Old Pilots Need Not Apply

By Tom Woodward

Going unnoticed by the majority of AirVenture visitors is the AirVenture Air Academy. The Air Academy lodge is located on the north side of the Pioneer runway, just North of the Pioneer hangars. The lodge houses campers from age 12 through 19 during the weeks between June 1 through August 18th, ho have an interest in the aviation sciences and come to Oshkosh for one week to learn.

The Young Eagle camp, for ages 12-13, is designed as an introduction to the wonderful world of aviation. This program uses small group activities and close counselor relationships to present the basics of flight in a "science camp" format that is a unique combination of fun and discovery.

Eaa Basic Air Academy, for ages 14-15, is the next exciting step through the world of aviation. "Hands on" activities are introduced through classroom and media presentations, specializing in laboratory activities and aviation-related demonstrations.

Advanced Air Academy, for ages 16-18 totally immerses the student in the world of flight. "In-the-air and "on-the-ground" hands-on activities are empathized but the highlight is the ground instruction and introductory recreation flight in both a fixed wing and a helicopter.

The Advanced Air Academy/Sportair is targeted towards mature students with a main emphasis on aircraft construction, utilizing composite, wood, metal and fabric techniques. In addition ground instruction and a introductory flight are highlighted as well as a day spend on the  AirVenture grounds.

Our tour was conducted by Daniel Atkins, a 19 year old from Greensboro, NC who, without a doubt, knows his direction in life. Mature beyond his years, Daniel was a former student and now is a paid intern counseling other campers. He hopes to someday fly for a corporation and is well on his way, having achieved his PPL and currently working on his IFR and Commercial licenses. Our tour guide walked us through the Lodge, of rough beamed construction, where students sleep, eat and play, though that time is limited. Inside the Lodge is a Distance Learning center, allowing distinguished guest lecturers to talk with students over a Skype-like experience. Most hands-on activities are done in the EAA Museum.

In addition and just as important are the Team building activities like the High Rope Challenge which builds camaraderie and bonding.

Many have contributed to the Center with Mr. James Ray being the major benefactor. Scott Cameron is the Camp Director and keeps the place humming. Costs for one week can exceed $1000 but scholarships are available through EAA and several benefactors such as Cliff Robertson, Harrison Ford and Clay Lacy just to name a few of the heavy hitters.

FMI: www.youngeagles.org/programs/airacademy, www.youngeagles.org/programs/scholarships