PLATTSBURGH — A FedEx Boeing 727 made what might be the last landing at the former Clinton County Airport.
A gift to Plattsburgh Aeronautical Institute, the aircraft first made one approach and fly-over, then circled to the right before making a smooth landing at about 1 p.m. It taxied to the Aeronautical Institute, where it rolled under a water arch created by two water cannons on Morrisonville Fire Department trucks.
Jim McCartney III, principal of the CV-TEC satellite campus that houses the institute there and other programs, said that is the traditional way aircraft are retired from service.
The Boeing 727 is the latest of more than 50 FedEx has given away since it started its Aircraft Donation Program in 1995, said FedEx Managing Director of Aircraft Acquisitions and Sales David Sutton.
"This aircraft donation symbolizes the community spirit of FedEx Express and its employees," he said. "That spirit is one of sharing and giving back where we can in all the communities — large and small — where we live and work."
GIVING BACK
The donations go to educational institutions, museums and airport fire departments.
Sutton said the company is pleased to be able to help a school such as the Aeronautical Institute by providing the aircraft, which is valued at about $1 million.
"It is my hope, it is the hope of FedEx, that this aircraft provides the critical hands-on training that is essential to the skill set of the next generation of aircraft technicians. It is through this donation, similar to other donations we have made through the years, that we are continuing our excellent track record of support for education," he said.
Sutton said the company receives no tax benefits or write-offs from making these donations. FedEx, he said, sees the value of giving back to the aviation industry, especially aeronautical institutes that educate so many of their employees.
IMPORTANT PIECE
CV-TEC Director Dr. Barry Mack said the gift marks the latest of $20 million in donations, grants and equipment the Aeronautical Institute has received so far.
"We think that this donation today represents a capstone for Plattsburgh Aeronautical Institute's development," he said.
North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said being able to tell prospects FedEx is a partner in the community and the Aeronautical Institute will be an important piece of the local economic-development puzzle. The Aeronautical Institute is one of the answers when companies ask what workforce is available.
"Thank you to FedEx for their commitment to this school and the North Country," he said.
Douglas said U.S. Rep. Bill Owens and Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand helped support getting the donation this summer, as it was unknown how long the closed airport might be available for such landings.
Owens said it was great to see progress in Plattsburgh at a time when the rest of the country struggles.
"What we see here is really about our ability to create jobs and a community coming together," he said.
COMMUNITY UNITY
Douglas said the region's three state representatives — State Sen. Betty Little and Assemblywomen Janet Duprey and Teresa Sayward — have been consistent partners in the development of the school.
Little said the Aeronautical Institute has always been a example of community unity.
"Having a good workforce is going to attract companies here," she said.
Duprey said she has been to more Aeronautical Institute events than she can remember.
"I have to tell you guys, every time the bar goes a little higher," she said.
Although Sayward doesn't represent the Plattsburgh area, the school is available to the people of her district, she said. Wednesday's event represents hope for the whole North Country region, she noted.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Clinton County Legislator Keith Defayette said the school is going to help fill jobs at Laurentian Aerospace Corporation.
"It's going to come. Believe in it," he said.
Larry Barcomb, president of the Champlain Valley Education Services Board of Directors, said the donation will help the Aeronautical Institute meet its mission to produce FAA-certified airframe and powerplant technicians.
"It is my distinct pleasure on behalf of CVES to accept this incredible donation of a FedEx aircraft," he said.
Sutton introduced Fujitsu Frontech North America President and CEO Yoshi Masuda, who announced the company was donating $10,000 in scholarship funds to CV-TEC. That company announced in April it was expanding its Plattsburgh operation to consolidate its point-of-sale (computerized retail checkout systems) equipment in Plattsburgh.
Masuda later said that, as the company works to bring 50 additional jobs to the region, it wants to become a key member of the community.
"We are planning to make that an annual donation," he said after the event.
MANY OPPORTUNITIES
Riley Winch, a third-year student of the Aeronautical Institute and a member of its first class, expects to graduate in June. He plans to work in the general aviation industry, on smaller aircraft.
"It seems like there is a lot of opportunities," he said.
He said the instructors at the Aeronautical Institute are excellent.
"It's (school) been great, and I really appreciate everything they've done for me and the other students," he said.
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