To Be Used Towards New Technical Campus In Wichita

Aero-News learned this week aviation and communications electronics manufacturer Rockwell Collins is donating $150,000 to the National Center for Aviation Training at Colonel James Jabara Airport in Wichita. The donation will help provide equipment for the new technical education campus, managed by Wichita Area Technical College.

"We are impressed with the region’s passion for and commitment to technical training," said Kent Statler, executive vice president of Rockwell Collins Services. "We are proud to be a partner in this effort and are pleased to support it financially and with our employees’ expertise and involvement."

Headquartered in Cedar Rapids, IA, Rockwell Collins’ Wichita location integrates avionics and cabin management systems for new aircraft at Bombardier-Learjet, Cessna Aircraft Company, and Hawker Beechcraft. The Wichita Service Center also provides aftermarket service and support throughout the life of our products.

Sedgwick County has provided lead funding for the National Center for Aviation Training.  Board of County Commissioners Chairman Tom Winters said, "We thank Rockwell Collins for their support for this priority initiative. Businesses, our Federal delegation and our State elected leaders are continuing to commit to this partnership. Everyone is recognizing what we must do to keep aviation jobs in Kansas and the United States."

The Rockwell Collins donation of $50,000 a year for three years brings the announced private total to $2.25 million.

"As businesses watch the progress and promise of what the new center will bring to technical training, they are eager to get on board with their support," said Peter Gustaf, Wichita Area Technical College president. "We are grateful to Rockwell Collins and value their partnership and expertise."

FMI: www.rockwellcollins.com, www.watc.edu