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.

FMI: www.newpiper.com, www.dowling.edu