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Aviation academy offers teens a lofty perspective
Deadline for registering for ACE is Wednesday

Navigating small airplanes, launching a near-earth satellite balloon and exploring Blackhawk helicopters will be featured activities of the Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academy, June 26-29. ITD's Division of Aeronautics is host of the annual event for teenagers.

Thirty teens will have the opportunity to participate in the academy, which is open to high school students ages 14-18. Students must submit an application by Wednesday (May 31).

"Time and again, students tell us that the ACE Academy is absolutely the highlight of their summer," says Frank Lester, Division of Aeronautics. "When they first arrive, they don't know exactly what they will find. A few days later, they don't want it to end."

A relatively new feature of the academy will be the launch, tracking and recovery of a near-earth satellite balloon. Students work in small teams to assemble capsules to attach to the balloon. The capsules gather data while in ascent and take photos throughout the flight. Student teams compete for the best designed-capsule and the most accurate prediction of a landing location.

Participants will experience a variety of activities that provide social interactions and learning opportunities. During the four-day academy, students will hear from experts in various aviation-related fields, as well as representatives of regional and national aeronautical schools. Tours also are scheduled of the Boise Airport, local aviation businesses and flight operations, and the Idaho Army and Air National Guard .

"We're working to capture the attention of our youth and inspire them to action," Lester says. "For them, it's a chance to learn about the exciting careers that await whether it's flying a commercial airplane, operating an airport or exploring space."

The academy culminates with flights to nearby airports, such as Idaho City or Garden Valley. Each student will have an opportunity to experience a flight under the guidance of a veteran pilot. Upon return to the Treasure Valley, students will tour the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa.

A $60 registration fee is due upon a student's acceptance to the academy. Financial assistance is available.

The event is sponsored by the Division of Aeronautics, Federal Aviation Administration, Idaho Ninety-Nines, Warhawk Air Museum, Lynn Clark Memorial, Idaho Business Aviation Association, Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 103 and the Idaho Aviation Association.

For more information, call the Division of Aeronautics at (208) 334-8775, or visit its Web site at www.itd.idaho.gov (click on Aeronautics then ACE Academy).

Published 5-12-06