Textron announces partners for 2018 Top Hawk programme

Textron Aviation has selected five universities to be part of its 2018 Top Hawk programme, which provides students with access to a Cessna Skyhawk 172 aircraft and unique internship opportunities.

Middle Tennessee State University, University of Dubuque, Lewis University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Prescott and California Aeronautical University will each take delivery of a new, custom-branded Cessna Skyhawk 172 to support their university’s flight training, recruiting efforts and promotional activities throughout the year. They will also be able to showcase their connection to Textron Aviation’s internship programme and support discovery flights and learn to fly programmes.

2018 will see Garmin and Bose sponsor the Top Hawk programme once again by providing several of their industry-leading products. Garmin will provide a G1000 NXi database subscription and a Garmin Pilot subscription, while Bose will provide two A20 Aviation Headsets for each Top Hawk aircraft.

“As the Top Hawk programme enters its fourth year, we’re proud to build on a programme that has allowed us to support general aviation and contribute to the enhancement of student pilot training with the renowned Skyhawk 172 platform,” commented Doug May, VP Piston Aircraft at Textron Aviation. “We are eager to begin collaborating with the universities selected for the 2018 Top Hawk programme and continue to build relationships with the schools training the next generation of pilots.”