Southern Illinois University Grows Aviation Program Fleet

The university's aviation program is set to take delivery of seven new Cessna 172s this week.

Monday, May 01, 2023 at 05:00 PM ET

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With the addition of new 172s, the number of aircraft available to the students climbs to 47. [Courtesy: Southern Illinois University]

Key Takeaways:

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is expanding its aviation fleet with the delivery of seven new glass cockpit Cessna 172s, bringing the total number of aircraft to 47.
This acquisition aims to better serve a growing student body, which exceeded 350 in Fall 2022, and provide them with modern flight training.
The new aircraft will allow students to train on contemporary flight decks, preparing them for careers in the aviation industry and meeting the increasing demand for pilots.

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The aircraft fleet at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is about to get a little bigger. University officials announced that this week—weather permitting—they will be taking delivery of seven glass cockpit Cessna 172s.

The aircraft are slated to be ferried from Independence, Kansas, to Southern Illinois Airport (KMDH). Several SIU aviation program officials, including director José R. Ruiz and chief flight instructor Steven Goetz, along with several flight instructors, will be on hand to welcome the new aircraft.