December Business of the Month: Midwest Corporate Air

For more than four decades, Midwest Corporate Air (MCA) has been a cornerstone of aviation excellence in Logan County. What began as a small charter and training operation has grown into one of the nation’s leading providers of accelerated flight training — right here at the Bellefontaine Regional Airport, located at 3100 St. Rt. 47 W., Bellefontaine.
​
Midwest Corporate Air was founded in 1980 by Mike and Lynn Duff, who managed the former Bellefontaine Municipal Airport and provided aircraft charter services and flight training for over 20 years. Their dedication to aviation education laid the foundation for MCA’s future success.

In 1981, a young local resident named Steve Buchenroth stepped into the cockpit as one of MCA’s earliest flight students. His mentorship with Mike Duff would later shape Midwest Corporate Air’s next chapter. After Mike’s unexpected passing in 1998, Steve purchased the company from Lynn Duff in 2002, committed to preserving the Duff family’s legacy. That same year, Midwest Corporate Air relocated to the newly opened Bellefontaine Regional Airport, positioning the business for unprecedented growth.

​When Steve took ownership, he made a strategic decision to eliminate aircraft charter operations and focus solely on Accelerated Flight Training. The shift proved visionary.

Today, Midwest Corporate Air is recognized as one of the largest providers of accelerated flight training in the aviation industry, specializing in:

• Accelerated Flight Instructor Training
• Accelerated Multi-Engine Rating Programs
• Training from Private Pilot through Airline Transport Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor certifications
• Both conventional and accelerated “zero to hero” formats
  
  

Midwest Corporate Air utilizes state-of-the-art simulators and a diverse fleet that supports single-engine, multiengine, seaplane, and jet operations, including Cirrus, Diamond, Maule, Cessna Citation, and Twin Cessna aircraft.

With approximately 44 employees, the cornerstone of Midwest Corporate Air’s success is its team of expert flight instructors. Their knowledge, passion, and unwavering commitment to safety make an extraordinary impact. Through personalized instruction, they guide aspiring pilots of all backgrounds to become confident, capable aviators. Their dedication is integral to MCA’s success in training more than 1,000 pilots each year, representing all 50 states and several foreign countries — a fact many Logan County residents are surprised to learn.
​
Midwest Corporate Air’s Mission and Vision Statements are true testaments to the success of their operation. Their Mission Statement reflects their commitment to comprehensive, high-quality aviation training: “Midwest Corporate Air is a recognized leader in aircraft maintenance and flight training for fixed wing aircraft from Private through Airline Transport Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) levels of certification. We offer training from ‘zero to hero’ in both conventional and accelerated formats with state of the art simulators and aircraft including single engine, multiengine, seaplane and jet operations in Cirrus, Diamond, Maul, Cessna Citation, and Twin Cessna aircraft.”

Their Vision Statement further guides their pursuit of excellence: “To be recognized as an aviation center of excellence for flight training, aircraft maintenance and aviation services.”

For Steve, Logan County is more than a location — it’s home. Born and raised here, he remained committed to keeping Midwest Corporate Air local, especially given the history he shares with the company and the Duff family.
​
The opening of the new Bellefontaine Regional Airport in 2002 created the perfect opportunity for growth. Today, Midwest Corporate Air not only operates from the airport but manages the entire facility, contributing to local economic vitality and bringing thousands of visitors to our community.

For budding entrepreneurs, Steve’s advice is straightforward and grounded in real-world experience: “Make sure you have a true competitive advantage, and don’t compete on price.” This philosophy has guided Midwest Corporate Air through years of growth and industry leadership.

As Midwest Corporate Air continues to expand, the company anticipates hiring at least six new flight instructors in 2026, offering $35 per hour. These positions provide exceptional opportunities for pilots seeking to gain experience in one of the most respected accelerated programs in the country.

You can learn more about Midwest Corporate Air’s training courses, maintenance services, fleet and more on their website: https://midwestcorporateair.com/

From its 1980 beginnings to its status today as a nationally recognized aviation training center, Midwest Corporate Air exemplifies innovation, resilience, and the value of local roots. Their commitment to excellence, community impact, and leadership in aviation make them a standout asset to Logan County.

Please join us in congratulating Midwest Corporate Air on being the Logan County Chamber of Commerce December 2025 Business of the Month!