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Youths have chance to fly like eagles
registration deadline is May 30

Navigating small airplanes, launching a near-earth satellite balloon and exploring Blackhawk helicopters are all part of the Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academy, June 27-30.

The academy is hosted by the Idaho Transportation Department’s Division of Aeronautics.
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 May 30.

“Time and time again, kids 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’re going to find. A few days later, they don’t want it to end.”

A new feature of the academy will be the launch, tracking and recovery of a near-earth satellite balloon. Students will work in small teams to assemble capsules to attach to the balloon. The capsules will gather data while in ascent and take photos throughout the flight. Student teams will 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 various 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 are also scheduled.

“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 what exciting careers await them– whether it’s flying a commercial airplane, operating an airport or exploring space.”

The academy is capped off with flights to nearby airports, 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.

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 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”).