Retired Jetliner Set to Train New Pilots
Originally Published on The Press-Enterprise
A FedEx 727 jet with 47,900 hours under its wings made its final flight Thursday morning, landing at Riverside Municipal Airport under a ceremonial water arch to become a laboratory for students in California Baptist University’s new aviation science program.
Professor C. Daniel Prather, chairman of the university’s aviation science program, said the first classes will start next fall, offering majors in aviation flight and aviation management.
“This plane will be considered as a working lab,” Prather said. “It will stay on the ground, but we’ll be able to operate the systems.
“We’ll be able to run the engines and operate the hydraulics,” including the wing flaps, slats on the leading edge of the wings, and loading door, he said.
Read more about FedEx's big gift to the new Cal Baptist aviation program.
