Gift Will Enhance Aviation, Education And Research
By Maxine Scheer
Aviation education at The Ohio State University (OSU) dates back to 1917, when the university opened its School of Aeronautics to provide training for military aviation operations. The university’s aviation programs are managed today out of its Center for Aviation Studies, established in 2011, and located at the Ohio State University Airport at Don Scott Field in Columbus, Ohio.
OSU’s Center for Aviation Studies programs will soon be enhancing access, education and research facilities through a generous donation of $10 million from the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation, to support creation of the Austin. E. Knowlton Aviation Learning Center and Executive Terminal.
On Friday, July 24 at 10 a.m. CDT, during AirVenture 2015, Knowlton Foundation Trustee Eric Lindberg will present OSU Center for Aviation Studies Director Seth Young with a ceremonial check at Ohio State’s exhibit space, located at Aviation Gateway Park.
Austin E. Knowlton received his architectural engineering degree from Ohio State in 1931 and was a pioneer in using aircraft to support and grow his many business interests. The $10 million gift to OSU’s Center of Aviation Studies continues Knowlton’s commitment to his alma mater, and will support capital improvements to provide facility enhancements, such as state-of-the-art flight simulators, research labs and classrooms.
ANN talked with Director Seth Young about the project and plans for maximizing the value of the Knowlton Foundation’s gift. “OSU owns and operates the airport, and with this gift, we are positioned to grow the potential of our multi-disciplined ‘teaching airport’, said Young.
“One of the unique aspects of OSU’s airport is the integration of education and operations,” said Young. “Students pursuing airport and aviation management-related careers get paid and can also earn credits while they get on-the-job experience working at OSU’s FBO. “This is going to be a NextGen facility along with OSU’s growing NextGen aircraft fleet, and multi-disciplined research and training.”
“Technology is a key factor behind these improvements,” said Young. “With this gift, OSU will create a 21st Century Aviation learning environment.” OSU officials note additional university and philanthropic funds will also be used to construct complementary aircraft hangars and support facilities for Ohio State’s flight education fleet.
More than 500 OSU students take aviation coursework through the Center of Aviation Studies. Young estimates about 120 students are training for professional pilot certifications, with the remaining students enrolled in programs that include airport management, airline management, corporate aviation management, as well as students from OSU’s College of Engineering, Fisher College of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Moritz College of Law and the John Glenn College of Public Affairs.
Ohio State is an academic research institution, and the Center of Aviation Studies is a key participant in three key federal research initiatives to improve aviation safety, reduce noise and create the next generation of airport and air traffic operations. This includes OSU’s participation in FAA’s Center of Excellence for General Aviation as part of “PEGASAS”.
“Outreach and community partnerships are important components,” said Young. “The plan is to also include space for informal education programs, such OSU’s Career Eagles and Youth Aviation Adventures. We need to bring aviation initiatives together to maximize their potential.”
“This generous gift reinforces the university’s commitment to aviation education and research and utilize Don Scott Field as it was originally intended — training pilots, advancing aviation innovation and serving the needs of a growing region,” said Dean David B. Williams of OSU’s College of Engineering.
(Staff image)
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