At this week’s SUN ’n FUN, Textron Aviation launched Top Hawk, a partnership with U.S. universities. Top Hawk will provide students access to aircraft, coupled with an internship opportunity during the summer of 2015.
Universities selected as the initial partner schools are Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Kansas State University, Liberty University and the University of North Dakota.
Through Top Hawk, Cessna will provide the schools full use of a branded Cessna Skyhawk 172 for the remainder of 2015. The schools will use the aircraft for flight training, recruiting and promotional activities.
In addition, one student from each school will participate in Textron Aviation’s internship program in cooperation with the Textron Aviation Employees Flying Club. During the summer internship, students will get exposure to business operations, lead ground school classes, and continue to build flight hours through flying lessons and discovery flights. At the end of the summer, the interns will participate in a flying competition through which one aviator will be named Top Hawk.
“It’s critical to the aviation industry to encourage young people to consider careers in aviation, as pilots, technicians and administrators, and to train them in the best possible equipment as the foundation of their career,” said Doug May, vice president, piston aircraft.