hangars and 16 larger, multi-aircraft hangars. This is a significant development as the Lincoln Regional Airport serves the entire South Placer County region. City officials added that more hangars equates to more aircraft, thereby increasing revenue from fuel sales and airport services, which means a more vibrant, financially stable airport.
Leading the project is local developer and Jessup donor, Ed Soo-Barr who saw the need to increase hangar space. Bringing his passion full circle across three generations, Soo-Barr invited his mother and three kids to join in the groundbreaking, sharing it was his mother who ignited his love for aviation when she purchased his first flight lesson for her then 15-year-old. The project is one the whole family is proud to be a part of.
Having come to know Soo-Barr over the past two years, Mayor Andreatta said, “What I really treasure about Ed, is that this project isn’t just a business opportunity for him. This was born out of Ed’s desire to make a difference by addressing a great need. He truly cares about this place and wants to make a positive impact for our community and to benefit everyone at the airport.”
Jessup’s aviation program continues to experience significant growth. Students are currently accruing flight hours out of Auburn Municipal airport located on New Airport Road in Auburn. Aviation Program Director Lt Col,USAF (Ret.) Loo Ng said, “The idea that our students will be flying out of Lincoln is something we’ve continued to work hard for since our program began back in 2020. Flying out of Lincoln means students can be at the airport in about 10 minutes versus the 25-30 minute drive they travel now to the Auburn airport.”
Jessup students are continuing to create a presence at the Lincoln Regional Airport. Last May, an area housing a flight simulator and lab space was created thanks to funding from an FAA grant. Students also have been busy at work installing Jessup signage along the entry road and in the simulation and lab space.
