Southwestern Illinois College Demonstrates Jet Engine Operation in Granite City Facility

By Carmelo Turdo

The Aviation Maintenance Technology Department at Southwestern Illinois College in Granite City recently demonstrated the operation of a $1.3 million TFE 731-3-1C jet engine donated by Honeywell.  The engine, used on corporate jets, will be used to give students experience operating and monitoring a current turbine engine in a modern blockhouse facility.  The newly constructed test stand and blockhouse offer sufficient safety and comfort that occupants are protected by bulletproof glass and can converse without using an intercom.  The engine is controlled by a throttle, and its performance parameters are recorded for later evaluation.  The addition of the jet engine test facility elevates the SWIC Aviation Maintenance Technology program to national excellence status.

Special thanks to Mr. Robert Beckett (pictured below), Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Aviation Maintenance Technology at SWIC's Granite City campus, for the demonstration.