College of The Albemarle (COA) is pleased to announce the donation of hand-built aircraft parts for its Aviation Systems Technology Program, courtesy of Chuck and Pam Baynard. This contribution includes a range of aircraft mechanics essentials representing traditional and modern aeronautical materials. Aviation Systems Technology provides students with hands-on learning experiences, and this donation will significantly contribute to and complement the COA aviation classroom.

“The real-world application of learning is a cornerstone of our Aviation Systems Technology Program,” says David Repanshek, COA Instructor/Program Coordinator. “Access to such high-quality, hand-built aircraft parts allows our students to gain tactile experience with the materials and construction methods they’ll be working with in their future careers.”

The collection includes the Flybaby static display. This piece serves as an educational tool and a piece of history, reminding students of the evolution of aircraft design.

Photo (l-r): COA Instructor Jim Stanton, Donor Chuck Baynard and COA Instructor/Program Coordinator David Repanshek.

Jim Stanton, Aviation Systems Technology Instructor, acknowledged the value of the donation, stating that these materials are not only teaching aids but also crucial for future aviation mechanics to touch, inspect, and comprehend the construction of an aircraft.

The COA Foundation, instrumental in facilitating such contributions, is vital in enhancing the educational experience at COA. “We are deeply grateful to Chuck and Pam Baynard for their generosity,” says Dr. Catherine DeHart, Executive Director of the COA Foundation. “Their donation not only benefits our current students; it will also benefit students for many years to come.”

For information on COA’s Aviation Systems Technology Program, contact David Repanshek, COA Instructor/Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or 252-453-3035 ext. 8115.

For information on COA’s Foundation, contact Dr. Catherine DeHart, Executive Director, at [email protected] or 252-335-0821 ext. 2263.

For all other COA-related information, contact Tammy W. Sawyer, COA Director of Communications and Marketing, at [email protected] or 252.335.0821 ext. 2420.