Massanutten Technical Center Receives Aircraft Donation

Massanutten Technical Center is starting an aviation maintenance technology school in 2022-23 and it now has a hands-on tool for students to learn through practical application.

The small technical school in Harrisonburg, Virginia received a donation of a 6-seat Cessna 320E Executive Skynight from aviation enthusiast George Roussel following an unsuccessful repair process before entering storage. The Cessna will serve as a vitally needed piece of training equipment for incoming students.

Roussel heard through a friend about the school’s new program and said he was delighted to give the aircraft to them. MTC program director Kevin Hutton is grateful for the gift and said he is always looking to add new and innovative programs to help students learn.

The staff at Massanutten Technical Center immediately jumped into action to help bring the Cessna to the school’s hangar. Dynamic Aviation Group of Bridgewater, Virginia assisted with the disassembly and transport of the aircraft from its previous location in New Market.

Hutton worked with Dynamic Aviation and Blue Ridge Community College in Harrisonburg to help develop the curriculum for the new program. Students at MTC will have the opportunity to learn about working on engines, repairing the wings and fuselage, painting, dealing with GPS and navigation, and electrical.

The donation of the Cessna will help encourage interest and attract new students to the program at Massanutten Technical Center. Every facet of aircraft maintenance needed to become a certified aviation maintenance technician will now be at their fingertips with a real plane on campus.