US Collegiate Flight School Plans 5 Piper Archers and Fleetwide Avionics Upgrades

New York, USA – Public collegiate flight training provider Farmingdale State College is upgrading its aircraft fleet with Garmin glass cockpit avionics while preparing to introduce additional Piper Archer training aircraft at its Aviation Flight Center at Republic Airport. The investment supports the college's four-year professional pilot training program and its flight training operations in New York.

• Farmingdale State College announced plans to add five Piper Archer aircraft during October 2026, bringing its reported fleet target to 23 aircraft.
• The Aviation Flight Center averages more than 5,800 flight hours annually across solo and dual flight instruction, providing practical training for students pursuing professional pilot qualifications through the college's academic programs.
• The college is also upgrading aircraft across its fleet with Garmin G1000 and G3X cockpit displays, providing students with exposure to electronic flight instrumentation and modern avionics throughout their training.
• Farmingdale's 2024–2025 annual report disclosed negotiations with Piper Aircraft for five additional training aircraft at an anticipated cost of nearly US$3 million over two years. The report identified legislative funding support and potential use of a previously authorised State University Construction Fund grant.
• According to the State University of New York (SUNY), Farmingdale State College operates the largest collegiate flight school in the northeastern United States and offers New York State's only public four-year Professional Pilot Degree Program.

About Farmingdale State College
Farmingdale State College is a public higher education institution in Farmingdale, New York, and part of the State University of New York system, providing undergraduate education in aviation, engineering, business and other professional disciplines. Its Aviation Flight Center operates from a 22,000-square-foot facility at Republic Airport, established in 1990, supporting flight training, aircraft operations and simulator-based instruction.

Source: Farmingdale State College