In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re discussing the return of commercial flights to the Purdue University Airport and highlighting the university’s renowned history in aviation.  

Listen as Adam Baxmeyer (BS aviation administration ’02; MPA ’22, Purdue Global), director of the Purdue University Airport, and Rob Wynkoop, vice president of Auxiliary Services, share the importance of the Purdue Airport building upon the university’s nearly 100-year legacy in aviation excellence.  

After 20 years commercial flights are returning to the Purdue University Airport, connecting West Lafayette and Chicago. Find out how the Purdue University Airport offers more convenient and cost-effective travel options for the Greater Lafayette community. 

Plus, you’ll learn more about the largest classroom on campus — the Purdue Airport — as Tom Carney (AAS general aviation ’70; BS professional flight technology ’71; MS aviation climatology ’77; PhD atmospheric sciences and meteorology ’84), professor emeritus and former head of the Department of Aviation Technology, delves into the history of why Purdue has one of the strongest aviation programs in the country.  

“There's no other place I could have flown the former president, Jimmy Carter, or the Dalai Lama or the first and last astronauts to walk on the moon than at Purdue University,” Tom says. 

We also take you behind the scenes with Tom in Purdue’s Hawker 900XP full-motion simulator. This level D flight simulator — the highest level available — imitates all the aircraft systems that are accessible in the cockpit. You don’t want to miss this special episode!