CRJ-200 Airplane 9/15/14
Pictured is the new CRJ-200 airplane donated to Purdue by Delta Airlines.
Posted: Monday, September 15, 2014 10:00 am
Purdue Exponent
The Aviation Technology department has a new outdoor classroom: a Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft.
Delta Airlines has recently donated an aircraft to Purdue for the department’s educational lab use. Purdue Airport’s tarmac is the new home to classes like AT490: Aviation Project, in which the plane will never leave the ground again but will be used for operational simulation and other demonstration purposes.
Since 2006, the department has had the Boeing 727-100, donated by FedEx, as its lab site, but the new CRJ200 will take over, packaged with more modernized technology and software to better fit the curriculum.
Michael Suckow, associate clinical professor in aviation technology, led in attaining the fourth aircraft donation for Purdue.
“We’re again looking for something a little closer to the market technology-wise and systems development-wise,” said Suckow.
An appealing point of the aircraft is that its software and technology are similar to that of the simulator that they already have. The smaller-sized CRJ200 is better suited for the department, because not only it is structurally convenient, but also has more value on the plane.
“It’s a GE high-bypass engine that’s a value,” said Suckow. “An airplane like that could fit in a hangar. What a concept.”
The department will have to change some of its curriculum to fit the new plane, but it will also add another opportunity for the students.
“(For) the aeronautical engineering technology side, we’re going to be building a maintenance program around that aircraft,” said aviation technology professor Denver Lopp.
With all the changes and new curriculum being established, the graduating plane needs to be taken care of. The department has yet to decide the next destination for the Boeing 727-100, but it’s likely to be recycled and torn down for scraps.
“There are a couple of other ideas out there, but they are going to require significant investment from somebody,” said Suckow.
A dedication ceremony with two Delta executives is scheduled on Oct. 7 at the airport.
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