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Record-setting pilot to speak at festival

The first man to complete a non-stop flight around the world in an airplane will be featured at the Idaho Aviation Festival, March 11-13 at the Boise Centre on the Grove.

Aviation pioneer Dick Rutan made his record-breaking nine-day flight in December 1986. His aircraft, the Voyager, is now suspended in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum's “Milestones of Flight” gallery in Washington, D.C.

Rutan, a National Aviation Hall of Fame inductee, is flying the first rocket-powered experimental general aviation aircraft. He will speak during a teacher aviation workshop and at a dinner Saturday, March 13.

The festival, designed for aviation enthusiasts and families, will also feature Major General John Kane, Adjutant General of Idaho. Kane will speak about “Homeland Security and General Aviation” at a luncheon Friday, March 12. He is the Commanding General of the Idaho National Guard and guides training, readiness and combat effectiveness.
Other festival highlights include:

  • Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Pilot Town Meeting: AOPA President Phil Boyer will host a town meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 11. Boyer will provide an up-to-date assessment of current issues impacting general aviation followed by a question and answer session.
  • High School Aviation Career Forum: During a Friday, March 12 evening session, students can talk with members of the local aviation business community about career possibilities.
  • Hands-on demonstration of an Asteroid Lander Simulator: Through a computer simulation, visitors can maneuver vehicles that have touched down on a near-earth asteroid on Saturday, March 13.
  • “Lift” workshop for kids: On the morning of Saturday, March 13 a hands-on workshop for children ages 9-12 will explore the concept of lift and why things fly. Space is limited to 30 participants.
  • Teacher Aviation Workshop: Using the tools of aviation, hands-on projects, and lesson plans, teachers can use new approaches to presenting their curricula in this two-day workshop. Space is limited to 25 participants.
  • Special presentations on the Warhawk Air Museum, how to become a pilot, winter survival, and search dog demonstrations also are planned.

The public is invited to attend. Registration fees may apply; tickets to the kickoff luncheon and Saturday banquet can be purchased separately.

To register or for more information, visit www.state.id.us/itd and follow the “Aeronautics” link, or contact the Idaho Division of Aeronautics at (800) 426-4587 (toll-free in Idaho) or (208) 334-8775.

The event is organized by the Idaho Transportation Department’s Division of Aeronautics.