New River CTC Celebrates Delivery of Aircraft for Aviation Maintenance Technician School

    Oct. 2, 2023

    By Josephine Moore

    Source The Register-Herald, Beckley, W.Va. (TNS)

    Sep. 29—A special delivery flew into the Raleigh County Memorial Airport Friday afternoon.

    The delivery was a Beechjet Twin Bonanza aircraft, which will serve as the foundation for a new program at New River Community and Technical College.

    Purchased with funds given to the college by American Electric Power Foundation and Northstar Technologies LLC, the aircraft will further the New River CTC's upcoming aviation program.

    "We couldn't have done it without their help," said Art Dilger, program director of the new Aircraft Maintenance Technician School at New River CTC.

    Set to take off in 2024, the aircraft will be housed in New River CTC's hangar at the airport, purchased by the college earlier in the year.

    With other expansions in the aerospace industry already underway at the airport, officials expressed their excitement at the new aviation program's possibilities.

    " Appalachian Power and the AEP Foundation have partnered with state and local officials over time to position southern West Virginia for aerospace industry success, including securing AEROready certification and developing a business-ready site at the Raleigh County Airport Industrial Park," said Brad Hall, Appalachian Power vice president of external affairs.

    "Today, we celebrate another aerospace win — an aircraft, purchased with funds from an AEP Foundation grant, that will give New River Community and Technical College hands-on experience in their airframe maintenance program studies."

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