FIT Aviation Programs Receive Five New Aircraft from Piper Aircraft, Inc.

MELBOURNE, FLA.— The flight training arm of Florida Institute of Technology is welcoming a shipment of five new airplanes. The aircraft delivered Feb. 21 are Piper Archer TX models with Garmin G1000 glass cockpit avionics systems. These aircraft bring the flight school’s fleet total to 46 aircraft overall and 13 of the type after the initial delivery of eight Archers in May of 2013.

“These new aircraft help to position FIT Aviation Programs to meet long term goals of further fleet expansion and modernization and allow us to phase out some older airframes while expanding our fleet to meet capacity demands. Being able to train students with the most modern technology gives our flight training programs more value to our customers by easing the transition into the next steps of their aviation careers,” said Gregory Reverdiau, Director of Business Operations at FIT Aviation Programs.

All of the Archers delivered to date have been options exercised through Florida Tech and Piper’s Piper Aviation Career Alliance. The agreement allows for a total of 28 training aircraft options over the five year term, with a total of 14 options remaining after delivery of a new twin-engine trainer Seminole in January.

The overall goal of the Piper Aviation Career Alliance is to provide better opportunities for graduates from aviation programs and other programs that are offered through the university. Aside from a fleet of new aircraft, the Alliance provides for opportunities for students and graduates by offering scholarships, internships, mentoring, and career interviews.

“We think the alliance has been very productive so far,” said Kenneth Stackpoole, Vice President of FIT Aviation Programs. “We have been very pleased with the integration of the new aircraft into our fleet and we have already seen some students and graduates go to work with Piper in a variety of capacities.”

About the Piper Archer TX

Powered by the 180HP Lycoming 0-360-A4M, the Archer can cruise at a speed of 128ktsa / 237 km/h with plenty of power to provide for the needs of flight training. The G1000 avionics system as standard instrumentation provides a great mix of low workload and high technology. The special flight school interior, and the aircraft overall, is well suited to stand up to the rigors that are associated with flight training.