Over 300 Students, Parents Attend 2nd Annual Gathering At
FDK
More than 300 students, faculty, parents, and guests from
schools in Maryland, neighboring states, and the District of
Columbia attended the 2nd annual Aviation Education Expo at the
Frederick Municipal Airport in Frederick, MD on October 16.
"We are pleased with the large number of students who attended
the event," said Tim Shively, general manager of Frederick’s
Encore FBO. "Aviation is an industry that offers many career
opportunities and it was a pleasure to host this expo to show young
people the variety that aviation has to offer." Shively
opened the ceremonies by welcoming the attendees and encouraging
the students to consider a future in aviation.
The event was sponsored by Encore FBO, Avemco Insurance Company,
and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).
Encore’s corporate hangar was the location of the expo.
The FBO had its Hawker 800XP executive jet, used for private
charter, on display. In addition, all of Encore’s departments
were represented: Charter, Customer Service, Line Service, Aircraft
Sales, Maintenance, Parts, and Avionics.
The students were able to explore the insides of a military
C-130 transport plane, a Blackhawk helicopter, and Cirrus and
Columbia general aviation aircraft. In addition, AOPA had flight
simulators set up so students could have the experience of flying
an airplane. Industry representatives were also on-site to discuss
general aviation and the career opportunities that are available,
which reach far beyond being a pilot.
"It was a pleasure to be involved with this event to show local
students what aviation has to offer," said Phil Boyer, president of
AOPA. "The attendees enjoyed the flight simulators as a chance to
get a feel for what it’s like to fly."
General aviation engine manufacturer Lycoming displayed an
engine, while mechanics were on hand to discuss careers in aircraft
maintenance.
A variety of speakers highlighted the event. Cpl. Timothy
Siebold of the Maryland State Police Trooper 3 Medevac Unit brought
law enforcement to life for the students with a live demonstration
featuring his K9 partner, a black lab named Max (above); Jamail
Larkins, 23-year-old aerobatic pilot and FAA Safety Ambassador,
told students about the amazing opportunities that learning to fly
has brought to his life beyond aviation; and Paco Chierici, airline
pilot and producer of the documentary "Speed and Angels," showed
clips from his soon-to-be-released film that highlights the
fast-paced world of military aviation.