EMU eyes cooperation with aviation company for future pilots
By Dan DuChene, Staff Writer PUBLISHED: September 6, 2007
Eastern Michigan University is in the works to form a partnership to benefit its aviation program. Cessna Aircraft, a Kansas-based airplane manufacturing company is eyeing the state of Michigan to introduce its new collegiate partnership program. The initiative was announced at the Eagle Flight Center, EMU's pilot school based out Willow Run Airport.
Attended by aviation school directors from all but two colleges and universities that offer such a program in the state, nearly everyone in the room raised his or her hand when asked who had learned how to fly in a Cessna plane.
"The safety record of this aircraft is really one of the center-posts of why parents are happy to bring their children here," said Morrelle Boone, dean of the EMU College of Technology.
The agreement would involve branding for schools entering in the partnership with Cessna. Aside from the marketing benefits of using the name, schools would also benefit from purchasing ability for aircraft and equipment, access to training materials and assistance with curriculum development.
"This partnership is really important," said Pat Redmond, sales and marketing manager for Suburban Aviation. "It really is a perfect marriage."
Suburban Aviation owns and operates the Eagle Flight Center. The aviation program at EMU partnered with the company to train its pilots nearly two years ago. The company had already had a previous existing relationship with Cessna, and has since the 1980s.
Linda Schumm, regional manager for Cessna, said Michigan is the launching site for the program, which should open to the rest of the nation in approximately a year. She said Redmond was the main reason the company chose Michigan first.
Undergraduates in EMU's aviation program can choose between two programs, aviation management or aviation flight technology. While the management program is more business-based, the technology program is flight-based. George Cretu, enrollment coordinator for the Eagle Flight Center said the technology program is rigorous program, with a selective application program. He said the process often starts before students graduate from high school and requires a medical assessment, background check and interview process.
Redmond said aviation students are in high demand, often courted by employers while still in flight school. She said the employment statistics in the field are deceptive, but pilots and mechanics are in high demand across the U.S. and internationally.
An agreement between Cessna had not been reached by last week, but representatives from the Eagle Flight Center, Suburban Aviation and Cessna said they were excited and confident one would be soon.
