A 100,000-pound training tool for future pilots and airplane mechanics will arrive at Sun ‘n Fun in Lakeland, Fla., on Friday. A Boeing 727-200 donated by FedEx Express will give students at Polk State College and Central Florida Aerospace Academy hands-on practice they haven’t had in the past.
The gift to Sun ‘n Fun will arrive at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport from Indianapolis about 11 a.m. tomorrow. Eric Crump, the aerospace program director at Polk State, described the aircraft as a “working flight laboratory” that will enable the nine students at the college to practice cockpit procedures.
Polk State started its first pilot classes this semester. Crump said once the school starts a mechanics program, students will be able to take apart pieces of the plane and put it back together.
The plane has hauled packages for FedEx for 20 years.
For the complete story by John Chambliss of TheLedger.com, click here.
