Ohio State flight education tabbed by Cessna for Top Hawk program

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The Ohio State University has been named by Cessna Aircraft Company as a university partner for the 2017 Top Hawk program. Ohio State Flight Education will receive a new, custom branded Cessna Skyhawk 172 aircraft in early 2017 to support flight training, recruiting efforts and promotional activities throughout the year.

“The naming of Ohio State as a Top Hawk school is a tribute to the hard work of the flight education staff, and reflects the recognition of excellence that we are receiving on the national level,” stated Ohio State Flight Education Director Brandon Mann. Ohio State will join the following universities in the Top Hawk program: Eastern Kentucky University, Auburn University, Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Louisiana Tech University.

Cessna aircraft at Ohio State
Top Hawk is a partnership between Textron Aviation, the parent company of Cessna Aircraft Company, and top university aviation schools to provide students with access to the world’s most popular trainer, the Cessna Skyhawk, and provide unique internship opportunities with the world’s leading general aviation manufacturer.

“Each year, the Top Hawk program continues to expand its reach and we are excited to grow the program with five university partners in 2017,” said Doug May, Vice President of Piston Aircraft at Textron Aviation. “These universities are renowned for their innovative aviation programs and we are confident they will represent the Top Hawk program and Cessna brand very well as we work together to provide students state-of-the art resources and empower them to choose a rewarding career in aviation.”

Textron Aviation continues to partner with top aviation programs for collaboration and to support the advancement of general aviation and the modernization of aircraft training fleets. Partnerships with universities, training organizations and flight schools throughout the world continue to support the next generation of aviators and the Top Hawk program plays a vital role in this strategy.

In addition to the aircraft, the top students from each of the five universities will be chosen for a Textron Aviation summer internship. These students will receive valuable exposure beyond flight training to include real world experience from various corporate departments such as sales, marketing, flight operations, integrated supply chain and engineering to promote a career in aviation.

Garmin and Bose will also be sponsoring the Top Hawk program again this year by providing several of their industry-leading products. Garmin will provide a G1000 database subscription, GDL39 ADS-B receiver, Garmin Pilot subscription and Garmin VIRB XE HD action camera, and Bose will provide its A20 Aviation Headset for each Top Hawk aircraft.

Category: Students