Canadore College’s aviation technician students will fly higher, with the arrival of a donated Piper Seneca twin-engine light aircraft last week.
The aircraft, donated by Pelham residents Bev and Ken Byberg, will go a long way in training future generations, Wade Culliton of Canadore College says.
“It was pretty exciting once we found out we would be getting the plane,” said Culliton, the Aviation Industry Liaison at the college in North Bay.
“With so many students in programs that need to work on an aircraft, receiving [the Piper] will not only help give more opportunity to them, but also provide the newest equipment to work on.”
Ken, who grew up in Northern Ontario, had the aircraft on the market for several months.
He acquired the plane 12 years before and had it completely refurbished in 2010.
The idea of donating came about several months before, and quickly the couple decided to tip their wings to Canadore College.
“It’s great to be able to help out students trying to get into such a booming industry. Rather than working on an older model, they’ll get to work on a current model used in the industry,” Ken said.
Bev likes how hands-on the school was in terms of learning, something that will extend decades into the program due to their donation.
Culliton says an aircraft in that shape, can be used at the college for up to 30 years. Although the plane won’t see much time in the sky, it’ll take centre stage in providing students with the tools to graduate.
The Piper Seneca will be used for engine runs, taxing, gear swings and communication checks – some of which lacks quality on older models.
Ken, who was in the mining industry before opening Island 10 Fishing Retreat, was lucky enough to have a helping hand during his schooling as well.
Donations of equipment and funding allowed Ken to graduate from a top-rated program. It helped with the transition into the workforce. That’s something he is hoping will happen at Canadore College.
“We thought it would be a lot more valuable to them than any money we could have got for it if we sold it.”
With five Transport Canada approved programs geared around planes, the donation will do just that, says Culliton.
“If we don’t have people [like Ken and Bev] looking out for future generations, we’d be in a tough position. A good training aid like this goes a long way in providing an economic boost, while creating a safer aviation industry.”
