NDSU trying to sell costly, little-used plane

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A North Dakota State University official says the school is trying to sell a private plane that costs more than $5,600 an hour to fly.

NDSU controller Gary Wawers told a North Dakota legislative committee Wednesday that the asking price for the twin-engine Beechcraft King Air is $1.55 million.

The plane was bought new five years ago for more than $2.3 million.

Legislators say NDSU would save money by chartering planes on occasions when university officials need a private plane flight. School records show that from July 2010 through June 2011, the plane was used for 41 flights lasting a total of 70 hours.

Mandan state Rep. Todd Porter says the plane hasn't been used enough to justify NDSU owning one.

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