IDAHO NATIONAL TRANSPORTER Idaho
Transportation
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Navigating small airplanes, controlling air traffic and exploring Blackhawk helicopters are all part of the Aviation Career Exploration (ACE) Academy, June 21-23, hosted by the ITDs Division of Aeronautics. Thirty teenagers will have the opportunity to participate in the academy, which is open to high school students ages 14-18. Applications must be postmarked by May 1. "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," said Frank Lester, safety/education coordinator for ITD's Division of Aeronautics. "They arrive hesitant and a bit unsure, but leave excited about opening new doors, making new contacts and meeting new friends." Teenagers 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, the Idaho Army and Air National Guard and Mountain Home Air Force Base also are scheduled. The academy is capped off with flights to nearby airstrips, such as Idaho City or Garden Valley. Each student has the 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. Scholarship assistance is available. Some host families also are available for students attending from outside the Treasure Valley. 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 then click on Aeronautics, Calendar of Events, then scroll to June 21-23, 2010, and under Aviation Career Exploration (ACE) Academy click on "Get the Application." Published 4-9-2010 |