Nine New Planes Ordered For Flight Training Department

Saint Louis University's Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology has announced the addition of nine new Diamond DA20 airplanes to its flight training department..

"The Diamond DA20 provides Parks College students access to the latest flight technology," said Brent Bowen, Ed.D., Aviation Science Department Chair. "Our aviation program will grow in direct result of this investment and our students and graduates will continue to be sought out by employers. This bold and visionary step helps ensure our future."

Parks College, founded in 1927, was the first certified School of Aviation in the United States.

"I, for one, am very pleased with the choice of the DA20 as our primary trainer," Stephen Belt, M.S., Flight Training Director for Parks College stated. "The DA20 has outstanding performance characteristics and is very fuel efficient. It is equipped with an appropriate blend of standard instrumentation and advanced navigation. It will prepare our students well for the transition into more advanced and complex aircraft."

Kansas City Aviation Center (KCAC), Diamond Aircraft's Regional Distribution Center for Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska managed the transaction.
Chris Carmody, KCAC's Regional Director of Diamond Aircraft, graduated from Parks College, and has stayed in close contact with the school as an alumnus.

"As a Parks College Alumnus, I'm excited about the educational opportunities these aircraft will offer Parks College students," said Carmody.

FMI: www.diamondaircraft.com, www.slu.edu/x25059.xml, www.kcac.com