Aviation program expands fleet with new Piper Archer aircraft

Hesston College Aviation expanded its training fleet with the acquisition of a fifth aircraft, further strengthening the program’s capacity to serve students and sustain continued growth.

The addition of the 1982 Piper Archer II aircraft marks the culmination of a 12-month acquisition process led by Hesston College in partnership with Tomahawk Aero Services, LLC, an aircraft brokering company based in Las Vegas. Funded through a designated estate gift to enhance the aviation program, the addition will have a significant impact on aviation students.

“Our most recent aircraft acquisition aids in creating greater depth in our scheduling process, ultimately affording our trainees with additional learning opportunities,” shares Mike Baker, aviation program director. “Our students have entrusted us with their academic ventures and this addition allows us to better serve them.”

Fleet commonality remains a key factor in Hesston College Aviation’s success. With each aircraft of the same type, the program ensures a consistent learning environment for students and improved maintenance efficiency across the fleet.

“Having a uniform fleet not only enhances the student learning process but also upholds operational reliability,” says Baker. “This aircraft gives our students increased access to training time, even when others are down for maintenance, which ultimately accelerates their path to becoming professional pilots.”

The acquisition underscores Hesston College Aviation’s ongoing growth and its reputation as one of the region’s highest quality and most accessible collegiate flight programs. The college continues to attract aspiring aviators from across the U.S. who seek a strong foundation in aviation through Hesston’s Christ-centered, community-focused approach to education.

caption: Hesston College flight instructors gather to welcome the college’s newest Piper Archer II aircraft. The addition marks the fifth plane in Hesston’s fleet, expanding opportunities for hands-on flight training and program growth. Pictured left to right are Pablo Turcios Casco, flight instructor; Toby Yoder, flight instructor; Riku Iwai-King, flight instructor; Mike Baker, aviation program director; Jeff Lustick, owner of Tomahawk Aero Services, LLC; John Calhoun, owner of Fresh Aircraft Sales; Joe Baker, flight instructor; Suzanne Burch, manager of aviation training operations; and Haylee Frame, flight instructor.