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| • Purdue Department of Aviation Technology |
| • FedEx Corp. |
FedEx donated cargo plane to Purdue aviation technology
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — FedEx Corp. donated a recently retired airplane to Purdue University that will help aviation technology students learn about the mechanics and systems of an aircraft equipped exclusively to carry cargo.
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"From the earliest days of flight, Purdue has been a pioneer in aviation technology," Jischke said. "From J. Clifford Turpin, a young Purdue engineering alumnus who helped the Wright brothers make their innovative machine successful in 1909, to our legendary connection to Amelia Earhart, Purdue has always been a cradle of aviation.
"This donation from FedEx is the latest contribution that is helping to ensure our graduates remain some of the best in the country and that Purdue remains a pioneer in the field."
The freighter, a Boeing 727-100 formerly used as a cargo plane, was taken out of service by FedEx in late July. It arrived on campus from the FedEx facilities in Indianapolis on Aug. 1. The aircraft is valued at $650,000.
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He said the gift reflects a trend of universities and the aviation industry working more closely together to train students for future aviation careers.
"FedEx is proud of its commitment to the communities we serve and those in which our employees live and work," said David P. Sutton, managing director of FedEx aircraft acquisitions and sales. "The donation of this aircraft is just one example of the many ways we support educational programs, such as the one at Purdue University, that will produce outstanding graduates who will soon become the industry leaders of tomorrow."
The airplane will be used as an on-ground training lab that can be taxied by students but will not be flown, said Thomas Carney, head of the aviation technology department. The FedEx aircraft is outfitted for cargo only and not for transporting more than a few passengers at a time.
Instead of seats in the airplane's fuselage, it is equipped with rollers to load cargo containers or pallets. The containers are filled with a variety of materials of varying weights. Although it won't be used for flying, students will still be able to use the aircraft to learn how a cargo aircraft operates and handles while taxiing.
Carney said this airplane, like other Purdue teaching aircraft, will benefit all three undergraduate areas in aviation technology. Aeronautical technology majors will be able to practice large-scale maintenance, inspection and repair procedures. Flight majors can become experienced on flight systems, preflight procedures and cockpit operations, as well as taxi practice. Aviation management students, who often seek careers in airline or airport management or as air-traffic controllers, can enhance their understanding of airline operations by becoming familiar with the characteristics of such an aircraft.
Carney said in addition to helping Purdue students learn, he envisions using the aircraft as part of an outreach program for K-12 students to help them learn more about aviation technology, future career options and Purdue's programs in the College of Technology.
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In addition to its large fleet of piston-powered and turbine training aircraft, Purdue currently has one other airliner used for teaching in aviation technology — a 1970s-era Boeing 737 passenger airplane. This past summer, a Boeing 727 passenger plane, built in the 1960s, was decommissioned because it had passed its useful life. These two aircraft have been used as non-flying training labs to support the academic needs of aviation technology students and faculty.
The dedication of the FedEx airplane is part of a one-week celebration leading up to Purdue's Saturday (Sept. 23) Homecoming. Events focus on ways Purdue is improving education and helping the state of Indiana as part of the university's strategic plan and $1.5 billion fund-raising campaign.
Writer: Kim Medaris, (765) 494-6998, kmedaris@purdue.edu
Sources: Dennis R. Depew, (765) 494-2552, ddepew@purdue.edu
Thomas Carney, (765) 494-9954, tcarney@purdue.edu
Jerry Alberts, director of corporate relations for College of Technology, (765) 494-0885, jalberts@purdue.edu
David Sutton, managing director of FedEx acquisition and sales, (901) 369-3300
Beth Rush, contracts administrator for FedEx aircraft acquisitions and sales, (901) 369-3317, beth.rush@fedex.com
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
Note to Journalists: Video b-roll is available by contacting Jesica Webb, Purdue News Service, at (765) 494-2079, jwebb@purdue.edu.
PHOTO CAPTION:
A FedEx freighter, a Boeing 727-100 formerly used as a cargo plane, lands at the Purdue Airport on Aug. 1. It was taken out of service by FedEx in late July and officially handed over to Purdue in a ceremony Tuesday, Sept. 19, at the airport. (Purdue News Service photo/David Umberger)
A publication-quality image is available at https://www.purdue.edu/uns/images/+2006/fedex-landing.jpg
PHOTO CAPTION:
Purdue President Martin C. Jischke speaks during the FedEx dedication ceremony on Tuesday (Sept. 19) at the Purdue Airport. (Purdue University photo/Vince Walter)
A publication-quality image is available at https://www.purdue.edu/uns/images/+2006/jischke-fedex.jpg
PHOTO CAPTION:
Thomas Carney, head of Purdue's Department of Aviation Technology, greets Harley Troyer, a flight engineer and a 1995 Purdue aviation technology alumnus. Troyer was part of an all-Purdue alumni crew that delivered the FedEx airplane to the Purdue Airport on Aug. 1. Also part of the FedEx crew were first officer Jason Steiner, a 1995 aviation technology graduate, and Capt. Ming Lowe, a 1992 aviation technology graduate. The freighter, a Boeing 727-100 formerly used as a cargo plane, was taken out of service by FedEx in late July. (Purdue News Service photo/David Umberger)
A publication-quality image is available at https://www.purdue.edu/uns/images/+2006/carney-fedexgift.jpg
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