Lake Superior College (LSC) announced on Wednesday, September 16, significant donations from Cirrus Aircraft to their aviation program during the ribbon cutting at their new Center for Advanced Aviation. LSC’s Professional Pilot, Aviation Management and Aviation Maintenance Technician programs are now under one roof at Hangar 103. The 40,000-square-foot facility is rented through a 10-year lease with the Duluth Airport Authority (DAA). The hangar space was remodeled to serve FAA teaching requirements and give students in the program an applied learning environment.
The donations made by Cirrus are a benefit to their aviation program’s 150 enrolled students. There are a number of Cirrus staff, most of which are full-time employees, who are also LSC students in the aviation program.
“This greatly appreciated donation of Cirrus equipment allows our aviation maintenance technician students critical, hands-on experience breaking down and reassembling actual industry components. This equipment would have cost LSC more than $50,000 if we were to purchase it on the open market,” said LSC’s Center for Advanced Aviation Director, Dan Traksa. “Hundreds of LSC students will have the benefit of learning on this real-world industry equipment for years to come. Thanks to Cirrus for helping Lake Superior College educate the best and brightest AMT employees in the Northland,” concluded Traska.
The Minnesota State Legislature, through the Leveraged Equipment Program, will match the value of Cirrus’ donation. This means another $50,000 will be credited to LSC’s Center for Advanced Aviation to help cover costs of their new location. Cirrus was more than happy to make the donation of airplane wings, alternators, compressors, composites and an engine to this aviation program that has a promising future.
“We look forward to furthering our partnership with LSC as they expand their aviation program. We offer several career opportunities at Cirrus where LSC students can start building their future careers in aviation as aircraft mechanics, pilots, engineering designers and detailers – just to name a few! Cirrus provides a competitive benefits package, clean work environment, on the job training and opportunities for career growth,” said Judi Eltgroth, Cirrus Aircraft’s Senior Vice President of People and Talent Development.
To learn more about Lake Superior College’s aviation programs and their new Center for Advanced Aviation, visit degrees.lsc.edu. To view the current career opportunities at Cirrus, visit our careers page.