LATC Seeks Bids for Additional Cessna 172 to Support Growing Fixed‑Wing Pilot Program
- Steve Jurrens
- 4 days ago
- 1 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Lake Area Technical College will move forward with plans to expand its fixed‑wing pilot training fleet after the Watertown School Board on Monday authorized the college to seek bids for an additional Cessna 172 aircraft.
LATC President Tiffany Sanderson presented the request, noting that the new aircraft is needed to support projected enrollment growth in the 2026–27 school year.
“Tonight we’re seeking your approval to go to bid to add one Cessna 172 plane to our fleet for the fixed‑wing pilot program,” Sanderson said. “This will help us support the total student body that we’re expected to have in the 26–27 school year.”
She added that the purchase would be funded through the sale of surplus aircraft completed over the past year.
“I move you approve the bid for the airplane as presented,” Board Member Lohr said.
“Second,” Board Member Moulton added.
With no further discussion, the board voted unanimously.
Before the vote concluded, Board Member Jean Moulton asked LATC to provide additional information at an upcoming meeting.
“Perhaps in the future you could give us an update on what it takes to become a pilot — to get the license and all that. Also, for the drone program, what kind of certification do we offer, and what steps?”
Sanderson agreed.
“I can bring that at the July meeting,” she said
