Astronaut and test pilot Joe Edwards this summer will give
teens a firsthand account of how it feels to launch into space
and test fighter jets. Edwards will be featured at the Aviation
Career Education (ACE) Academy, June 28-30, sponsored by the
Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) Division of Aeronautics.
The
ACE Academy is open to teens from 14 through 18 years of age.
Enrollment is limited to 40 students; applications must be
submitted to the Aeronautics Division by Friday (May 7).
As a NASA astronaut, Edwards piloted the shuttle that took
the last American crewmember to the Russian Mir space station.
This was the eighth Shuttle-Mir docking mission and involved
the transfer of more than 9,000 pounds of scientific equipment,
hardware and water from Space Shuttle Endeavour to Mir. The
mission lasted more than eight days and traveled 3.6 million
miles in 138 orbits of the Earth.
During that mission, Edwards flew the closest maneuvers around
an orbiting space station of any astronaut. He also managed
development and operations of the International Space Station
from Star City, Russia.
The prospect of learning directly from an astronaut
is incredibly exciting for these kids, says Frank Lester
of the ITD Division of Aeronautics. Were working
to capture the attention of our youth and inspire them into
action. For them, its a chance to learn what kinds of
exciting careers are possible whether its for
flying a commercial airplane, operating an airport or exploring
space.
During the three-day academy, students will hear from experts
in aviation-related fields, as well as representatives of
regional and national aeronautical schools. Tours of the Boise
Airport, local aviation businesses and flight operations and
the Idaho Air National Guard also are scheduled.
The academy culminates with flights to nearby airports, such
as Idaho City or Garden Valley. Each student has the opportunity
to plan and navigate a cross-country flight under the guidance
of an experienced volunteer pilot. Upon return to the Treasure
Valley, students tour the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa. Many
past ACE Academy students characterize the event as the highlight
of their summer vacation.
ACE registration fee is $60 and is payable after a student
has been selected for the academy. Applications are available
from school counselors, by calling the Idaho Division of Aeronautics
at (208) 334-8775, or online at
http://www.itd.idaho.gov/aero/ACE
Academy/Ace main page.htm (click on
Aeronautics then ACE Academy). You
also may download
an application here.
The event is sponsored by the ITD Division of Aeronautics,
the Federal Aviation Administraton, the Idaho Aviation Hall
of Fame, Inc., the Idaho Ninety-Nines, the Warhawk Air Museum,
the Lynn Clark Memorial and the Boise Airport.