HUNTINGTON â Marshall Universityâs new Aviation Maintenance & Technology Program has landed its first aircraft, thanks to the generosity of a local alumnus, the Robert C. Byrd Institute announced Tuesday. Daniel Ward, of Barboursville, a private pilot and retired manager at Marathon Petroleum, flew his Dakota Hawk one last time this month, from Ona Airpark to Huntington Tri-State Airport, to deliver the single-engine plane to the new Marshall University Aviation Maintenance & Technology Program. Ward built the plane 20 years ago and spent more than 800 hours piloting the two-seat aircraft. âMarshall has been a big part of my life,â Ward, a 2003 graduate of the university who began taking classes in 1971, said in a news release. âIt just seemed like a good idea to give back to the university by promoting the endeavor theyâve undertaken with the maintenance school. I think itâs great. This airplane will continue to teach others as it has taught me.â
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