Armstrong's Seat Preserved

An Aero-News reader -- and Purdue University alumnus -- sent along new information in regards to our story Wednesday, concerning Purdue's decision to scrap a Boeing 727 aviation lab because it was too costly to maintain.

Fortunately, the Purdue Exponent reports not everything is being shredded by giant metal jaws. Former astronaut Neil Armstrong's captain seat from the Boeing 727 is being preserved, and will be waiting for him at the university if he ever wants to sit in it again.

Armstrong, himself a Purdue graduate, flew the 727 to Purdue in 1993 when the plane was donated to the school by United Airlines.

The news gets better, however... for while it's true the old plane is being ripped apart, its replacement has arrived. A new 727 -- one that brings with it more advanced technology for students to study -- was delivered to Purdue Airport Tuesday.

The plane was donated by FedEx, and was flown in from Indianapolis by two graduates.

As a small crowd met the new 727, the old 727 lay in ruins not far from the airport’s main runway. The new 727 will be unveiled to the public in September.

FMI: www.purdue.edu