Glass-Equipped Trainers Soon To Be Standard Fare
Dowling College took
delivery of the first New Piper Warrior III, equipped with the
Avidyne FlightMax Entegra System Tuesday, making it the first
college aviation program to field Avidyne's advanced glass panel
displays for flight management, navigation and performance.
Dowling's initial order of two Entegra-equipped Warriors adds a
new dimension to its existing fleet of 11 Piper aircraft. The
school also played a significant role in Piper's decision to extend
this sophisticated technology to its line of entry-level aircraft
and trainers.
"We are strong believers in bringing new technology to market as
quickly as it becomes available," said New Piper President and CEO
Chuck Suma, "and we're consequently encouraged by Dowling College's
desire to add advanced glass avionics to their training fleet. The
fact is that there often isn't an immediate market for such
advanced technology in entry-level aircraft, but Dowling has shown
that it makes sense when you're talking about training tomorrow's
pilots."
Albert Donor,
President, Dowling College, underscored the importance of providing
students with the very best in helping them develop the skills and
experience to excel in what is a very competitive world.
"At Dowling, we believe that providing the basics is just the
beginning," he said. "Consequently, we are committed to giving our
students every possible advantage and equipping them with the
skills and tools considered essential in their prospective
vocations."
Martin Holley, Dean of Dowling College's School of Aviation,
said that training on advanced glass avionics like the Entegra
system will become a requirement for flight school graduates
looking for careers in aviation.
"New Piper's implementation of the new Avidyne Entegra systems
played a big part in making this sale," he said. "It's the perfect
combination: the PA-28 family of aircraft, which is world-renowned
for reliability as capable trainers and this new glass cockpit
technology. In the end, these aircraft will give our students the
uncompromised functionality required in our industry today."
Holley added that Tuesday's delivery was just the beginning of
what will become widespread use of glass cockpit technology at the
college. "This is the future of general aviation, and Dowling
College is at the forefront in implementing this state-of-the-art
technology," he said.