From WesternHerald.com

Aviation students will soon have full access to a twin-engine, turbo-prop airplane, the first ever to become available at Western Michigan University and a privilege costing only $1 this year.

The airplane has been leased to WMU by Suzanne Parish, a pioneering woman in the aviation field, for $1 per year for five years.

The 1984 Cessna 425 Conquest is Parish's personal jet and was handed over to WMU at a ceremony on Oct. 28 at the university's W.K. Kellogg Airport facility in Battle Creek.

"Not often do you get someone willing to do this for our program," said Capt. Dave Powell, assistant dean of the College of Aviation. "For her to do this for us is really special."

Powell hopes the leasing arrangement will help further aviation students' educations and offer them valuable experience essential for entering the job market.

The jet, he said, is worth over $1 million and will be used by upperclassmen as they complete their WMU degrees.

The Cessna has a five to seven seat capacity and a cruising speed of 285 mph. The jet is more advanced than others currently at WMU and contains a more complex engine, Powell said. He hopes this will help build students' confidence with aircraft.

"The more complex airplane they fly, the more confident they will become. It will show them they are capable of managing and mastering it," he said.

But Parish's jet will not be put to use for at least six months to a year, Powell said. Because it has been stationary for three years, some parts will need to be replaced and added. Students will help restore and maintain the jet and Parish will fund needed parts.

"I cannot over emphasize her generosity," Powell said. "It really is a gift."

Parish is part of the Women's Air Force Service Pilots and Powell described her aviation history as exceptional.

"She is a true motivator," he said. "She really has been a pioneer in many ways and she is an extraordinary woman. She is a great role model for all of our students, especially our women."

Parish has donated many of her other aircraft to the Kalamazoo Air Zoo and is pleased to be working with WMU.

"I remember so vividly being a young person and first learning about the possibilities that are part of the aviation industry," Parish told University Relations. "I'm delighted to know my aircraft now will be a part of an aviation education community I admire. I feel I've found a good home for the plane -- one where it can be studied and cared for by the College of Aviation and where it can be used in the college's transportation role."

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Photo courtesy of the College of Aviation