Marshall University’s Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program has just received a General Electric CF6 motor donation from FedEx. The gift was from a retired McDonnel Douglas DC-10 aircraft, and will now be used for daily classroom instruction at the school.

“Donations like the CF6 allow our students to have hands-on experience working on large transport category aircraft systems,” said Jim Smith, director of the AMT program at Marshall, in the school’s news announcement. “The CF6 is one of the most common large transport category engines in the world and will be what most of our students will work on when they enter the industry. Having a partner like FedEx provides our program with materials that we may not be able to acquire otherwise and helps provide our students with options in the industry that will enrich the overall student experience.”

The joint degree program launched in 2022 with Mountwest Community and Technical College and provides training for aircraft maintenance technicians. The program is located at Huntington’s Tri-State Airport in West Virginia and currently has 22 students. The school expects the program to grow to 30 students for the fall semester.

The AMT program is a part of Marshall’s Division of Aviation, which also offers a professional plot program. The AMT program offers a two-year associate degree in Applied Science, which can be completed in 18 months and offers year-round enrollment. In addition to graduates receiving their associate degree, they are also eligible to take the Airframe and Powerplant certification exams through the Federal Aviation Administration.

“We need a new generation of technicians to keep the world flying, keep communities connected and keep the dream alive – that they, too, can soar with a career in aviation,” said Scott Ogden, vice president of aircraft maintenance at FedEx, in the school’s news. “FedEx donating retired aircraft, engines, and tools helps students have a more realistic approach to aircraft maintenance in their training.”

“Because FedEx has such a large presence with their daily aircraft operations, we knew it was vital to partner together to provide a talented workforce for the industry,” Smith said. “When we were developing this program, FedEx asked what they could do to help our program and they generously offered this engine. We are grateful to FedEx for helping make an impact on our students.”