New 172 Will Join Fleet Of Nine Skyhawks Operated By The School

Flight students at Eastern Kentucky University will have a new airplane to fly beginning in February of 2017.

The school was chosen early in 2016 for participation in Textron's "Top Hawk" program, and the EKU is expected to received its Top Hawk-branded Skyhawk in February. It is one of five collegiate partners chosen by Textron for the program this year.

Top Hawk is leading the way for collegiate aviation programs to continue training the next generation of pilots. Top Hawk is a partnership between Textron Aviation and top university aviation schools to provide students with access to a news Cessna Skyhawk, and provide unique internship opportunities with the world’s leading general aviation manufacturer.

Selected universities participate in Top Hawk to promote general aviation and connect future pilots to higher education. Universities will receive a factory new, custom branded Cessna Skyhawk to use for the duration of the program to promote aviation at air shows, aviation contests, and recruiting events. Top Hawk aircraft also allow schools to showcase their connection to Textron Aviation’s reputable internship program and support discovery flights and learn to fly programs, according to Textron.

EKU plans to showcase its Top Hawk 172 at such events as the annual convention of the Kentucky Aviation Association, as well as the yearly Aerospace Day at Frankfort, the state capital, according to the Richmond Register newspaper.

The aircraft is expected to be delivered at the end of February.

(Sources as cited and Textron To Hawk Program. Image from file)

FMI: http://aviation.eku.edu/, http://txtav.com/en/top-hawk