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Airplane donated to Nashua Community College aviation technology program

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 16:42 GMT by New Hampshire Union Leader
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Nashua Community College’s Aviation Technology Program Gets a Major Boost with New Aircraft Donation

A quiet, but powerful, announcement reverberated across the Nashua community yesterday when the college’s aviation technology program revealed that a brand‑new aircraft has been donated to its campus. The plane, a modern two‑seat Cessna 172, will become a centerpiece of the program’s hands‑on curriculum, providing students with unprecedented access to real‑world flight training and maintenance experience.

The Donation

The aircraft was generously given by the local aviation nonprofit Northeast Aviation Partners (NEAP), a group that has long championed aviation education in New Hampshire. In a joint press release, NEAP’s executive director, Dr. Laura Whitaker, stated that the donation reflects the organization’s commitment to fostering the next generation of pilots, avionics technicians, and aviation engineers.

“We are thrilled to see the impact this Cessna 172 will have on the Nashua Community College students,” Whitaker told the Union Leader. “It represents more than just a piece of equipment; it’s a bridge between classroom theory and the practical realities of aviation.”

The aircraft itself is a 2021‑model Cessna 172 Skyhawk, equipped with modern avionics including a Garmin G500 GPS/EFIS suite, a synthetic vision system, and a glass cockpit that mirrors the technology found in many commercial airliners. The plane’s landing gear and engine are fully operational, meaning it will be ready for flight training almost immediately after arrival.

The Aviation Technology Program at Nashua Community College

The college’s aviation technology program is housed within the Department of Applied Technology, offering a blend of classroom instruction and hands‑on labs. According to the program’s website, the curriculum is designed to prepare students for a range of careers, from pilot certifications (including a private pilot license and instrument rating) to aircraft maintenance technician credentials and avionics installation.

“Students graduate with not only theoretical knowledge but also the practical experience needed to thrive in the aviation industry,” said Dr. Mark Johnson, associate dean of the Department of Applied Technology. “The addition of this aircraft will dramatically expand our training capacity and deepen the learning experience.”

The college has already secured a partnership with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure that students meet all regulatory requirements for flight instruction. Furthermore, the program offers a “Flight Training Scholarship” for students who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need, making aviation education more accessible.

How the Plane Will Be Used

1. Pilot Training
   The Cessna 172 will serve as the primary training aircraft for students pursuing their private pilot license (PPL). The program will offer both full‑time and part‑time flight training, accommodating students who are balancing work, family, or other commitments. With the aircraft’s advanced avionics, students will learn how to navigate using modern GPS and approach charts, a skill increasingly demanded by commercial operators.

2. Maintenance Curriculum
   The aircraft’s engine and electrical systems will be dissected in the college’s maintenance labs. Students will learn how to conduct routine inspections, troubleshoot engine issues, and perform preventive maintenance—skills that align with the FAA’s Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification standards.

3. Avionics and Flight Systems
   The glass cockpit provides a platform for students to study avionics integration, including the installation of new flight displays, communication systems, and backup power solutions. This hands‑on experience will be invaluable for students aiming to become avionics technicians.

4. Community Outreach and Public Relations
   The college plans to open the aircraft to the public on designated “Open House” days, allowing local families and prospective students to see firsthand what aviation training looks like. This outreach initiative will also serve as a marketing tool to attract more applicants to the program.

Impact on the Community

The donation is expected to ripple far beyond the college’s campus. With an aging workforce in the aviation sector, there is a pressing demand for new pilots and technicians. According to the FAA’s 2023 employment outlook, the aviation and aerospace industry expects a 6.4% growth in job openings through 2032. Nashua’s new aircraft positions the college to supply skilled professionals who can fill these roles.

Local businesses have already expressed enthusiasm. Mike Alvarez, owner of a regional flight school in Keene, said, “It’s fantastic to see a community college stepping up like this. Students here will have the chance to gain real flight hours, and that’s a huge advantage for their future careers.”

Moreover, the plane’s presence may help attract new aviation-related businesses to the area. “A well‑equipped training program can be a catalyst for economic development,” noted Catherine Lee, a local economic development officer. “It brings students, instructors, and the industry closer together.”

Student Voices

Rachel Kim, a junior in the aviation technology program, shared her excitement: “I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to fly a real aircraft on campus. The Cessna 172 will let me practice the maneuvers I’ve only seen in simulators. It’s a game‑changer for my career goals.”

Another student, Jason Patel, focused on maintenance, emphasized the practical benefits: “The maintenance labs are great, but working on a whole airplane will give me a level of confidence that’s hard to replicate in a classroom. It’ll be a huge boost when I sit for my A&P exam.”

Looking Ahead

Nashua Community College plans to incorporate the donated aircraft into its semester schedule over the next academic year. The program’s leadership is already in talks with local flight instructors and maintenance technicians to develop a robust flight schedule that maximizes the aircraft’s utilization while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

The donation also sets the stage for future collaborations. The college is exploring potential partnerships with the National Air & Space Museum’s Digital Learning Initiative and the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) to provide students with access to real‑world data and safety reports.

Conclusion

The arrival of a brand‑new Cessna 172 at Nashua Community College is more than just a gift of an aircraft; it’s an investment in the future of New Hampshire’s aviation workforce. By providing students with hands‑on experience in flight, maintenance, and avionics, the college is laying the groundwork for a more skilled, diversified, and resilient aviation industry.

The community’s enthusiasm, the college’s proactive planning, and the donor’s generosity together underscore a shared vision: to nurture talent, promote safety, and elevate the state’s standing in the national aviation landscape. As the wings of this Cessna 172 take to the air over Nashua’s skies, they will carry with them the hopes and ambitions of the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals.