A local family has donated a plane to the Columbia Gorge Community College Foundation for use in the school’s aviation maintenance program that is currently in development. The family of Cary Lowe, who lived in The Dalles area for over 55 years and was a long-time pilot before passing away in November, is donating a Piper Cherokee 235. Foundation executive director Wendy Patton says Lowe owned the four-seater airplane for 28 years. Patton said the plane will be used to help the next generation of aviation mechanics hone their skills. The college is developing its aviation maintenance technician training program to be based at Columbia Gorge Regional Airport. Program review by the Federal Aviation Administration is anticipated to be completed later this spring.