PLEASE, WE NEED YOUR HELP!

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The cost of doing an aerospace degree is a real bargain compared to other programs around the country, but it’s still expensive. And while MTSU is a state university, much of the burden of financing an education in the field of aviation depends on the student. Many of our students are the first in their families to attend university. Maybe you were one yourself.

Even small amounts add up to a lot and that can have an HUGE IMPACT on the lives of these students—the next generation in the Aviation Industry. In 2018 there are about 800 students in the Aerospace Department's programs, including 400 pro pilots.

Here's what the Department needs…and why... 

Adopt-a-Plane

Refurbish the Aircraft. Our Diamond and Piper airframes are aging and in order to extend their useful life the department has made the decision to refurbish the existing fleet. This represents a substantial savings, but it still costs quite a bit—about $75,000-$200,000 per plane…and MTSU has 20 Diamonds and 6 Pipers.

For donors adopting a plane, we are happy to put your name on the aircraft in recognition of your support. We would love to see cohort years pitch in together – “This aircraft was lovingly refurbished by the Class of…”!

Adopt-a-Pilot

Flight Lab Stipends

The average pro pilot student spends $50,000 on flight labs. While this cost is experienced over the four years that the student is enrolled, these fees are unique to the major and far exceed any other across the university.

Adopt-a-Mechanic

Airframe and Powerplant students are required to furnish all of their own tools. This can run into the thousands of dollars. With a gift to a student mechanic, they might carry the tools you helped to buy throughout their career.

Adopt-a-Dispatcher

All graduates from the program are required as part of their capstone course to participate in the focus lab that simulates an airline operations center. The ramp tower, software and computers necessary to operate this simulation are in regular need of updating to stay ahead of the innovation curve.

Unmanned Aerial Systems

The newest program in the Aerospace Department is popular and would benefit greatly from support to expand its capacity. Gifts to this program will go a long way toward helping keep it cutting-edge and relevant to industries across the state and nation. Platforms and software needed to run critical simulations are in need of constant updating and upgrading. Your gift can help make an enormous impact in this field.

Adopt-an-Air Traffic Controller

For students undertaking the ATC minor there is a critical need to have the software and hardware to run the tower simulator. The company supplying the simulator has gone out of business and glitches in the system have no support. A new system that can run on the existing hardware is being sought. If you can help, please get in touch!

Odds & Ends

Discretionary Funds for Departmental Needs

Emergency repair funds, and student travel support such as the Skills Competition for the Maintenance Clubs or AUS teams participating in a hackathon.

ADSB TranspondersAll of these need to be replaced by 2020! And that costs about $12,000 for each of our 20 Diamonds and between $5 and $7,000 for our three Piper ArrowsIf you can help add to the Transponder Fund, please let us know!Air Race ClassicSupport our women in aviation with a gift to the Air Race Classic Fund Go Big…HELP BUILD A BUILDING!The entire facility at the Murfreesboro Airport is in need of expansion. If you can contribute a substantial sum please let us know. We’d like to discuss possibilities with you!If you can help in other ways, please don’t hesitate to contact Jared Bryson, the Director of Development for the College of Basic and Applied Science at jared.bryson@mtsu.edu or by calling 615-898-5003Thank You for your ongoing support for the Program!

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