The Idaho Division of Aeronautics held its annual Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academy June 26-28, 2024, presenting aviation career options to 32 Idaho high schoolers from around the state.
“After months of planning and coordinating, the ACE Academy was a great success,” said coordinator Shelly Towner. “The teamwork was one of the best I have experienced – it all worked like a well-oiled machine.”
Participants were able to visit the Boise Air Traffic Control Tower, use Mission Aviation Fellowship’s flight simulator, and tour the Boise Airport where the biggest draw was seeing the bomb-detecting dog in action. Students toured the TSA baggage area, and viewed the ongoing expansion project from the top of the parking garage.
Students also visited the Idaho National Guard to learn about aviation career fields in rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft, state aviation officials said.
They also visited Skywest to explore airline careers, and Western Aircraft to explore turboprop and business jet aviation.
The National Weather Service covered aviation weather services, and at the National Interagency Fire Center the kids saw how smokejumpers, drones, and aircraft are used to fight fires.
The Idaho 99s taught a mini-ground school, officials from the T-Craft Aero Club discussed opportunities to train in a flying club, and the 12 volunteer pilots took the kids flying, state aviation officials reported.
For more information: ITD.Idaho.gov/Aero
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