21 November,2010 12:22 PM IST | | Rinkita Gurav
A Fokker 27 aircraft kept on the premises of the Indian Aerospace and Engineering (IAE) Institute in Turbhe has got commuters stopping, asking questions and seeking to enter, much to the annoyance of the college staff
One of the oldest aircrafts from the Fokker F27 series, hardly used by any airline today, is drawing the attention of hundreds of people at the Indian Aerospace and Engineering (IAE) Institute, Turbhe.
The Fokker F27 aircraft stationed at the Aerospace Engineering College
in Sanpada is attracting curious onlookers. PIC/ sameer markande
The aircraft is used by students who are encouraged to survey its interiors as part of their training to become aerospace engineers.
"The aircraft was purchased by the institute from Rajkot, where it was declared as scrap, so that students could gain practical knowledge on aircrafts," said IAE college principal, TKV Sagar. The plane was lying around since 1999 in Rajkot and was purchsed by the college management in November 2009.
The college, which belongs to the Sha-Shib Group, has two aircraftsu00a0-- a LearJet and a Fokker F27, which is at the Turbhe campus.
The Fokker 27 is installed near the entrance of the engineering college and draws the attention of commuters who can't stop themselves from haltting to take a good look at the aircraft that seems at arm's length.
"Vehicles on the flyover get a complete view of the airplane. Drivers often get curious and later come down to the college to get a better view," added Sagar.
The security guard at the college has the annoying task of fielding queries from passers-by. "Children and families stop at the gate to catch a glimpse of the aircraft and I'm left to answer their constant questions. I have to tell them repeatedly not to blocxk the entrance," he says.
According to Sagar, "The interest is due to the proximity of the plane to pedestrians. At airports, planes are confined behind walls. It's in your face here."
A local resident has his own incident to share. "My children wanted to see it but they were not allowed inside. A closer look requires special permission, I'm told, so we didn't approach them again."
Sagar said the aircraft would soon be renovated, acquire new seat covers as well as a paint job.
The principal added that if any school wanted to see the aircraft, they could approach him with a request.
