Aerospace Program Enrolls Over 1,000 Students Annually

Cessna announced Friday it has entered into a multi-year contract with the University of North Dakota for Cessna 172 Skyhawks. The first four of 25 Skyhawks to be delivered in 2008 were handed over this week during a ceremony at Cessna's facility in Independence, KS.

The aircraft will be used for flight training at the university's John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences (UND Aerospace). On average, enrollment of flight students tops 1,000 and total flight training hours surpasses 90,000 each year in more than 120 aircraft.

As ANN reported, earlier this year UND Aerospace took delivery of a Citation Mustang entry level business jet, making it the first collegiate flight program to have a Mustang in its fleet. The Mustang is used for executive travel, as well as flight training for undergraduate and contract students.

"UND is a leader among collegiate flight schools, and we're thrilled they've chosen to expand their fleet with new Cessna 172 Skyhawks," said John Doman, Cessna's vice president for worldwide propeller aircraft sales. "The 172 remains the world's most popular training aircraft due to its unique combination of safety, reliability and predictable flight characteristics. With the addition of the Mustang and now the 172s, we're pleased and proud that UND continues to choose Cessna as we work together to increase new pilot starts."

"Cessna has always been a big supporter of UND Aerospace throughout our 40 years in flight training," said Don Dubuque, Director of Extension Programs. "We are excited to once again see Cessnas on our ramp."

FMI: www.cessna.com, www.undaerospace.com