Canadian aviation industry pioneer Bruce MacRitchie knows first-hand the value of hands-on learning.
MacRitchie, 90, has been deeply involved in helping to train pilots and technicians in the aviation industry, operating several aviation businesses, running hangars and overseeing the Welland airport for three decades since obtaining his first pilot's licences and aircraft technician credentials more than 60 years ago.
When the Welland resident heard about Mohawk College's thriving Centre for Aviation Technology campus, based at the John C. Munro International Airport, he was intrigued. A "couple of hours" meeting that turned into a day-long campus visit inspired MacRitchie to make a personal contribution to enhance students' learning: a 1968 Cessna C421 Golden Eagle airplane.
The plane is part of MacRitchie's personal collection, which was housed in his private hangar at the Niagara Central Dorothy Rungeling Airport. In June, he was on board with pilot Bill Chernish, who was taught to fly by MacRitchie, when the plane was flown to its new home at the Mohawk College Centre for Aviation Technology at the Hamilton airport.
MacRitchie's gift will provide a unique training opportunity for twin-engine piston pressurized aircraft as it features equipment students will see on the job during their careers.
"When I talked to some people about Mohawk, I said this is hands-on," said MacRitchie, an honorary board member and long-time director of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. "I went and spent the day, I was only going to go for a couple of hours. I knew Mohawk was where I wanted to do something."
Learn more: Interview with Bruce MacRitchie
Mohawk College President Paul Armstrong thanked MacRitchie for his investment in students and the aviation campus, which was created in partnership with the Hamilton airport and aviation companies such as KF Aerospace and Boeing.
"Thank you, Bruce, for your foresight and generosity," said Armstrong. "With industry leaders like you, we have built a relevant and growing aircraft fleet to provide students with the essential hands-on learning experience they need to be job-ready for careers in the industry."
The MacRitchie plane becomes the 13th aircraft in the college's training fleet. Nearly 350 students train every year in three Aviation Technician programs: Aircraft Structures, Aircraft Maintenance, and Avionics Maintenance. This is more than double the number of students enrolled prior to the move to the 75,000-sq. ft. leading-edge campus three years ago.
"We are sincerely grateful to Mr. MacRitchie for his generosity, which reinforces our collective commitment to providing our learners with exceptional training opportunities," said Jeff McIsaac, dean, Engineering Technology & Aviation. "His gift will help build confidence and technical expertise in Mohawk College graduates, ensuring they excel in their chosen careers across the aviation industry."
