Pensacola State College announced the donation of a Fairchild Merlin IV aircraft appraised at $900,000. The aircraft will be used in the College’s Aviation Airframe Mechanics and Aviation Power Plant Mechanics (A&P Mechanics) Program.
Students enrolled in the program will experience a unique training environment as the aircraft offers a unique opportunity to work on a Metroliner, which is a larger aircraft than programs typically have at their disposal.
“This aircraft will give students access to aircraft maintenance logs and training opportunities unlike those seen in traditional college programs,” said Pensacola State President Ed Meadows during the 10 a.m. press conference held at the ST Engineering site at the Pensacola International Airport. “The PSC family thanks you for your generous gift of this aircraft. It will give students the opportunity to build their confidence and the skills needed to pursue a gratifying high wage career.”
Pensacola State College’s program is a partnership between the College, ST Engineering, Triumph Gulf Coast, and the City of Pensacola and Santa Rosa County Economic Development. Most of the funding for this program was secured by the state’s local legislative delegation, Senator Broxson, Representative Andrade, and Representative Salzman. The College and partners are excited to provide students the opportunity to graduate as certified aviation mechanics in a program aligned with FAA regulations.
Meadows noted the program will allow many Pensacola State students to receive “direct-to-industry” employment due to the program and program partners. He expressed his gratitude saying, “thanks to Mr. Bishop’s donation, we now have an invaluable resource for aspiring aviation technicians.” He mentioned how important the aircraft would be to instructors who could provide hands-on instruction that would help students develop the skills necessary to pass Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) exams.
InDyne and RT&T are proud supporters of our military community, including the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Space Force, Missile Defense Agency, and NASA. They support specialized major ground test and operations facilities, radars, and radar cross section facilities; space and satellite systems; engineering; cyber; warfighter training; test and evaluation for major weapon systems; and unmanned and counter-unmanned aircraft. They support major defense locations worldwide that ensure our national security, including Department of Defense (DoD) Major Range and Test Facility Bases at Eglin Air Force Base, FL; Patuxent River, MD; Fort Huachuca, AZ; and supported both the Eastern and Western Launch Ranges.
Don Bishop, InDyne CEO and president, donated this 1982 Fairchild Merlin IV airplane to PSC’s Aviation Airframe Mechanics and Aviation Power Plant Mechanics Program. The Metroliner aircraft is valued at $900,000.Don Bishop stated “We are very pleased to provide the Merlin IV-C Metroliner to Pensacola State College for the benefit of the students and the community. It will bring a new dimension to the opportunities afforded PSC and its students for years to come.”
Andrea Krieger, PSC’s Executive Director of Institutional Development expressed her gratitude to Mr. Bishop saying, “your authentic excitement and desire to help aspiring aviation mechanics is admirable. It has been a joy getting to spend time with you as you worked through how you might help us enhance our program with your gift.”
When notified of the gift, PSC Instructors said, “The Metroliner will be a great addition to the Pensacola State College fleet of baseline aircraft. It will allow the College to train new aircraft technicians on all systems. This will enable us to taxi and accomplish crucial engine runs on larger aircraft, not to mention completing jacking, towing, gear cycling, and avionics checks/inspections. Being able to work on the Metroliner sets us apart from the normal operations of an FAA CFR part 147 school that teaches the required turbine- PT6 engines and reciprocating Lycoming engines.”
According to Michael Listau, Dean of Workforce Education, “this donation allows PSC to give future technicians hands-on experience with aircraft maintenance and flightline operations with the same type of aircraft that they will see in the industry. Adding this aircraft will strengthen our ability to produce a valuable, well-rounded graduate with real-world experience that will undoubtedly become a staple of the ever-growing Aviation community.
“ST Engineering in North America extends their deepest gratitude to Mr. C. Donald “Don” Bishop, President and CEO of InDyne, Inc., for his generous donation of a Fairchild Merlin IV aircraft, valued at $900,000. This aircraft will significantly enhance our Aviation Airframe Mechanics and Aviation Power Plant Mechanics programs, providing students with invaluable hands-on training opportunities. Our partnerships with Triumph Gulf Coast, the City of Pensacola, and the Santa Rosa County Economic Development play in driving educational excellence and exemplifies the profound impact of industry and education working together to equip students with the skills and confidence needed for successful careers in aviation, directly contributing to the growth of our local economy. Mr. Bishop’s donation is a gateway to endless possibilities for students, enabling them to gain the experience necessary to excel in the aviation industry and beyond,” stated Rula Malky, Senior Manager of Corporate Communications at ST Engineering North America.
For more information, contact Sheila Nichols at 850-484-1428 or snichols@pensacolastate.edu.
Established in 1948, Pensacola State College is a member of the Florida College System. The College offers baccalaureate and associate degrees, workforce certificates, business and industry training and continuing education courses. With four campuses and three centers in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, more than 120,000 students have graduated from the College.