Horizons Online Edition

Issue date: 4/21/06 Section: False Horizons

Classes were halted on Thursday, Apr. 6 as students and faculty observed a small aircraft flying over campus.

"I came out of my classroom because the roar of this thing's engine sounded familiar to me," said aerospace studies junior Zach Schwartz. "I wasn't sure if it was a Cessna or a Seminoleā€¦or possibly even one of the Archers."

"No way," argued aeronautical science senior Paul Greene, "There's no way its either one. That was obviously a Cirrus SR22."

"Are you kidding me? That was definitely an RV-6," said aeronautical engineer senior Tom Roller.

Associate Professor Robin Polse said she thought the aircraft resembled a Piper Cherokee from one of the nearby flight schools. Her class paused momentarily as the aircraft flew overhead. She described the atmosphere as "tense" as she noticed all of the students were no longer listening to her, but rather the drone of the aircraft engine above the classroom. "They [the students] all started whispering to each other and I wasn't sure what was going to happen next. Some stayed seated, others politely excused themselves."

Campus Safety officials urged that the school was not under attack, nor was it in any form of danger following the low pass by the aircraft.

Air traffic controllers at the Prescott Air Traffic Control Tower reported that the aircraft came from the north and landed, reportedly for lunch.

"All I remember is that he [the pilot] was dressed in a red t-shirt, shorts and flip-flops. He ordered a SkyBurger with cheese, no onions, extra mayo and french fries on the side," said a waitress at Suzi's Airport Restaurant. She was unable to comment on his demeanor or if he was loudly discussing his plans to do a low-pass over campus.

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