Aviation industry pioneer Bruce MacRitchie has donated his 1968 Cessna 421 Golden Eagle aircraft to Mohawk College’s Centre for Aviation Technology, based at the John C. Munro International Airport. A former flight instructor, MacRitchie, 90, has been involved in pilot and technician training for years, in addition to decades spent overseeing the development of Welland, Ontario’s Niagara Central Dorothy Rungeling Airport.
“Thank you, Bruce, for your foresight and generosity,” said Paul Armstrong, Mohawk College’s president. “With industry leaders like you, we have built a relevant and growing aircraft fleet to provide students with the essential hands-on learning experience they need to be job-ready for careers in the industry.” The aircraft becomes the 13th at the post-secondary institution, which offers programs in Aircraft Structures, Aircraft Maintenance and Avionics Maintenance in its 75,000-square-foor campus. Student population is currently around 350.
“When I talked to some people about Mohawk, I said this is hands-on,” MacRitchie said. “I went and spent the day; I was only going to go for a couple of hours. I knew Mohawk was where I wanted to do something.” The Cessna will allow students to have hands-on experienced in a pressurized light twin.
The aviation campus was created in collaboration with nearby Hamilton airport, KF Aerospace and Boeing.
“[MacRitchie’s] gift will help build confidence and technical expertise in Mohawk College graduates, ensuring they excel in their chosen careers across the aviation industry,” said Engineering Technology and Aviation dean Jeff McIsaac.