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.