Untitled Document

The sky's the limit for students attending ACE Academy

A group of adventurous students will explore potential careers from the ground level next week – but their ultimate goal is much higher, several thousand feet higher.

Twenty-eight teenagers in grades 9-12 will engage in a variety of fun activities and aviation-related tours as part of the annual ACE (Aviation Career Exploration) Academy Monday through Wednesday. ITD’s Division of Aeronautics sponsors the event as an introduction to the many career options possible in the aviation field.

From aerial assaults on forest fires to military careers and aircraft servicing, the sky is the limit for youths who want a unique way to hone their talents and develop their interests. The three-day ground excursion includes tours of the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) and Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa, and learning about satellite balloons and rockets.

The ambitious schedule includes:

Monday

Hands-on learning, balloon satellites
Tours of the Boise Airport and NIFC
Rocket building

Tuesday

Tour of Gowen Field, National Guard and Army Air National Guard
Satellite balloon pre-launch
Tour of Western Aircraft
Career forum

Wednesday

Pre-flight briefing by ITD Division of Aeronautics Administrator Mike Pape
Navigation flights to nearby airstrips (aircraft, fuel and supervision donated by area pilots)
Tour of Warhawk Air Museum
"Life’s the Pitts" presentation by Scotty Crandlemire
Rocket launch

The pinnacle of the ACE Academy comes on the final day when students board private aircraft and explore the rugged backcountry of south-central Idaho. Volunteer pilots and their airplanes provide academy students an opportunity to put into practice the previous two days of learning.

In the process, many will take the controls for a brief time en route to backcountry airstrips. For some, it will be their first flight in a small plane; for most, it will be their first time flying an airplane – a fitting conclusion to a lofty experience.