Untitled Document

Clear skies ahead for teen aviators

Teens from around Idaho gathered recently at the annual Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academy, sponsored by ITD’s Division of Aeronautics.

“We’re working to capture the attention of these kids and inspire them into action,” said Frank Lester, Division of Aeronautics. “For them, it’s a chance to learn what kinds of exciting careers are possible – whether it’s for flying a commercial airplane, operating an airport or exploring space.”

ACE featured astronaut and test pilot Joe Edwards; experts in various aviation-related fields; representatives of regional and national aeronautical schools; and tours of the Boise Airport and the Idaho Air National Guard.
The three-day aviation camp attracted an unusually large percentage of students from eastern Idaho, largely because of a successful teacher workshop held at the spring Aviation Festival. Many of the participating teachers were from Blackfoot, Pocatello and surrounding areas.

“The teachers saw the value in the workshop they attended, and they passed that enthusiasm along to the kids,” Lester said.

“When they first come, they don’t know what they’re going to find,” he told a news reporter from the Idaho Statesman. “And by the end, they don’t want it to end.”

The academy was capped off with flights to nearby airports, such as Idaho City and Garden Valley. Each student participated in planning and navigating a cross-country flight under the guidance of an experienced pilot. Upon return to the Treasure Valley, students toured the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa.

In their own words

So, just why do teenagers decide to take time out of their summers to learn about aviation?

Travis Carrigan, 16, Blackfoot
“For the past few years I have been fascinated with flight. My adventure began with model rockets … (now) I am taking flight lessons with 30 hours in my log book and two hours of solo time. I have decided to pursue flight not just as a hobby, but as a future career,” Carrigan said in his academy application essay.

“The birthday before high school changed my life. I received (a) flight simulator.”

What began as a sophisticated video game soon became a training tool, teaching Carrigan the basics of flying, such as turns, descents, takeoffs and landings.

“Then it happened. I figured it was time to go to my parents and ask them what I had been wanting for so long, a flight lesson.”

After his first lesson, Carrigan knew he wanted to be a pilot. Now, his sights are fixed on college and a degree in aeronautical engineering.

Carlie Spence (a.k.a. Captain Carlie), 16, Meridian
“’All clear for takeoff.’ Those words would be great to hear in the near future.”

Spence attended ACE to gain an understanding of what a career in aviation would be like – and that would be the first step toward her goal of being a pilot or captain of an airplane.

“I have always loved to fly in planes and travel. This program will give me an opportunity to experience what it would be like to be behind the wheel of an aircraft,” she wrote in her application essay.

“Clear skies ahead.”

TRANSPORTER HOME

MILESTONES