THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn.- The Detroit Pistons announced today the donation of their second generation Roundball One DC-9 aircraft to the Northland Community & Technical College Foundation to support Northland Community & Technical College’s (Northland) aerospace programs. Northland’s aviation campus is located in Thief River Falls, MN. The DC-9 aircraft served as the Pistons’ team plane from 1998-2010. The club’s latest generation of Roundball One, a MD-20 aircraft, debuted during the 2010-11 season.
“We are pleased to donate this aircraft to the aviation program at Northland Community & Technical College knowing that it will benefit a tremendous program and provide students the opportunity for future careers in the aviation field,” said Dennis Mannion, President of Palace Sports & Entertainment and the Pistons.
The Roundball DC-9 serviced Pistons’ teams that made six consecutive trips to the Eastern Conference Finals (2002-2008) and two NBA Finals appearances (2004, 2005), including the 2004 NBA Championship. Other key flights included two “Flight of Champions” missions where the Pistons delivered relief items to survivors and relief workers affected by Hurricane Mitch in Central America in 1998 and Hurricane Katrina in the gulf coast in 2005.
“We are honored and thankful to the Detroit Pistons for making such a generous donation,” said Dr. Anne Temte, Northland Community & Technical College president.” She shared, “This aircraft donation will allow our students to have the important hands-on experience that is vital to professional success in the workforce.”
Northland Community & Technical College, home of Northland Aerospace, is one of the nation’s premiere aviation maintenance training schools. Northland Aerospace features the aviation maintenance technology (AMT) and the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) maintenance training programs. The AMT program is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) part 147 approved program. The UAS maintenance training program is the first of its kind in the nation. Northland’s campus features 86,000 square feet of training area with cutting edge equipment.
The Roundball DC-9 aircraft will make its last voyage from Detroit Metro Airport on Friday, February 10 at 9:00 a.m. and will arrive at the Thief River Falls Airport on Friday, February 10 at 10:40 a.m. Media opportunities will exist immediately following the Roundball DC-9’s landing. Please contact Biggi Haraldsson at Northland Community & Technical College at 218-683-8825 for more information or to schedule any media requests.
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Northland Community and Technical College (Northland College .edu) is a comprehensive college with campuses in Thief River Falls, MN and East Grand Forks, MN. Northland also has a separate aerospace campus in Thief River Falls, MN and a satellite site in Roseau, MN. Northland offers certificates, diplomas, transfer courses, two-year AAS degrees in more than 60 areas of study, workforce training and education programs. Northland is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. Visit Northland online at www.northlandcollege.edu. Northland is an equal opportunity educator and employer.