Photo L to R: Adrian Rodriquez, Leah Estrado, Dwight Henderson (Instructor), Carlo Farrugia, Daniel Weber, Julia Sytsevich, Anya Gunther, Kevin Persaud. Special thanks to adjunct instructor John Manchester (not pictured)
Robert Hancik, Charlotte County Airport Authority Board Chair, led an effort to revamp PGD’s float for the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas Parade in Punta Gorda. He purchased a 1960 Piper Colt, which was no longer air worthy after Hurricane Ian, and worked closely with Charlotte Technical College’s Aviation Maintenance program to get it rehabbed and suitable for display.
CTC’s Aviation Maintenance Specialist Amanda Fox asked instructors Dwight Henderson and John Manchester to work with Hancik and students to make the old aircraft “float worthy.” Led by Hancik, the white Piper made its debut on December 14, 2024 along with Commissioner T.J. Thornberry, Commissioner Steven Leskovich and PGD’s mascot Curtiss the Hawk. They were accompanied by airport staff and youths that handed out stress-relieving planes to parade watchers.
The white Piper will be customized in the months ahead with branded paint and decals to better illustrate PGD’s spirit in the next year’s parade.
Airport Authority Chair Robert D. Hancik, A.A.E.
