Western Michigan University Orders Additional Seminoles During EAA AirVenture

Piper Aircraft has announced an order for two new Piper Seminole multi-engine trainers from Western Michigan University. The order was received during EAA AirVenture.

"Western Michigan University College of Aviation is delighted to continue to expand our multi-engine training fleet with the addition of two new Piper Seminoles," said College of Aviation Dean Dave Powell.  Powell continued, "as our enrollment continues growing, we are proud to grow our fleet with Piper.  Our team will use these aircraft to train future professional pilots at our expanding campus in Battle Creek, Michigan, and our new campus in Punta Gorda, Florida, where we will launch training in September 2017.  These Piper multi-engine trainers will help us continue and grow a proud tradition of delivering the industry and the traveling public the finest pilots possible."

"As Western Michigan continues to expand their aviation curriculum and course offerings, Piper Aircraft is proud to be part of their comprehensive aviation program. They continue to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and their students by providing multiple aviation degree options and opportunities for their students. We look forward to their continued success and to providing more Piper trainers in support of their aviation programs," said Piper President and CEO Simon Caldecott.

The Seminole includes the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics package which incorporates modern processing power that supports faster map rendering and smoother panning throughout the displays. Saving valuable time in the cockpit, the displays initialize within seconds after start-up, providing immediate access to frequencies, flight plan data and more. Also included is the Air Data Computer (GDC 72), Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) (GRS 79), an Aspen Electronic Standby System (EFD-1000), a solid state 3-axis Magnetometer (GMU 44), Dual IFR Enroute/Approach and WAAS Certified GPS systems and Nav/Comm (16 watt) radios (GIA 63Ws), an Electronic Engine Indication System (EIS), a Mode S Transponder with ADS-B out (GTX 335ES), Digital Audio Panel (GMA 1347), Traffic Information Systems (TIS), and Terrain and Obstacle Mapping round out the standard equipment on the TX. The Seminole, equipped with two 180 hp Lycoming engines, has a maximum takeoff weight of 3,800 pounds, a max speed of 162 kts and ceiling of 15,000 feet.

About Western Michigan University

Since 1939, Western Michigan University has been training tomorrow's aviation professionals.  Today, the College of Aviation is a world-renowned program with over 800 resident undergraduate students and over 45 aircraft to train pilots, mechanics, and aviation managers.  In 2017, a new location in Punta Gorda, FL was built to extend the College of Aviation's mission.  WMU, Charlotte County, Florida, the Punta Gorda Airport and Florida South Western State College partnered for this expansion.  In Florida and Michigan, the College of Aviation offers bachelor degrees in Aviation Flight Science and Aviation Management and Operations.  The College of Aviation also offers a bachelor's degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology in Michigan, where it will begin building a 50,000 square-foot expansion in February 2018 through an investment by the State of Michigan."