Gala Planned For October 24

Western Michigan University's College of Aviation is celebrating 75 years of aviation education. WMU has been involved in aviation education since 1939. On this 75th year within the field of Aviation, the Western Michigan University College is planning a celebration of this great milestone.

To mark the anniversary, the school will hold a gala celebration on Friday, October 24.

According to the school's website, WMU's foray into aviation education began in 1939 when the Department of Vocational Aviation is formed and WMU begins to offer a two-year aviation mechanics program. In 1941, WMU begins teaching ground school classes, while the flight training portion is conducted by contracted fixed based operators. WMU establishes a new four-year bachelor's degree curriculum called air transportation in 1947.

In 1955, WMU begins its own flight training program using Piper J-5 aircraft. The training takes place at the Plainwell, Mich., Airport. In 1958, a bachelor's degree in aircraft engineering technology is offered. Both the two-year and four-year programs prepare students for the Airframe and Power plan certificates and offer flight courses as options. The fleet consists of the Cessna 170B, Piper PA-12, J-3 and J-5 aircraft. In 1959, flight training moves back to the Kalamazoo Airport.

Fast-forward to this year, when the school received a donation of a Israel Aircraft Industries Westwind corporate jet, and $19 million in building additions to accommodate the growth we are experiencing in our enrollment have been placed in the number one position on WMU's capital outlay priority list. Our enrollment growth has also prompted the purchase of an additional Frasca Cirrus SR20 flight training device, or simulator, the projected purchase of an additional Seminole twin engine aircraft and the modernization, and expansion of the Powerplant lab in the maintenance education area.

FMI: www.wmich.edu/aviation