Alumnus With Strong Family Ties to Penn College Donates Aircraft

A Kylertown man who comes from a family with three generations of alumni has donated a Cessna 175C airplane to Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Gary Gable, who graduated from Penn College forerunner Williamsport Area Community College with a certificate in electrical technology in 1974, donated the plane with co-owner Charles Michaelis. It will be used for instructional purposes at the college’s Lumley Aviation Center at the Williamsport Regional Airport in Montoursville.

The Gable family has a long history with Penn College and its predecessor institutions.

Gary’s father, Paul Gable, graduated from Penn College predecessor Williamsport Technical Institute with a certificate in electrical before opening Paul Gable Electric, later renamed Paul Gable & Sons Electric. Gary’s brother Roy also earned a certificate in electronic technology from WACC and joined his brother and father in the family business.

Fifty years after Paul Gable’s WTI graduation, Gary’s sons – Jay and Lee – graduated from Penn College. Lee received a bachelor’s degree in construction management with a minor in business administration and an associate degree in electrical technology; Jay earned a certificate in electrical occupations.

With flying colors: Student takes lead in repainting aircraft

“Chuck and I are very happy to donate this plane to the college,” Gary Gable said. “The part of this aircraft, which both of us are very proud of, is the fact that they only built 113 of them. When we bought it, there were only 13 left in the United States. It is a rare, but very forgiving, flying airplane. It will be a great instructional aircraft for the college."

“We are certainly grateful to have a fully functioning airplane that can be used in multiple classes involving subjects such as propellers, instruments, engine operation and inspection, ground handling, weight and balance exercises – the list is endless,” said Colin W. Williamson, dean of transportation technology. “The students will benefit greatly from working on a plane that is very popular in general aviation and is in flight-worthy condition.”

For more information about making a gift or establishing a scholarship fund to support Penn College and its students, visit the Institutional Advancement Office, email or call toll-free 866-GIVE-2-PC (866-448-3272).

For more about the college, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.