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Deadline extended for ACE academy

Teenagers who would like a better view of their world are encouraged to enroll in the annual Aviation Career Exploration (ACE) Academy organized by the Idaho Transportation Department's Division of Aeronautics.

The academy is scheduled for June 25-28 at the division's office near the Boise Airport. It will include small airplane navigation, launching a near-earth satellite balloon and exploring Blackhawk helicopters. The academy is open to youths between the ages of 14 and 18.

The deadline for applying to the academy has been extended until 5 p.m. June 11. The cost is $100 per student, however several scholarships still are available. Notifications of acceptance will be sent by June 13.

"Without fail, the students characterize their time here as well spent and describe the academy as absolutely one event that they will not soon forget," says Frank Lester, who coordinates educational activities for the Division of Aeronautics. "Students arrive hesitant and a bit unsure, but leave excited about the new doors they opened and friends and contacts they've made.

Among the academy highlights is 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.

Teens participating in the academy will experience a variety of activities that provide social experiences and learning opportunities. During the four-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 Army and Air National Guard also are scheduled.

At the conclusion of the academy, students join volunteer pilots for a flight to nearby airports, such as Idaho City or Garden Valley. Upon returning to the Treasure Valley, they will tour the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa.

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, Idaho Aviation Hall of Fame and Idaho Aviation Association.

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