|
K-STATE STUDENTS SELECTED TO SUPPORT GLOBALFLYER MISSION December 8, 2004 SALINA – Twelve Kansas State University at Salina students have been selected to support the mission control and aircraft ground operations for the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer world record attempt flight. The project, coordinated by Virgin Atlantic Airways and CEO Richard Branson, will attempt a solo, non-stop flight around the world in early January. The plane is scheduled to launch and land in Salina, and mission control operations will be housed on the K-State at Salina campus. “One of the most exciting things for K-State is the opportunity to involve our students,” said Dennis Kuhlman, K-State at Salina dean. “Steve Fossett has requested that our students be involved, and I’m so excited that they will get such a unique hands-on experience at an international event.” Two flight students and two alternates were selected to participate in mission control operations, including aircraft tracking, weather reporting and air traffic control communications. Six aviation maintenance students and two alternates were selected to do ground work with the aircraft prior to the mission. “These twelve students are among the finest that K-State at Salina has,” Kuhlman said. “They are very knowledgeable in their respective areas of aviation, and I am confident that each will represent our university extremely well.” Students selected to support the GlobalFlyer mission are: Seth Short, senior in professional pilot, mission control, and Will Klein, senior in professional pilot and aviation maintenance, maintenance team, both of Burrton; Monica Chester, senior in professional pilot, Glade, mission control alternate; Nancy Milleret, junior in professional pilot, Linwood, mission control; Michael Blankenship, freshman in aviation maintenance, Manhattan, maintenance crew alternate; Patrick Rinearson, junior in professional pilot, Olathe, mission control alternate. From Salina: Josh Hill, freshman in aviation maintenance, maintenance team alternate; James Reed, senior in aviation maintenance, maintenance team; Mike Paul, freshman in aviation maintenance, maintenance team; Aaron Grunden, senior in aviation maintenance, maintenance team. Landon Truetken, freshman in aviation maintenance, Selden, maintenance team. From out of state, Andy Andoga, senior in aviation maintenance, Highland Village, Texas, maintenance team. For more information about the mission, visit http://www.globalflyer.com
|