Plattsburgh Aeronautical Institute (PAI)
FedEx Donates Boeing 727-200F Aircraft to PAI
On August 17, 2011, the Federal Express Company (FedEx) donated a Boeing 727-200F aircraft to CV-TEC and the Plattsburgh Aeronautical Institute (PAI). FedEx officials, David Sutton and Beth Rush were on hand to transfer the aircraft from FedEx to CV-TEC for instructional use.
Over the past decade, FedEx has made it corporate practice to assist schools, museums, and airport fire departments by donating 727-type jets in support of their educational missions.
Dr. Barry Mack, CV-TEC Division Director, expressed his enthusiasm for the donation by referring to it as “a capstone for Plattsburgh Aeronautical Institute's development." According to James McCartney III, CV-TEC Satellite Campus Principal, this mid-size, narrow-body, three-engine, T-tailed commercial jet airliner will significantly increase PAI’s instructional capacity as we prepare our “Technician Candidates” for employment in the aviation industry.
(From the Press-Republican - July 6, 2011)
According to CV-TEC Director Dr. Barry Mack, "FedEx will also be providing necessary parts and training on the aircraft for our CV-TEC instructors. We are very appreciative of the efforts of Congressman Owens and Senators Schumer and Gillibrand."
Constructed in 1981, the donated 727 aircraft has been used for both passenger and freight-related functions. As of August 2008, 419 727-200 aircraft were still in service, many of which are still an active part of the FedEx Express corporate fleet. See technical details of the Boeing 727 series aircraft.
While the value of CV-TEC’s aircraft is approximately $1 million, the instructional value of possessing a fully operational jet aircraft as part of PAI’s curriculum is inestimable.
With the FedEx jet on site, PAI faculty and students will be able to study and to maintain sophisticated electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems on this prized airplane.
CV-TEC is extremely grateful to Fed Ex, to Mr. David Sutton, and to Ms. Beth Rush for making this opportunity available to CV-TEC, to PAI, and to all who will benefit from its systems for many years to come.
More photos and video are available at the Press-Republican website.
- Jim McCartney III Principal, CV-TEC - Plattsburgh Satellite Campus 518-536-7344
- Dr. Barry Mack, Division Director, 518-561-0100