Through assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor TAACCCT grant, Western Nebraska Community College expects to take ownership of a 1981 Cessna 550 Citation II jet tomorrow, which will provide advanced workforce training in the Sidney Campus' aviation program.
The used business jet will depart Melbourne, FL tomorrow morning pending an inspection by WNCC Aviation Instructor Jon Leever. If the aircraft passes inspection, the College will take ownership of the jet from World Aviation, based in Orange Park, FL. A World Aviation pilot, with Leever aboard, will fly the jet to the Sidney Municipal Airport. The public and media are encouraged to join our staff and students in welcoming this aircraft to WNCC's hangar in Sidney. An estimated time of arrival notice will be released tomorrow morning once a time for departure in Florida is established.
"The purchase of this Citation II evidences WNCC's commitment to career and technical education. The College always strives to meet the specific needs of industry and advancements in workforce training," said Dr. Todd Holcomb, WNCC president. "By working on this jet, our students will acquire skills and knowledge that will better prepare them for well-paying careers in aviation maintenance."
The U.S. Department of Labor TAACCCT grant provided 55% of the funding for this $415,000 purchase. For more information, please contact Vice President of Educational Services Terry Gaalswyk at 308.635.6103 or Leever at 308.249.45396.