WMU donates flight simulator to WMAA

CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - Western Michigan University has donated a flight simulator to the West Michigan Aviation Academy.

It is the latest step in the strengthened partnership between the two schools.

WMAA is the only public aviation charter high school in the nation, located on the campus of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Cascade Township. It opened this past fall to its inaugural ninth-grade class, and is currently enrolling for this coming fall.

WMU offers one of the nation's leading colligate aviation programs.

"We are truly appreciative of Western Michigan University's College of Aviation for this resource," said WMAA School Board President Dick DeVos. "Our students will benefit greatly from this opportunity to further explore, enhance and sharpen skills required for the demanding and rewarding field of aviation."

"This is about our organizations' commitment to one another to support and welcome young people into aviation," added Dean of WMU College of Aviation Captain Dave Powell. "We'd love to see WMAA graduates at WMU a few years from now, and we're looking forward to working with them as they grow into aviation professionals in the future.

"This simulator represents the current standard for collegiate aviation programs nationwide. At WMU, we've been able to leapfrog ahead of that standard and adopt new simulation technology to support our highly advanced aircraft. We recognize the incredible value simulators like this one have for young people exploring flight science. We're delighted to make it available to WMAA, where it will be put to tremendous educational use."

"Our students have a unique opportunity," noted WMAA CEO Patrick J. Cwayna. "Thanks to WMU and the West Michigan community, we have the tools our students need for success. With hard work, dedication and commitment to goals, WMAA students have unlimited horizons."

"As a university and in our College of Aviation, we spend a lot of time reaching out to middle and high school students to help them explore science and technology careers," said Powell. We are using an identical simulator in building a mobile classroom that is dedicated to that work as well. We think these two simulators can make a real impact."