Members of Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1088 visited with Fredericksburg High School aviation students March 26, 2026, at Gillespie County Airport (T82) in Fredericksburg, Texas.
The students, along with teacher Kade Jenschke, toured a number of companies at the airport.
Bill Lucy, EAA 1088’s Vice President, invited the students to the airport for the day. Working with Gwen Fullbrook, owner of Crosswind Aviation, the students were able to learn about careers in aviation and see an array of aircraft.
“It was so exciting to have our two high school aviation classes out to the airport for a mini Airport Day,” said Fullbrook. “Being able to show them in person all the airport operations in action brings to life the career opportunities, as well as a lifelong adventure in aviation.“
The students also visited TacAero Tailwheel Academy, which offers specialty flight training.
Ethan Crane, owner of the FBO, not only showed off airplanes that are based in the FBO’s hangars, but also shared the many careers associated with an FBO. Previously Crane was a corporate pilot and he was also able to give them insight into that career.
Then they were able to get up close to an AT-802 SEAT (Single Engine Air Tanker) at Texas A&M (TAMU) Forest Service. The aircraft belongs to private vendors Coastal Airstrike and Western Pilot and are contracted through the federal government to be available to fight fires two weeks at a time. TAMU Forest Service bases the aircraft at the airport during fire season.
“When there is some down time, pilots and staff happily show off the aircraft,” said TAMU Forest Service’s Dayziah Petruska.
At the end of the tour Lucy asked each student which aircraft was their favorite.
“They thought and then each one had a different answer, including the vintage Waco,” he said. “It was a very fun time.”
There are still more businesses and careers for the students to explore at the airport, so another visit will be planned soon, Lucy added.
For more information: EAA1088.org
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