The latest buzz in Delta State University’s Department of Commercial Aviation is the three new airplanes that arrived just in time for the fall semester. The new, multi-engine DA-42 Diamond aircraft will replace the 30 year old BE-76 Beechcraft Duchess planes that have been in service since the early ‘80s.
The new Diamond planes feature some of the latest technology including controllable pitch propellers, moving maps, situation awareness, flight charts, weather forecasting, live traffic information, and avionic suites much like those of modern airliners. The planes also feature digital instrument displays, called glass technology, which replace the traditional analog six-pack of round gauges. The new planes will be used for glass cockpit and multi-engine training for the aviation students. Director of Flight Operations Chip Cooper said, “This is a way to prepare our guys for the next step and diversify their learning.”
The planes were made in Austria then shipped to Canada for final assembly before arriving in Cleveland. The entire process has taken about two years. Department Chair Julie Speakes pitched the idea of upgrading the fleet during her interview for the position in 2009. She said, "Upgrading the fleet will allow our students to train with the latest technology and better prepare them for the industry"
Delta State is the only university in Mississippi with a four year aviation program; degrees are offered in both aviation management and flight operations. For more information about the aviation program, visit aviation.deltastate.edu or contact the Department of Commercial Aviation at 662-846-4205.
