Celebrating LGBTQIA+ at the NMC library
This collection provides resources for families to help them support their LGBTQIA+ child.
Dance with the TC Swing Club
TC Swing Club is a recently reinstated student group at NMC!
Open to ALL ages, this group is a fun way to get out, meet your community, and dance the night away!
TC Swing Club is a FREE event, no experience needed, and you can find free instruction if you’ve never swing-danced a day in your life. TC Swing prides themselves on providing a safe, family-friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy a fun evening with the ones you love.
When: Every Sunday from June 3rd 2022 through October 1st 2022, 7—9:30 p.m.
Where: Clinch Park
TC Swing Club Mission Statement: Our mission is to create a safe, fun, and inclusive environment where people of any age and skill level can learn and enjoy Swing Dancing while meeting new people and/or spending time with friends.
Condensed format, new vehicles and equipment on the radar for Police Academy
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s Police Academy program is planning big changes that will allow it to double enrollment within two years, helping to fill a shortage of police and law enforcement officers statewide.
A new structure for the Police Academy slated to start in the fall of 2023 means that instead of turning out one graduating class per academic year, NMC will have one in the fall and one in the spring. Students will receive the same training by attending full time for 16 weeks, instead of part-time as they do now for the nine-month academic year.
Both students and police agencies favor the switch, Police Academy Director Gail Kurowski said. The 11 members of the Police Academy class of 2022 have all been hired, the third year in a row the program has achieved a 100 percent state exam pass rate and employment rate. Police departments and sheriff’s offices around northern Michigan are eager for more graduates.
“They are really excited to see us make this change,” Kurowski said. “They are desperately in need of law enforcement personnel.”
Of the 20 police academies in Michigan overseen by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, NMC is among only a handful that still operate on academic year calendars, Kurowski said. She’s currently recruiting for the 2022–23 year, and has had to turn away almost as many students as she’s enrolled because they preferred the consolidated, shorter program. Increasing the number of credentials earned faster is also an objective within the Future-Focused Education area in NMC Next, the college’s strategic plan.
“It doesn’t work any more,” Kurowski said of the two-semester schedule. “There’s no doubt in my mind that we’re going to increase enrollment.”
Donated patrol vehicle (download a high-resolution version here)Police Academy students will be learning on significantly upgraded equipment, too. In May, the Grand Traverse County Commission approved donating two used sheriff’s department patrol vehicles to the NMC program. Kurowski said she has a verbal commitment for a used Traverse City Police Department vehicle, too.
The vehicles will be outfitted with equipment donated by the Michigan State Police, including mounted display consoles for computers inside. The current 2005 vehicles NMC now uses lack any kind of police equipment.
“Our students have never gotten to turn on a siren or a light bar,” Kurowski said. “That’s going to be a huge improvement.” She expects the vehicles to be available for the 2022–23 school year.
NMC’s Aviation program and Marine Technology bachelor’s degree program also boast 100 percent employment among their graduates. The Great Lakes Maritime Academy expects all 2022 graduates to be employed within six months of graduation.
Release date: June 2, 2022
For more information:
Gail Kurowski
Director, Police Academy
gkurowski@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1283
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discriminationCondensed format, new vehicles and equipment on the radar for Police Academy
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s Police Academy program is planning big changes that will allow it to double enrollment within two years, helping to fill a shortage of police and law enforcement officers statewide.
A new structure for the Police Academy slated to start in the fall of 2023 means that instead of turning out one graduating class per academic year, NMC will have one in the fall and one in the spring. Students will receive the same training by attending full time for 16 weeks, instead of part-time as they do now for the nine-month academic year.
Both students and police agencies favor the switch, Police Academy Director Gail Kurowski said. The 11 members of the Police Academy class of 2022 have all been hired, the third year in a row the program has achieved a 100 percent state exam pass rate and employment rate. Police departments and sheriff’s offices around northern Michigan are eager for more graduates.
“They are really excited to see us make this change,” Kurowski said. “They are desperately in need of law enforcement personnel.”
Of the 20 police academies in Michigan overseen by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, NMC is among only a handful that still operate on academic year calendars, Kurowski said. She’s currently recruiting for the 2022–23 year, and has had to turn away almost as many students as she’s enrolled because they preferred the consolidated, shorter program. Increasing the number of credentials earned faster is also an objective within the Future-Focused Education area in NMC Next, the college’s strategic plan.
“It doesn’t work any more,” Kurowski said of the two-semester schedule. “There’s no doubt in my mind that we’re going to increase enrollment.”
Donated patrol vehicle (download a high-resolution version here)Police Academy students will be learning on significantly upgraded equipment, too. In May, the Grand Traverse County Commission approved donating two used sheriff’s department patrol vehicles to the NMC program. Kurowski said she has a verbal commitment for a used Traverse City Police Department vehicle, too.
The vehicles will be outfitted with equipment donated by the Michigan State Police, including mounted display consoles for computers inside. The current 2005 vehicles NMC now uses lack any kind of police equipment.
“Our students have never gotten to turn on a siren or a light bar,” Kurowski said. “That’s going to be a huge improvement.” She expects the vehicles to be available for the 2022–23 school year.
NMC’s Aviation program and Marine Technology bachelor’s degree program also boast 100 percent employment among their graduates. The Great Lakes Maritime Academy expects all 2022 graduates to be employed within six months of graduation.
Release date: June 2, 2022
For more information:
Gail Kurowski
Director, Police Academy
gkurowski@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1283
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discriminationSpring 2022 Dean’s List released
NMC is pleased to announce its Dean’s List for the Spring 2022 semester.
Published at the end of each semester, the Dean’s List recognizes outstanding academic achievement based upon a student’s semester grade point average. To be eligible, students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or above out of a possible 4.0 while taking five or more credits in a semester.
Congratulations to these distinguished scholars on earning this academic achievement!
Graduation Celebration Pow Wow
Join us on Saturday, June 18 for a Graduation Celebration Pow Wow to honor our graduates. Grand Entry will take place at 2:30 p.m. on the lawn outside of East Hall.
- Host: Drum Bear Creek
- Co-host: Onion Creek
- Head Man: Ryan Memberto
- Head Woman: Leilani Defoe
- Head Veteran: Al Pedwayden
- Color Guard: Eagle Town Post #120
- MC: Joe Medicine
- Arena Director: Frank Wilson
This event is free and open to the public. For more info. contact tparker@nmc.edu or call (231) 995-3025.
NMC student named 2022 Guistwhite Scholar by PTK
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC student Amber Marsh is one of 15 Phi Theta Kappa members selected as a 2022 Guistwhite Scholar and will receive a $5,000 scholarship for her baccalaureate studies.
Download a high-resolution photo of Amber MarshWinners were chosen from among 2,700 applicants nationwide. Their selection was based on academic excellence, leadership accomplishments, and engagement in Phi Theta Kappa programs. They will also receive a commemorative medallion.
The Guistwhite is the second-highest scholarship offered by Phi Theta Kappa. It is named in honor of the late Margaret and Dr. Jack Guistwhite, who established the first transfer scholarship designated exclusively for Phi Theta Kappa members to Florida Atlantic University in 1975.
Marsh, of Kalkaska, is studying business administration. She has been president of NMC’s PTK chapter for two years and led it to its best performance ever in the organization’s Most Distinguished Chapter competition. She was NMC’s Student Government Association president in 2021-22 and active in other student groups as well, including helping to launch a mentoring program between NMC students and Blair Elementary School fifth graders. In 2021-22 she represented the student body on the steering committee that led the creation of NMC Next, the college’s strategic plan through 2025.
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society has nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. NMC’s chapter is Alpha Rho Pi. Learn more at nmc.edu/ptk.
Release date: May 25,2022
For more information:
Kari Kahler, Associate Dean
Department of Learning Services
Alpha Rho Pi Chapter Advisor
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
231-995-1228
kkahler@nmc.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discriminationNMC student named 2022 Guistwhite Scholar by PTK
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC student Amber Marsh is one of 15 Phi Theta Kappa members selected as a 2022 Guistwhite Scholar and will receive a $5,000 scholarship for her baccalaureate studies.
Download a high-resolution photo of Amber MarshWinners were chosen from among 2,700 applicants nationwide. Their selection was based on academic excellence, leadership accomplishments, and engagement in Phi Theta Kappa programs. They will also receive a commemorative medallion.
The Guistwhite is the second-highest scholarship offered by Phi Theta Kappa. It is named in honor of the late Margaret and Dr. Jack Guistwhite, who established the first transfer scholarship designated exclusively for Phi Theta Kappa members to Florida Atlantic University in 1975.
Marsh, of Kalkaska, is studying business administration. She has been president of NMC’s PTK chapter for two years and led it to its best performance ever in the organization’s Most Distinguished Chapter competition. She was NMC’s Student Government Association president in 2021-22 and active in other student groups as well, including helping to launch a mentoring program between NMC students and Blair Elementary School fifth graders. In 2021-22 she represented the student body on the steering committee that led the creation of NMC Next, the college’s strategic plan through 2025.
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society has nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. NMC’s chapter is Alpha Rho Pi. Learn more at nmc.edu/ptk.
Release date: May 25,2022
For more information:
Kari Kahler, Associate Dean
Department of Learning Services
Alpha Rho Pi Chapter Advisor
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
231-995-1228
kkahler@nmc.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discriminationSuccess Story: Condensed format, new vehicles and equipment on the radar
May 25, 2022
After three straight years of a 100-percent state exam pass rate and employment rate, NMC’s Police Academy program is planning big changes that will allow it to double enrollment and help fill a shortage of police and law enforcement officers statewide.
A new structure for the Police Academy slated to start in the fall of 2023 means that instead of turning out one graduating class per academic year, NMC will have one in the fall and one in the spring. Students will receive the same training by attending full time for 16 weeks, instead of part-time as they do now for the nine-month academic year.
Both students and police agencies favor the switch, Police Academy Director Gail Kurowski said. The 11 members of the Police Academy class of 2022 have all been hired (graduate Matt Morgan, above, is headed to the Michigan State Police), and police departments and sheriff’s offices around northern Michigan are eager for more graduates.
“They are really excited to see us make this change,” Kurowski said. “They are desperately in need of law enforcement personnel.”
Of the 20 police academies in Michigan overseen by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, NMC is among only a handful that still operate on academic year calendars, Kurowski said. She’s currently recruiting for the 2022–23 year, and has had to turn away almost as many students as she’s enrolled because they preferred the consolidated, shorter program. Increasing the number of credentials earned faster is also an objective within the Future-Focused Education area in NMC Next, the college’s strategic plan.
“It doesn’t work any more,” Kurowski said of the two-semester schedule. “There’s no doubt in my mind that we’re going to increase enrollment.”
Police Academy students will be learning on significantly upgraded equipment, too. Earlier this month, the Grand Traverse County Commission approved donating two used sheriff’s department patrol vehicles to the NMC program. Kurowski said she has a verbal commitment for a used Traverse City Police Department vehicle, too.
The vehicles will be outfitted with equipment donated by the Michigan State Police, including mounted display consoles for computers inside. The current 2005 vehicles NMC now uses lack any kind of police equipment.
“Our students have never gotten to turn on a siren or a light bar,” Kurowski said. “That’s going to be a huge improvement.” She expects the vehicles to be available for the 2022–23 school year.
NMC’s Aviation program and Marine Technology bachelor’s degree program also boast 100 percent employment among their graduates. The Great Lakes Maritime Academy expects all 2022 graduates to be employed within six months of graduation.
COVID-19 dashboard paused
As of May 23, 2022, NMC’s COVID-19 response team has decided to pause updates to the cases on campus dashboard for the summer semester, when the on-campus population ebbs significantly.
The spread of COVID-19 on campus has slowed greatly since the winter months. Cases rose 63 percent in January-February (102 to 167), but only 6 percent in March-April (167-178). Over the same time, the prevalence of at-home testing increased significantly. Positive results may not be reported to campus or any health authorities, meaning the dashboard no longer offers an accurate picture of the virus on campus.
As we have since the beginning of the pandemic, we will continue to monitor the state of the virus and adjust procedures as necessary to protect the health and safety of our campus community while minimizing the disruption to learning. We will reassess the value of the dashboard prior to the fall semester.
Articulation agreement to encourage carpentry careers
TRAVERSE CITY – As career opportunities boom for carpenters and other skilled trades workers, NMC will sign an articulation agreement with the Michigan Statewide Carpenters and Millwright Joint Apprenticeship and Training Fund on Wednesday, May 25 at the Aero Park Labs building, 2525 Aero Park Drive, Traverse City.
The signing is concurrent with the Michigan Educators Apprenticeship Training Association conference held May 24-26 in Traverse City. Conference attendees will visit the Aero Park Labs building, home to NMC’s construction technology, welding technology, HVAC-R technology and renewable energy technology programs.
The signing will occur at 3 p.m. May 25. It intended to showcase how industry and education are collaborating to encourage people to enter skilled trades, as well as to offer advanced learning opportunities so journeyman skilled trades workers can advance into leadership positions.
Release Date: May 20, 2022
For more information:
Dan Goodchild
(231) 995-2777
Non-Discrimination Policy Notice
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discriminationArticulation agreement to encourage carpentry careers
TRAVERSE CITY – As career opportunities boom for carpenters and other skilled trades workers, NMC will sign an articulation agreement with the Michigan Statewide Carpenters and Millwright Joint Apprenticeship and Training Fund on Wednesday, May 25 at the Aero Park Labs building, 2525 Aero Park Drive, Traverse City.
The signing is concurrent with the Michigan Educators Apprenticeship Training Association conference held May 24-26 in Traverse City. Conference attendees will visit the Aero Park Labs building, home to NMC’s construction technology, welding technology, HVAC-R technology and renewable energy technology programs.
The signing will occur at 3 p.m. May 25. It intended to showcase how industry and education are collaborating to encourage people to enter skilled trades, as well as to offer advanced learning opportunities so journeyman skilled trades workers can advance into leadership positions.
Release Date: May 20, 2022
For more information:
Dan Goodchild
(231) 995-2777
Non-Discrimination Policy Notice
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discriminationTraining ship State of Michigan departs May 21
TRAVERSE CITY — Forty-two cadets from Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy plus a chef intern from the Great Lakes Culinary Institute will depart aboard the T/S State of Michigan on the first of three training phases this Saturday, May 21.
The training ship will be at sea for five months, through Oct. 28, providing an opportunity for about 160 cadets to earn required sea time. Each phase will also include a culinary intern.
“The use of the training ship for an extended period of time, coupled with cadet berths on commercial vessels provided by our industry partners, will allow us to meet our goal of ensuring all cadets will have the ability to graduate as per their model schedules, regardless of the challenges caused by COVID,” said Academy Superintendent Jerry Achenbach.
Cadets must earn 360 days of required sea time during their four-year program. GLMA and GLCI have also collaborated for several years to offer internships to NMC culinary students during the sailing season. Cooks are in high demand by the shipping industry. A maritime culinary certificate that will expand opportunities for students in this niche area is expected to be offered in Fall 2023.
As the state maritime academy of Michigan, the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at Northwestern Michigan College educates and trains deck and engineering officers for the U.S. Merchant Marine. Graduates earn a bachelor’s degree, and an unlimited tonnage/horsepower merchant marine license. Read more about the Academy and see the cruise itinerary and map at nmc.edu/maritime.
Release date: May 18, 2022
For more information:
RADM Jerry Achenbach
Great Lakes Maritime Academy Superintendent
(231) 995-1203
gachenbach@nmc.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discriminationTraining ship State of Michigan departs May 21
TRAVERSE CITY — Forty-two cadets from Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy plus a chef intern from the Great Lakes Culinary Institute will depart aboard the T/S State of Michigan on the first of three training phases this Saturday, May 21.
The training ship will be at sea for five months, through Oct. 28, providing an opportunity for about 160 cadets to earn required sea time. Each phase will also include a culinary intern.
“The use of the training ship for an extended period of time, coupled with cadet berths on commercial vessels provided by our industry partners, will allow us to meet our goal of ensuring all cadets will have the ability to graduate as per their model schedules, regardless of the challenges caused by COVID,” said Academy Superintendent Jerry Achenbach.
Cadets must earn 360 days of required sea time during their four-year program. GLMA and GLCI have also collaborated for several years to offer internships to NMC culinary students during the sailing season. Cooks are in high demand by the shipping industry. A maritime culinary certificate that will expand opportunities for students in this niche area is expected to be offered in Fall 2023.
As the state maritime academy of Michigan, the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at Northwestern Michigan College educates and trains deck and engineering officers for the U.S. Merchant Marine. Graduates earn a bachelor’s degree, and an unlimited tonnage/horsepower merchant marine license. Read more about the Academy and see the cruise itinerary and map at nmc.edu/maritime.
Release date: May 18, 2022
For more information:
RADM Jerry Achenbach
Great Lakes Maritime Academy Superintendent
(231) 995-1203
gachenbach@nmc.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discriminationWelcome Wednesdays: Open House
Our Welcome Wednesdays Open House event series is kicking off June 1!
You are invited to join us during our Welcome Wednesdays Open House events. We’ll have staff on hand to help with:
- Registering for classes
- Talking about possible careers or majors
- How to make sure you’re ready for classes
- Password or technology assistance
- Scholarship and financial aid applications
- Success coaches, advisors, technology help desk, and financial aid staff will be there (in person!) help you in the NMC Student Success Center.
Outdoor social spaces on campus
This week’s Hawk Owl Helpers and Heros shout-out goes to Cathy Warner and her English 112 class, which took on improving campus outdoor spaces and seating as an experiential learning project during the spring semester. They successfully wrote for grant funds and received $500 to purchase Adirondack chairs and hammocks for main campus. The Adirondack chairs and hammocks can be found outside of the Innovation Center. Additional hammocks can be checked out from the security desk inside the Innovation Center.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
FAA: Mechanical issue at fault in emergency landing
TRAVERSE CITY — Initial fact-finding by the Federal Aviation Administration has determined that a mechanical issue with an NMC plane forced an aviation student and flight instructor to make an emergency landing at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center on Tuesday, May 10.
No one was injured in the incident, which occurred shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday. The student and flight instructor were on a routine training flight aboard an NMC-owned 2010 Cessna 172 Skyhawk from Traverse City to Pellston, then to Gaylord and back to Traverse City. Weather, fuel and all other conditions were normal and the plane was cleared for landing by air traffic control at Traverse City Cherry Capital Airport about 10 miles out.
Upon the final approach the flight instructor noticed a loss of RPM and immediately took control of the aircraft. The aircraft engine started to choke and lose power. During this time, the flight instructor went through the emergency checklist, alerted the control tower and looked for the safest place to make an emergency landing.
The instructor located an open field at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center and flew the aircraft away from the people. The instructor landed the aircraft about 250 feet from a baseball backstop fence, which absorbed the energy from the landing. The airbags deployed and the seat belts restrained the pilot and student, neither of whom experienced significant injury. The aircraft did not bounce, but the impact did damage the right side of the plane. Two bystanders helped the student and instructor from the aircraft. No one on the ground was injured. All of this took place in a matter of seconds.
As is routine, the Federal Aviation Administration arrived at the scene Wednesday morning for fact finding. Investigators determined quickly that the incident was NOT caused by pilot error but a single, anomalous mechanical issue. The FAA has wrapped up its fact finding, but the full investigation may take several weeks to complete. The FAA believes the pilot did everything right and made the best choice possible.
The FAA will continue looking for the exact cause. Once determined, the FAA will turn over the report to the National Transportation Safety Board for analysis. That report could take more than a year. Damage to the aircraft and all related expenses will be covered by insurance.
NMC performs regular maintenance on its aircraft. This particular plane did receive maintenance last week and was signed off to fly. It had flown approximately 3 hours without incident since it was released from maintenance. Following a voluntary safety stand down, the rest of the NMC fleet was cleared for flying at 11 a.m. Thursday.
NMC plans additional safety training with students and flight instructors, as well as offering counseling for anyone who wants it. Both the flight instructor and the student are taking some time to recover from this harrowing experience. The flight instructor was also on the side of the plane that received the most damage and is sore. NMC is respecting their request to have their identities remain private.
“Because of the pilot’s quick thinking and solid training, we are so grateful that no one was injured,” said NMC Director of Aviation Alex Bloye. “The No. 1 thing we teach our aviation students is to fly the airplane. That’s exactly what our pilot did here. The flight instructor was able to keep control of the aircraft and respond to the situation, not just react.”
NMC would like to thank the incredibly quick response from air traffic control at Cherry Capital Airport, Traverse City Police Department and Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department and all first responders for their assistance, as well as the bystanders on the scene who helped the student and flight instructor.
Release date: MAY 12, 2022
For More Information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discriminationFAA: Mechanical issue at fault in emergency landing
TRAVERSE CITY — Initial fact-finding by the Federal Aviation Administration has determined that a mechanical issue with an NMC plane forced an aviation student and flight instructor to make an emergency landing at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center on Tuesday, May 10.
No one was injured in the incident, which occurred shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday. The student and flight instructor were on a routine training flight aboard an NMC-owned 2010 Cessna 172 Skyhawk from Traverse City to Pellston, then to Gaylord and back to Traverse City. Weather, fuel and all other conditions were normal and the plane was cleared for landing by air traffic control at Traverse City Cherry Capital Airport about 10 miles out.
Upon the final approach the flight instructor noticed a loss of RPM and immediately took control of the aircraft. The aircraft engine started to choke and lose power. During this time, the flight instructor went through the emergency checklist, alerted the control tower and looked for the safest place to make an emergency landing.
The instructor located an open field at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center and flew the aircraft away from the people. The instructor landed the aircraft about 250 feet from a baseball backstop fence, which absorbed the energy from the landing. The airbags deployed and the seat belts restrained the pilot and student, neither of whom experienced significant injury. The aircraft did not bounce, but the impact did damage the right side of the plane. Two bystanders helped the student and instructor from the aircraft. No one on the ground was injured. All of this took place in a matter of seconds.
As is routine, the Federal Aviation Administration arrived at the scene Wednesday morning for fact finding. Investigators determined quickly that the incident was NOT caused by pilot error but a single, anomalous mechanical issue. The FAA has wrapped up its fact finding, but the full investigation may take several weeks to complete. The FAA believes the pilot did everything right and made the best choice possible.
The FAA will continue looking for the exact cause. Once determined, the FAA will turn over the report to the National Transportation Safety Board for analysis. That report could take more than a year. Damage to the aircraft and all related expenses will be covered by insurance.
NMC performs regular maintenance on its aircraft. This particular plane did receive maintenance last week and was signed off to fly. It had flown approximately 3 hours without incident since it was released from maintenance. Following a voluntary safety stand down, the rest of the NMC fleet was cleared for flying at 11 a.m. Thursday.
NMC plans additional safety training with students and flight instructors, as well as offering counseling for anyone who wants it. Both the flight instructor and the student are taking some time to recover from this harrowing experience. The flight instructor was also on the side of the plane that received the most damage and is sore. NMC is respecting their request to have their identities remain private.
“Because of the pilot’s quick thinking and solid training, we are so grateful that no one was injured,” said NMC Director of Aviation Alex Bloye. “The No. 1 thing we teach our aviation students is to fly the airplane. That’s exactly what our pilot did here. The flight instructor was able to keep control of the aircraft and respond to the situation, not just react.”
NMC would like to thank the incredibly quick response from air traffic control at Cherry Capital Airport, Traverse City Police Department and Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department and all first responders for their assistance, as well as the bystanders on the scene who helped the student and flight instructor.
Release date: MAY 12, 2022
For More Information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019