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Elizabeth City State University

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Fleet

Aviation Sciences

Fleet

ECSU Aviation training aircraft parked on an airport tarmac near a hangar. The single-engine airplane displays Elizabeth City State University aviation branding and registration number N916QT, with trees and airport facilities visible in the background.

ECSU's Commanding Flight Fleet for Every Requirement

Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) maintains a modern and expanding flight training fleet primarily composed of Cessna 172 Skyhawks, which serve as the backbone for its Flight Education program. As of early 2026, the fleet has grown to 20 Cessna 172s, following an ongoing initiative to standardize the fleet with technically advanced aircraft (TAA) equipped with Garmin G1000 glass cockpits avionics. For multi-engine training, the university utilizes specialized trainers such as the Diamond DA-42 Twin Star. This primary fleet is supported by a robust suite of simulation technology, including FRASCA flight training devices and full-motion Redbird MCX and FMX simulators, ensuring students gain comprehensive experience in both traditional and high-fidelity virtual environments before transitioning to towered operations at Elizabeth City Regional Airport.

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk serves as the premier training platform for the ECSU flight program, renowned globally as the most produced and safest airframe in aviation history. Our fleet of 20 Skyhawks offers students a stable, high-wing design that provides excellent visibility and forgiving flight characteristics, ideal for mastering everything from initial private pilot maneuvers to advanced commercial maneuvers. To ensure our students are prepared for the modern aerospace industry, these aircraft are configured as Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA), featuring the Garmin G1000 NXi integrated flight deck. This glass-cockpit technology, combined with GFC 700 autopilots and ADS-B Out capabilities, bridges the gap between primary training and the sophisticated systems found in contemporary regional and major airline flight decks.

Diamond training aircraft parked on an airport ramp with its canopy open, showcasing a modern cockpit and the registration number N738LA.

For multi-engine flight training, the program features the Diamond DA-42 Twin Star, a state-of-the-art aircraft that represents the cutting edge of modern flight education. Built with a sleek, carbon-fiber airframe and powered by twin turbo-diesel engines, the DA-42 offers exceptional fuel efficiency and performance, providing students with a sophisticated platform for mastering complex multi-engine operations. The aircraft is equipped with the Garmin G1000 integrated avionics suite, ensuring a seamless transition for students moving up from our single-engine fleet. With its advanced systems—including FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) and high-fidelity flight dynamics—the Twin Star prepares our pilots for the technical demands of contemporary commercial and corporate aviation environments.

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Department Contact

  • Kevin Kupietz, Ph.D.
  • Associate Professor of Emergency Management
  • 219 STEM Complex
  • Campus Box 231