Plattsburgh Aeronautical Institute (PAI)

Mini-500 helicopter donated to PAI

The kit-built, one-person helicopter was donated to the institute by Trygve Svard, a Honeywell engineer from the Minneapolis area. His colleagues helped him reconfigure the aircraft to be powered by a Wankel engine, a rotary powerplant.

That gives students another type of engine to work on and study. Svard also donated a run stand and smaller Wankel engine.

The donation was arranged through Katrina Bradshaw of BuildAPlane, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Malibu, Calif. The organization is dedicated to promoting aviation and aerospace careers by giving young people the opportunity to build aircraft.

PAI Acquires Over $15 Million Worth of New and Used Aeronautical Equipment

Since April 2004, PAI has acquired over $15 million worth of aeronautical equipment.  Through the generosity of multiple private, corporate, State, Federal, and Department of Defense organizations, PAI promises an extensive, hands-on learning environment for its Technician Candidates.

PAI Seeking New and Used Aeronautical Equipment

Based on the support of regional legislative bodies, aeronautical firms, private donations, corporate benefactors, and local organizational support, CV-TEC is able to support our region’s transportation industry better than ever before.

As the initial costs associated with the implementation of a Part 147 institute are high, CV-TEC has solicited millions of dollars worth of aviation-related equipment and materials from a variety of public, private, state, national and military sources.

Donations or information pertaining to used instructional equipment should be directed to CV-TEC Principal, James McCartney III at (518) 324-6616.

Lycoming, Inc. Donates 8 Re-manufactured Engines to PAI

During the Summer of 2007, CV-TEC accepted the donation of 8 Lycoming engines from Lycoming, Inc., one of the leading manufacturers of General Aviation aircraft engines in the nation. The receipt of these engines ensures high quality training opportunities for PAI students for many years to come. Rouses Point Native, Mr. Dennis Racine, arranged the donation of 8 Lycoming Engines in September 2007

 

Pratt and Whitney (Canada) Donation

During the Summer of 2007, CV-TEC accepted the donation of 10 PT-6 jet engines from Pratt and Whitney Canada. Valued at over $600,000, the PT-6 Engines will serve Technician Candidates well as they learn the principles of jet engine maintenance and operation.

 

Department of Defense Donations: Vermont Army National Guard; Vermont Air National Guard; AMARG/GSA/NYSOGS

Millions of dollars worth of aviation equipment has been made available to PAI through various Department of Defense organizations, including, but not limited to: 2 Huey Helicopters, 1 Aviation Tug, 1 Blackhawk Engine (Vermont Army National Guard); 1 F-16 Engine with Stand (Vermont Air National Guard); 1 Huey Helicopter, 1 T-39 Saberliner (AMARG/GSA/NYSOGS). 

Private Donations of Aircraft

Donations of privately owned aircraft have ensured that PAI will meet FAA Part 147 Training requirements and will provide CV-TEC’s Technician Candidates with a diverse and well-rounded training.  Past donations include, but are not limited to: 1 Boeing DC-3 Aircraft (Mr. James Drollette); 1 French Fuga Magister (fighter/trainer jet) (Mr. James Drollette); 1 Piper Cherokee single engine aircraft (Dr. George Flynn); 1 Cessna 182 (Dr. George Boolukos).

Clinton County Legislature

CV-TEC and PAI have received the generous and varied support of the Clinton County Legislature during the development of the Aviation Technology program.  CV-TEC is deeply grateful to our County Legislators for the aviation related equipment, start carts and stands that will serve to round out the experience of our Technician Candidates.

Douglas DC-3 Relocation Project

A generous donation of a DC-3 by James Drollette of Champlain Air will become one of PAI's feature projects. PAI is grateful to Consultant Larry Trow and Mr. Will Conroy (Conroy & Conroy, Inc.) for the invaluable role played in preparing this aircraft for relocation.

On Sunday, October 23, 2005, PAI Advisory Board Member, Mr. Russ Lawliss supervised the transfer of the DC-3, via highway, to its present location in Alert Hangar #7 at the Plattsburgh International Airport. Many thanks to Mr. Larry Trow, and to Mr. Gene Chauvin for their role in making the relocation process possible.