Piper Aircraft Inc. recently delivered two new Piper Warrior aircraft to Farmingdale State College, Farmingdale, New York.
In addition, the college which is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system plans to purchase a new Piper Arrow. The nearly $1 million purchase of the three aircraft will expand Farmingdale’s learning fleet to 22 planes and increases the capacity for the Professional Pilot track from 80 to 125 students.
SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said, “The Farmingdale State degree program for professional pilots – the only one offered in public higher education in New York—ensures that graduates take to the skies with the flight experience and tactical knowledge that a career in aviation demands. The addition of these three aircraft is certain to enhance the preparation and ultimate qualifications of all current and future students.”
Farmingdale State President W. Hubert Keen said, “We are very proud of our aviation program. Our student pilots go on to careers with some of the most well-known firms in the aviation and aerospace industries because of the excellent education they receive at Farmingdale—an education that includes the best resources and aircraft. The acquisition represents a continued modernization of the aviation program technology.
Commitment to Learn-to-Fly Segment
Piper Executive Vice President Randy Groom said, “These recent Piper additions to an already strong Piper fleet at Farmingdale State emphasizes Piper’s on-going commitment to the learn-to-fly segment of the industry which is so very vital to the future of aviation throughout the world. We are very pleased to be working with the professionals at one of the premier aviation learning institution on the East Coast.”
“Farmingdale has a rich history and a first-rate reputation, and these new planes will only enhance the excellent education the student pilots receive,” said Mike Hughes, Farmingdale’s director of Aviation. “Our students are in demand precisely because of the investments we make in providing them with the most up-to-date training.” There are 160 students enrolled in the Aviation Department, which also includes tracks in Airport Management and Air Cargo Operations. Aviation is one of the College’s legacy academic programs, dating back to 1949.
About Farmingdale State College
Farmingdale State College prepares students with the education, skills, and critical thinking needed to meet the challenges of tomorrow. At Farmingdale, students have abundant opportunities in experiential learning—internships, clinical training, and guided research—that provide practical instruction and personal growth. Small, personalized classes, a new residence hall with suite-style living, a lush 380-acre campus undergoing major renovation, and a highly successful NCAA Division III athletics program with modern facilities make Farmingdale State College one of the fastest-growing colleges in the region. For more information contact Kathryn Coley at 631-420-2400 or kathryn.coley@farmingdale.edu.
About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive university system in the United States, educating more than 467,000 students in more than 7,500 degree and certificate programs on 64 campuses with more than 2.5 million alumni around the globe. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunity, visit www.suny.edu
About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft Inc. is headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla. A global force in aviation, Piper offers efficient single-engine and twin-engine trainer, personal and business aircraft. Piper Aircraft designs, manufactures, sells and supports the strongest and broadest single-engine product line in the industry, from high-performance pistons to turboprops to the world’s most fuel-efficient seven-person business jet, the PiperJet Altaire. With economical acquisition and operating costs, Piper airplanes deliver the best values available today and into the future. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
