Northwest Mississippi Community College DeSoto Center Dean Richie Lawson (right) and Aviation Maintenance Technology program instructor Mitchell McGehee (left) accept the keys to a twin- engine Cessna from commercial airline pilot Tom Ferguson of Hernando.

Ferguson donated the plane to the program after one last flight as the owner from Riddell Flying Services in West Helena, Ark., to the Metro Olive Branch Airport March 9.  "It was a great flight. The plane handles extremely well," he said. Ferguson has flown the plane throughout the South and as far north as New York.  

McGehee, also a licensed pilot, expressed his gratitude for the gift.  "This is the best twin-engine aircraft our students will have to work on," he said.  "It is great to have an additional, completely operable aircraft for our students' training."   Photo by Sybil Canon