David Wilkie, owner of Blue Sky Aircraft Service, recently donated a Cessna 150 to the Aviation Technology program at Nashua Community College. Courtesy photo/Nashua Community College

NASHUA – David Wilkie, owner of Blue Sky Aircraft Service, recently donated a Cessna 150 to the Aviation Technology program at Nashua Community College.

He also said internships are available at Blue Sky for NCC’s aviation students.

“An intact plane is a wonderful learning tool for our students. In this case, the plane is in good condition, with the exception of no engine, in our case, this is actually a plus,” said Professor Douglas Mitchell, chairman of the Aviation Department, adding that it will be beneficial to have a functioning engine and taxi aircraft. “Our power plant classes will have the opportunity to take one of our engines, install it into his plane, trouble shoot it and eventually get it up to running condition. This is a real scenario which they will encounter as they go into Industry.”

Mitchell was also pleased with Wilkie’s internship offer.

“Being around a real shop will give the students a better understanding of the career field and the chance to network with potential future employers,” he said.

NCC President James Keane said the donation will give students the opportunity to gain experience working on a real aircraft before entering the workforce.

“We are thrilled to receive this aircraft donation and excited about the impact it will have on our aviation program,” he said. “Experiences like this allow students to learn directly from the equipment they will encounter in the field, helping bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace. This gift reflects the power of community partnerships in supporting workforce development and student success.”

NCC is the only college in New Hampshire with Associate’s degree programs in aviation technology and air traffic control that have been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.

NCC also offers an online Associate’s degree program in aviation management and a Collegiate Training Initiative certificate in aircraft maintenance. This certification gives students a head start as they begin their final phase of FAA training in Oklahoma.