Saint Louis
University’s Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology has announced
the addition of nine (9) new Diamond DA20 airplanes to its flight training
department. The Diamond DA20 is a two-seat, all-composite airplane that is ideal
for high-utilization flight training environments. With an industry-leading
safety record and outstanding fuel economy, it has become a favorite of flight
schools around the country.
“The Diamond DA20 provides Parks College
students access to the latest flight technology,” said Brent Bowen, Ed.D.,
Aviation Science Department Chair. “Our aviation program will grow in direct
result of this investment and our students and graduates will continue to be
sought out by employers. This bold and visionary step helps ensure our
future.”
Parks College, founded in 1927, was the first certified School
of Aviation in the United States. With this purchase, Parks College now flies
the most modern, safe and economical training aircraft in the industry.
“I, for one, am very pleased with the choice of the DA20 as our primary
trainer,” Stephen Belt, M.S., Flight Training Director for Parks College
stated. “The DA20 has outstanding performance characteristics and is very fuel
efficient. It is equipped with an appropriate blend of standard instrumentation
and advanced navigation. It will prepare our students well for the transition
into more advanced and complex aircraft.”
Kansas City Aviation Center
(KCAC), Diamond Aircraft’s Regional Distribution Center for Missouri, Arkansas,
Kansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska managed the transaction. Chris Carmody, KCAC’s
Regional Director of Diamond Aircraft, graduated from Parks College, and has
stayed in close contact with the school as an alumnus. Mr. Carmody also
introduced the college to Diamond Aircraft. With his knowledge of the college as
well as his understanding of the needs of flight students, Chris recognized that
the DA20 would be the right aircraft for Parks and its students.
“As a
Parks College Alumnus, I'm excited about the educational opportunities these
aircraft will offer Parks College students,” said Carmody.