A de Havilland Canada DHC-7 landed at the London International Airport this morning to clear blue skies and a welcoming crowd. The aircraft, commonly known as the Dash 7, is being donated to Fanshawe College by Toronto-based airline, Trans Capital Air Ltd.
The aircraft formerly spent its days providing support for the United Nations on peacekeeping and relief missions. What makes the donation so significant is that the Dash 7 remains fully functional, allowing a unique learning experience for students at the Norton Wolf School of Aviation Technology.
A shot of the aircraft’s interior
While classrooms may not be as full during the summer, some students were still able to catch a glimpse of their new learning tool.
Kat Wheatcroft is entering into her second year with Aviation Technology and when asked about the recent donation she says, “we can see and relate to it as a whole, instead of just a little snippet so… it’s amazing”.
Stephen Patterson, Chair of Norton Wolf School, says the donation was “a lead from Lawrence Kinlin”. The late Kinlin, who provides the namesake for Fanshawe’s School of Business, has a history of providing immense support for the College. Kinlin’s connection with Antoine Pappalardo, Pappalardo being the President of Trans Air Capital, eventually to the coordination of the Dash 7 finding a new home in London.
Pappalardo himself mentioned that he was confident the aircraft would be in good hands at Fanshawe College and that Trans Capital Air sees the donation as “the beginning of a relationship”.
Fanshawe College’s logo sits on the side of the newly donated Dash 7
