Calhoun County Airport (PKV) in Port Lavaca, Texas, recently hosted its annual Kid’s Aviation Day. More than 315 students from Travis Middle School and Seadrift School visited the FBO ready to learn about the aerospace community and differences between various planes.
“The kids were exposed to so many benefits that airports offer — from emergency transport to economic impact on the community,” said Dianna Stanger, Calhoun County Airport Manager. “It’s always my favorite day of the year — the kids’ interest inspires us do bigger, better events each year.”
The students rotated around 16 different stations: the National Weather Service, Cessna 172, Cessna 182, Calhoun Air Center flight instructor, Hawker-Beechcraft Premier Jet, Robinson R44, Maule MX-7-180, Air Tractor, Civil Air Patrol, Precinct 2 Commissioner, PHI Air Medical Helicopter, Mid-Coast R/C Flyers, Experimental Helicopter, Flight Simulator, U.S. Coast Guard, Sailplane and Port Lavaca Fire Department.
“This year we were able to give the children of Calhoun County the most comprehensive aviation experience yet; we had more volunteers at more stations than any year prior.” said FBO manager Steve Plunkett.
The day is made possible by a group of pilots that are eager to share their passion for flying and their knowledge with the students, airport officials said.
“The kids really enjoyed themselves,” Travis Middle School teacher Chris Scroggs commented. “They learned about the wonderful world of aviation. We appreciate Calhoun Air Center’s hard work in putting together such a wonderful event.”
The students were able to sit in the aircraft and learn first hand about the principles of flight and aircraft operations.
“We really enjoyed having the opportunity to interact with the Calhoun students. They were very excited and enthusiastic about the R44 helicopter. It was fun watching them get in the helicopter, try on headsets and pretend to fly — definitely have some young aviators in the making,” said Chief Flight Instructor-Rotocraft Toni McCarthy.
In addition, the students received a take-home bag that contained various pilot magazines, pens, pencils, rulers, bookmarks, posters, interactive cds and more. Thank you to all of the sponsors: Texas Department of Transportation Aviation Division, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Whirly Girls, Women Of Aviation Worldwide, Inteplast, FlightSafety, Jeppessen and Hawker-Beechcraft.
This marks the fourth year which Calhoun Air Center has coordinated the field trip introducing over 1,250 students to the careers in aviation available to them.
For information: CalhounAirCenter.com
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