Averett University has debuted its first twin-engine plane for use in student training. The private college in Danville is one of just a few schools in Virginia that offer an aeronautics major.
The new addition to Averett’s fleet is a Seminole model built by American aviation company Piper. The plane’s tail is emblazoned with an Averett University logo and a cougar mascot in navy and gold.
Averett President Tiffany Franks announced the addition of the aircraft at the school’s Aviation Day event on March 15. The annual event invites high school students and their families to visit and learn more about studying aviation.
“It’s your excitement for aviation that truly fuels our commitment to providing you with the best education and the best opportunities available to help your dreams in the sky come true,” Franks said in a news release from the university.
The school has 13 aircraft for use in its aeronautics program, and has committed to adding an aircraft for every dozen new students who enroll in order to accommodate demand. This year, nearly 120 students are enrolled in the major, compared to 105 just two years ago.
Averett alumni working in various facets of the aviation industry returned for the event and spoke with students about their career experiences.
Averett also runs the fixed-base operation at Danville Regional Airport, which gives aeronautics students hands-on experience working on the business side of the aviation industry. It has operated the airport since 2021, but Averett’s aeronautics training has taken place at the airport since 1980.
In Virginia, Liberty University and Hampton University also offer undergraduate degrees in aviation fields.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects nearly 17,000 job openings for each year for pilots through 2032. Much of the demand is due to current pilots retiring or changing careers.
