Aircraft On Permanent Loan from Spirit of Flight Center

Denver-based Redstone College received a Learjet 24D Monday which will be on permanent loan from the Spirit of Flight Center, a Colorado-based non-profit air museum. The Learjet will serve as a training tool, providing students in Redstone's Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) and Advanced Electronics Technology (avionics) programs the opportunity to practice repairs and experience first-hand the Lear's inner workings.

"As long as there is air travel, there will be a need for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and service technicians to make repairs, complete inspections and perform maintenance," said Mike Couling, Redstone College campus president. "Our job is to provide employers with the most qualified candidates and most importantly our students with the opportunity to succeed in this growing field. The Learjet 24D donated today by the Spirit of Flight Center will be used to accomplish these objectives and is evidence of our commitment to providing a hands-on education."

The donated 1976 Learjet 24D is a five-seat, twin-engine high speed business jet that holds five international climb records set by owner and pilot Ed Wachs of Illinois. The jet has a range of 1,266 miles and a maximum speed of 565 mph.

The jet arrived at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, and was towed across 120th Street to the Redstone campus. Monday, the jet was delivered to the Redstone hangar.

"We are delighted to play a role in the educational process at Redstone College, as we continue to be impressed by the quality of individuals who graduate from their institution," said Gordon Page, President of the Spirit of Flight Center.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics there is a growing need for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and service technicians, with more than 152,000 jobs expected to be available in 2016 (up from 138,000 in 2006). Redstone offers an 18-month curriculum focusing on hands-on learning, and claims ninety-three percent of its graduates get a job in their career field after earning their FAA certification.

FMI; www.Redstone.edu, www.spiritofflight.com