Putting their heads in the clouds

Aviation camp: Daniel Webster College hosts the Aviation Career Education Camp

By Son Hoang
Union Leader Correspondent

Nashua —High school students considering a career in aviation got a little taste of it this week thanks to a partnership between Daniel Webster College and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Today is the fifth and final day of the college's Aviation Career Education (ACE) Camp for high school junior and senior students from throughout New England and the country. During their stay, the campers were exposed to the various aviation career opportunities by commercial and military pilots, flight instructors and teachers.

"It's a great opportunity for the FAA to cultivate students and a great opportunity for the entire aviation industry," said Sheila Bauer, national program manager for the FAA.

The program also benefits the students as they learn about real jobs from real people and discover how math and science relate to the aviation industry, Bauer said.

Forty-two ACE camps are held throughout the country, Bauer said. Daniel Webster College's program is the only one held in the state, and nearly 100 students participated this year.

"It's a fabulous experience for these kids," said Daniel Webster College President Robert "Skip" Myers. "Some kids will become professional pilots and develop a deep appreciation to be successful in that area."

During their time at camp, each student used flight simulators and clocked real flight time at the controls of actual aircraft under the close supervision of professional flight instructors.

"It's not a scenic ride, it's educational time in the cockpit," said Rick Bartle, assistant director of flight operations.

Campers take three flights, each approximately an hour long, Bartle said, and are even given official log books to log their time.

The campers also learn about other job opportunities in aviation-related fields such as airline operations and air traffic control. In fact, the camp is equipped with a simulator of an air traffic control tower, which students use to direct landing traffic.

Also attending ACE Camp this year were 22 students fro the Eagle Flight Squadron of Orange, N.J., directed by the Rev. Russell White.

White founded the Eagle Flight Squadron 32 years ago to teach young adults disciplie and integrity, as well as about careers in aviation.

White said he has been sending his students to Daniel Webster's ACE Camp for 14 years and several have gone on to attend the college, graduate, and now are professional pilots.

ACE Camp concludes today with an awards ceremony and picnic for students and their parents.