Fairmont State receives model airplane from Bombardier

In recognition of Fairmont State University’s dedication to educating students that will help the aviation industry continue to soar, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft Services created a model plane and presented it to the University. 

The model is a Q400 turboprop plane, according to John Moon, program manager for Bombardier. He explained that it’s a leading aircraft in the industry and built for comfort. 

“This gave us the opportunity to donate a gift to a great university to try to spark some interest in the aviation community and the industry,” he said. “We have a shortage of pilots and mechanics, so we need to do what we can as employers and educators to try to draw in what we can.” 

Moon said the plane, which was designed and painted in the paint shop at their Bridgeport location, will be a great way to spark interest in youth at career fairs and recruiting events. It will also allow them to create an awareness of the opportunities offered here in West Virginia. 

"We work together, them as an educator and us as an employer, to employ people,” he said. "We spend a lot of time here at the school looking to see what they have to offer and we provide them with the tools that they might ask us for that we might have as an excess."

Dr. Richard Harvey, interim provost and vice president of academic affairs, said this is a great asset to the University and will be used to help recruit students. 

“This is something we can take to recruiting events. Obviously, we’d love to take a plane but that’s a little hard so now we’ve got a model that’s really eye-catching,” he said. “It’s going to generate traffic to the table where we can talk about our aviation program.” 

Harvey said working with Bombardier is a win-win for both parties. They are working together to help build up the aviation industry. 

Fairmont State University is the only four-year institution in the state that offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Technology with three options: Aviation Administration Professional Flight, Aviation Administration – Management and Aviation Maintenance Management.

For more information about Aviation Technology programs through Fairmont State University, visit http://www.fairmontstate.edu/collegeofscitech/academics/aviation-technology-program.

 

BombardierAviation School of ExcellenceDr. Richard Harveymodel airplane