State-of-the-art technology will advance program The Delta State University Department of Commercial Aviation has recently begun training students to operate the new Cirrus TRAC 20 state-of-the-art, technologically advanced aircraft. Last summer, the department purchased five of these new planes, which will allow Delta State students to receive top-notch training in the newest equipment in the workplace and prepare them for successful careers in the aviation industry. “We are using these new aircraft for commercial training and flight instructor instrument training,” said Marshall Tomlinson, Director of Flight Operations. “They are the latest, top of the line, safest aircraft on the market, and we are excited to have them.” “The new airplanes are awesome,” said Timothy Hubbard, a senior Flight Operations major from Vicksburg. “It is definitely a step up in the aviation program. Everybody likes to fly the new planes.” Hubbard described how students are able to progress from flying Cessna 172’s through increasingly sophisticated aircraft. “The Cirrus takes a more pilot skill but at the end of the day, it’s a nice transition to something new, then you go to the airlines, and it helps that the avionics are similar to what we are flying.” The aircraft were paid for with an appropriation from the Mississippi legislature. The DSU Aviation program is already one of the most complete and competitive in the country, and Tomlinson expects that to continue. He said, “These new planes will ensure that our students receive the kind of training that will make them the most attractive candidates for employment with an airline after they graduate.” “Adding the new Cirrus TRAC 20 airplanes to the fleet will assist greatly in retention and recruiting students to the Commercial Aviation program,” said Interim Dean of the College of Business and Aviation Dr. Tomeka Harbin. “Students will have the opportunity to learn and train in an advanced aircraft that aligns with what they will be flying when they begin their careers.” “We are grateful to our state legislators for recognizing the elite nature of Delta State’s Commercial Aviation department and helping us remain on the cutting edge of pilot education and training,” said DSU President Dr. Dan Ennis. “Our pilots continue to be in the highest demand and have a proven record of excellence in the aviation industry.” For more information about the DSU College of Business and Aviation, visit their website at www.deltastate.edu/college-of-business/.