Ari Ben Aviator Inc., an aviation-focused training center, will lay off 50 employees in Fort Pierce, Florida. The layoffs follow the impending permanent shutdown of its local campus, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filing with the state
Ari Ben Aviator Announces Permanent Closure of Fort Pierce Campus
Ari Ben Aviator Inc. filed the WARN notice on April 13, 2026, with mass layoffs and permanent closure scheduled for April 15. In the filing, the company stated that the update was relayed to employees on April 9.
The company cited a recent lawsuit filed by the family of a former student as a factor in the closure. The filing also references financial difficulties, including bankruptcy concerns and unsuccessful efforts to secure a buyer.
The layoffs affect employees at the training campus at 4220 Aviator Way, Fort Pierce, FL, 34946.
Ari Ben Aviator Inc. is the owner of Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology. It is a training college focused on preparing students for careers in aviation, including pilot training and other technical courses.
The institution provides both degree programs and vocational training, including associate and bachelor’s degrees in aeronautical science, certificate programs for commercial pilots, and a certificate program for aviation technicians.
Its training model emphasizes hands-on flight experience, using a fleet of aircraft and facilities designed to simulate real-world aviation conditions.
The shutdown of the Fort Pierce campus of Ari Ben Aviator Inc. marks a significant change for the local workforce. The affected employees may seek alternative jobs within Florida’s aviation and education sectors.
