Through its 501 (c)(3) foundation, a UH-1H Airframe and two salvaged T53-13B engines have been donated to the Christian County Chamber of Commerce — and all with one specific goal in mind:
That an aviation mechanics program be created within the Christian County Public Schools system and its Gateway Academy, for hands-on learning and teaching the next generation an invaluable, unique skill.
Officials with the Chamber of Commerce indicated Friday that conversations about securing the helicopter, for educational purposes, began in the Fall of 2023, when Bell Trexton Senior Military Sales and Strategy Manager Doug Englen noted during the monthly Military Affairs Committee meeting that one of the company’s facilities in Ozark, Alabama would be closing its doors.
Christian County’s Director of Military Affairs Kristi Murtha then began working with Bell Trexton officials to procure any surplus.
In a written statement, Murtha said that “aviation mechanics are currently in high demand in industry and in the military,” and that this donation “opens doors for…the educational community to start working on a new airframe and/or powerplant program, that could potentially attract new aviation industries” to the area.
All equipment arrived in Hopkinsville earlier this week.
Taylor Hayes, President & CEO of the Chamber, said the donation “has the makings of becoming a tremendous asset to the community…for lucrative careers,” while attracting aviation industry.
According to Hayes, CCPS will soon be gifted the goods, while officials with H&R Agri-Power transferred the items from Alabama at no cost.
