OSHKOSH, Wis., July 29, 2013– Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced a collaboration with Kansas State University (K-State) to complement the University’s Aviation Open Distance education program. Under this agreement, K-State will recognize training completed at any of the domestic Cessna Pilot Center flight schools as credit towards the student’s bachelors degree in technology management at the University’s aviation school at their campus in Salina, Kansas.
“Cessna is thrilled with this unique opportunity to be even more involved in supporting pilot training, side by side with the highly respected, accredited aviation program at K-State Salina,” said Jodi Noah, Cessna senior vice president of single engine/propeller aircraft. “K-State is known for having one of the premier aviation programs in the country, just as Cessna Pilot Centers are recognized as the program of choice for those wanting to train on the most up-to-date, advanced aircraft. With this partnership, we are demonstrating the continued commitment to our heritage of providing the best tools for the finest pilot training available.”
The relationship between Cessna Pilot Centers and K-State will be made official at a signing ceremony at the Cessna exhibit at the 2013 EAA AirVenture Convention on Tuesday, July 30. Students will be able to take flight training at Cessna Pilot Centers and begin receiving university credit as of the fall semester of 2014.
“This is a great day for Kansas State University, for Cessna Aircraft Company, and for students pursuing aviation as a career,” said Verna Fitzsimmons, dean of Kansas State University Salina. “To our knowledge, this is the only arrangement of its kind in the country, with a top collegiate aviation program partnering with the undisputed leader in aviation training to provide convenient educational opportunities for aviation students all over the country.”
Cessna Pilot Centers have been in operation for more than forty years, teaching students to fly using the most updated technology and aircraft. Currently the centers use the Cessna Flight Training System, a comprehensive flight training program that combines home study labs with flight lesson courses resulting in a more thorough and in-depth curriculum.
Visit Cessna.com to locate any Cessna Pilot Center in the United States. For more information on the K-State Aviation program, please visit the K-State Salina website.
About Cessna
Cessna is the world’s leading general aviation company. Since its inception in 1927, Cessna has designed, produced and delivered nearly 200,000 airplanes around the globe. This includes 6,500 Citation business jets, making it the largest fleet of business jets in the world. Today, Cessna has two principal lines of business: aircraft sales and aftermarket services. Aircraft sales include Citation business jets, Caravan single-engine utility turboprops, single-engine piston aircraft and lift solutions by CitationAir. Aftermarket services include parts, maintenance, inspection and repair services. In 2012, Cessna delivered 571 aircraft, including 181 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of $3.111 billion. More information about Cessna Aircraft Company is available at cessna.com.
About Textron
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at textron.com.