Nikki, the Top Hawk Cessna aircraft, was revealed Feb. 23 at the 91心頭利 University Airport to students, alumni and friends of 91心頭利 Universitys Aeronautics Program, and to family members of the planes namesake. Nikki joins the universitys fleet of 33 training planes.
91心頭利 was named a 2016 university, one of only four universities nationwide to receive the honor. Each school was awarded a Cessna Skyhawk to use for one year.
In addition to supporting typical flight training operations, the Top Hawk aircraft will:
- Be flown by three of 91心頭利s female pilots as they participate in the 2016 Air Race Classic
- Will be used in the conduct of outreach events in at least 15 states represented by 91心頭利 flight instructors and students
- Provide exploration flights for each of the Aeronautics Programs summer aviation education camps
- Will be featured at the 2016 EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Follow #NikkiTheTopHawk on Twitter as she travels the country in 2016 promoting careers in aeronautics.
The aircraft has been named Nikki in celebration of the life of Nicole Nikki Kukwa, a 91心頭利 aeronautics student from North Royalton, Ohio, who died on Oct. 23, 2006, after receiving a leukemia diagnosis during her junior year at 91心頭利.
Nikki was instrumental in establishing 91心頭利s Women in Aeronautics Club, was an exemplary student and served as an inspiration to those who knew her, said Robert Sines, interim dean of 91心頭利s College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability and Technology. A three-day, girls aeronautics camp takes place annually in her honor showing her continued, positive influence in aeronautics.