‘Futuristic’ WMU planes to help train new pilots amid shortage
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (WOOD) — Western Michigan University welcomed two new planes Friday afternoon at its College of Aviation in Battle Creek.
The university is beginning the process of replacing the entire fleet with the purchase of 32 planes.
WMU trustees approved up to $20 million to purchase the aircraft last year. The university will sell its existing planes.
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“Early 2022, we recognized that there was a need for new aircraft. We didn’t recognize how long it would take to acquire the new aircraft primarily, because of the pilot training shortage and how many schools are out there trying to acquire new aircraft,” said Tom Grossman, the executive director of flight operations.
The Cirrus planes are equipped with a parachute that can bring the aircraft to the ground in an emergency. The SR20 Generation 7 is considered an excellent plane to train on.
“We knew that we were getting this new advanced avionics system in this aircraft with a lot of the advanced safety features even well before Cirrus made it public to the world,” Grossman said. “And we are. Western Michigan University is the first fleet customer.”
Randall Rochon, a United Airlines pilot and WMU alumnus, says the planes are crucial equipment to help train the next generation of professionals.
“We’re coming to the era of a lot of pilots retiring out of all the airlines right now, so you are looking at the need for at least 10,000-plus pilots over the next four, five to six years,” Rochon said. “And places obviously like Western Michigan University College of Aviation being one of the world’s best places to do flight training. The need is just immense right now.”
The advanced technology in the cockpit will allow student pilots to train on the latest system.
“This equipment here is actually more state-of-the-art than most of the airliners that are flying today,” Rochon said. “I would say it probably compares to the equipment of a 787.”
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Crowds of students, alumni and staff gathered Friday to see the planes arrive. WMU’s president was also on hand to see the technology.
Students like Amelia Moulton say the investment will help ensure the future of the program.
“The college is absolutely buzzing about it,” Moulton said. “I came all across the country for this program, and one of those reasons is our aircraft, and even better aircraft, even more futuristic, more technologically advanced aircraft. It’s definitely going to help with retaining better, more students.”
The rest of the fleet will be upgraded gradually as the aircraft are manufactured.
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