New Virginia Tech School AMT Program Gets Helpful Training Aid

A small technical school in Harrisonburg, Virginia received an impressive gift for their AMT program, a 6-place Cessna 320E Executive Skyknight (file photo). Massanutten Technical Center received the aircraft from George Roussel following an unsuccessful repair process before entering storage.

The school is beginning to offer a new 2-year aviation maintenance program for the 2022-2023 school year, and the Cessna is a vitally needed piece of training equipment for incoming students. 

Roussel's aircraft was purchased as a convenient runabout for his medical practice, but a troublesome experience with an inept cut-and-run mechanic resulted in "near destruction," he said. "They tore my plane apart." Roussel's attempts to get the business to repair his disassembled aircraft were unsuccessful, and other time commitments resulted in what was left of the aircraft sitting in storage for years. 

When he heard of the school's new program, he touched base with the program director at the school, Kevin Hutton, saying he would be "delighted to give it to them". Hutton's associate for building the program jumped into action to help bring the aircraft into the school's hangar. Dynamic Aviation Group of Bridgewater, Virginia, assisted with additional disassembly and transport to bring the aircraft from its former resting place at New Market. Now, students will use the plane to learn about every facet of aircraft maintenance needed to become a certified aviation maintenance technician. 

”The plane will never fly again,” Hutton said of Roussel’s Cessna 320. “But it is an outstanding learning tool. We are honored to be able to have that opportunity.”

FMI: www.mtcva.com