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Division of Aeronautics wins national award for quarter-century of outreach
to teens for careers in aviation

Idaho's Division of Aeronautics was recently recognized for 25 years of dedication to reaching out to teenagers throughout the Gem State and presenting career options in the field of aviation. In a quarter century, the Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academy presented career options to more than 650 Idaho teenagers.

The Aviation Education award was presented to Aeronautics Administrator Mike Pape at the annual meeting of NASAO (National Association of State Aviation Officials) Sept. 13 in San Antonio, Texas.

Beginning in the summer of 1992, the ACE Academy has been held annually in Boise for teenagers grades 9-12. Students hear from guest speakers, tour facilities, take part in flight simulations and planning, and even fly (not including takeoffs and landings, which are done by licensed pilots from the Division of Aeronautics.) Every ACE Academy since 1997 has culminated with a fly-in to one of Idaho's pristine backcountry airstrips.

"Our goal is to capture the attention of our youth and inspire them into action," said Pape. "For the students, it's a chance to learn about the exciting careers that await them – whether it's flying a commercial airplane, operating an airport or just exploring.

"Every year, the ACE Academy strives to give Idaho students the opportunity to experience aviation from 'behind the scenes,'" he explained. "From field trips to aviation facilities like the Boise air traffic control tower, to flying the simulators at the guard and getting to fly an actual airplane, the students have learned as much as we can teach them every year.

"There are quite a few students who attend twice, and even some who come every year they can as a student then ask to come back and chaperone as a parent."

During the quarter century, Idaho's Division of Aeronautics has gone to great lengths to keep the schedule up with the times and bring new technology to the forefront for the students. For example, this year the ACE Academy incorporated virtual reality, drones and an explanation of the technology behind aerial application.

"It is important to figure out the 'hook,' and most of the time, technology is it. We encourage our youth to pursue aviation careers on all levels," said ACE Academy Coordinator Tammy Schoen.

"Our goals are simple," Schoen said. "We want to share aviation with as many students as we can and encourage them to pursue aviation as a lifelong career."