Leicester College learners studying BTEC Level 2 Aeronautical Engineering have been given the chance to work on a tangible plane due to a generation donation.

The Cavalier Project started after the College was donated an aircraft by former pilot Dave Ritchie.

Dave Ritchie said:

“I am delighted to pass this project on to budding engineers. I hope they can continue the restoration and learn at the same time.”

The project will take over four years to complete enabling learners to get the opportunity to work on the plane and gain valuable aeronautical experience. The College is hoping to expand the course over the next few years

Lecturer in engineering, David Cope said:

“The Cavalier Project has enabled learners to get exposure to real aircraft engineering and work under the rigour of airworthiness standards. Special thanks to Dave Ritchie for donating the plane to education.”

Leicester College is one of the few Colleges within the region that offers Aeronautical Engineering at BTEC level.

Ndumiso Malatji travels from Northampton to Leicester College, he said:

“I have always wanted to study something to do with Aeronautics. I looked around for the nearest course to me and chose Leicester College. It is great to be able to use a true to life aircraft to learn. I am hoping to use the knowledge I gain to get me on course to study Aeronautical Engineering at University.”