The airplane will benefit the majority of Parks' students seeking careers in the airline industry, where the ability to fly turbine-powered aircraft is critical.

"The airlines, and most corporations, fly turbine-powered aircraft and desire to hire pilots with turbine engine experience," said Alan Stolzer, associate dean of Parks College. "Until now, our instruction in turbine engine procedures has been limited to the classroom and simulator."

Professional pilot students serve as co-pilots during flights, accompanying a full-time professional pilot employed by the University to serve as chief pilot.

"Parks College students and alumni long have been recognized by employers in the aviation industry for their solid academic and practical preparation," Parks College Dean Charles Kirkpatrick said. "The acquisition of the King Air will give our students an outstanding Ôflying classroom' that will make our students even more in demand."

The Beechcraft King Air B-100 comfortably seats six to eight passengers. The plane offers a cruising speed of 305 miles per hour, a maximum range of 1,525 miles, a service ceiling of more than 30,000 feet and a rate of climb of 2,139 feet per minute. It also boasts all-weather systems with standard equipment including dual electrically heated windshields and a complete engine anti-icing system. The Beechcraft King Air has fully equipped flight control and electrical systems and fast-acting landing gear.