Erik Lindbergh Shows His Passion As Keynote Speaker For Event

By ANN Contributor Mike Sweezey

It was all about aviation in Melbourne, FL, over the weekend, as the Florida Institute of Technology School of Aeronautics Alumni Network hosted their 20th Annual Aviation Symposium at FIT. Two days of classroom instruction and focus sessions led up to an award banquet with Erik Lindbergh as the keynote speaker. If that wasn't enough, Aviation Day was held on Saturday with BBQ, spot landing and message drop contests, static aircraft displays, and demonstration flights.

The FITSA Alumni network provides a link between the College of Aeronautics, students, and alumni. The symposium provides an opportunity to network and gives students a chance to see where their studies can lead. FITSA also recognizes the successes of the faculty, students, and alumni. They also provide scholarships to students who have demonstrated academic excellence and financial need.

The event actually started on Thursday, as alumni made a number of presentations to students, then got together with them for a social Thursday evening. Friday was packed with focus sessions and more opportunities for the students to learn from and interact with alumni.

Friday evening more than 130 students, alumni, and friends attended the first FITSA award dinner. Eric Lindbergh gave a delightful talk about his 2002 solo flight overseas to commemorate the 75th anniversary of his grandfather's flight. He shared the training and work that led up to the flight, as well as a few of the challenges that developed.

Lindbergh (above) also discussed the Lindbergh Foundation, which is a non-profit organization pursuing a balance between technological advancement and environmental preservation. Lindbergh shared his role in the X-Prize, and hinted that we'll be about more excitement from them in the future. A great point he made is that advancement in aviation has always come about by warfare or contests. A touching moment occurred as an attendee produced a copy of "The Spirit of St. Louis" written and autographed by Charles Lindbergh. Erik signed it as well, honored to carry on the name.

After his talk, several awards were given to alumni, faculty, and students. The George M. Skurla outstanding Alumni Award was given to Russell Lawton, a 1976 graduate of Florida Tech. Skurla currently is the Director of Operations of Wyvern Consulting Ltd. The company conducts safety audits of air charter operators, corporate flight departments, and more. He formerly worked with AOPA and as the editor in chief of the magazine, IFR Refresher.

In addition, Dr. John Cain won the 2005 James R. Constantine Faculty Excellence award. His aviation career spans over 35 years, including worldwide flying, educational, and management experience. Students winning scholarship awards were Erdem Serifoglu, Adam Kline, and Yuyeon Ko.

After the awards, FITSA staged an auction to raise money for student scholarships. Lindbergh donated a rocket sculpture. He told students and alumni about how some of his similar works of art got into the record books -- the first bronze sculptures sent into space. They traveled aboard Spaceship One on one of its record-breaking flights. Other sponsors also donated airline tickets, airplane models, and various items.

Saturday was spent at the airport, as FITSA and the students had organized a series of flying contests. Some of FIT's aircraft were on display, as well as a Schweizer 300CB from Helicopter Adventures in Titusville, FL. Liberty Aircraft showed off its XL-2, giving demonstration rides.

Amid a little grumbling, judges had to recognize the Dean of the College of Aeronautics, Michael Karim (below) for winning the spot landing award. He landed his aircraft right on the line for the contest. The next closest competitors were 5 and 15 feet off. Dr. Karim stated that this had been the best year yet for their annual events and he was proud of the work that the students and alumni put in to make the event meaningful for everyone involved.

The evening ended with an informative presentation by Mark Grady, from the AOPA Air Safety Foundation. The presentation was titled "GPS: More than Direct-To."

Milo Zonka, President of FITSA, said that he was excited that FITSA helps students interact with alumni, build networking connections, earn scholarships, and have fun. He's not sure how they'll top this years event, but they'll be working on it.

FMI: www.fitsa.org