Northwestern Michigan College’s “N66948” is more than just a trainer with Northwestern Michigan College Aviation, shes more than just sister-ship to “Forty Bee” the first 152 we did for NMC, she is in fact… a Legend!

948 was purchased by NMC in 1978 direct from Cessna. Countless graduates and members of the staff took their solo rides in 948 over the years. This incredible aircraft is credited with more than 50,000 landings during her tenure at NMC! When 948 arrived at Elite Air Service, 41 years after arriving at NMC, she was still wearing her original paint and interior!

At first it was exciting to be a part of this Legendary 152’s, but as we progressed with her refurbishing it began to become emotional. Through each stripping step we could see the years of service uncovered, we began to imagine the countless aviators earning their wings thanks to her reliability, hearing admiration in the voices of the staff and mechanics who shared stories about her. We began to ask one another, “can you imagine if this aircraft could talk, the tale she would tell?”

948 has made a mark on NMC and touched the hearts of so many involved in her story. Elite Air Service is priviledged and honored to have be awarded the opportunity to work on her. Most aviators don’t consider their aircraft as just an item, they see them as an extension of themselves, or a member of their family. So it holds true that this quote applies to the aircraft as much as the aviator.

Once you have tasted flight,

you will forever walk the earth

with your eyes turned skyward,

for there you have been,

and there you will always long to return…

-Leonardo da Vinci

On behalf of Elite Air Service, N66948 welcome back to flight!