9/14/2016
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Idaho Division of Aeronautics wins national award for quarter-century of career outreach to teens
BOISE - 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.
Click here for a picture of the award and one of the Aeronautics Team accepting the award. Pictured from left to right are Idaho Division of Aeronautics Administrator Mike Pape, Aeronautics Assistant Tammy Schoen, and NASAO Chairman Gary Cathey.
Click here for Aero Graphic 1 and Graphic 2.
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,'"
explained Pape. "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."