From Intro to Solo, This Summer's the Time

From building a mock space station to learning to fly, teens will have a blast at the Summer Academy operated by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at its Daytona Beach (FL) campus.
The Summer Academy, which will run from June 19 to August 16, offers educational programs for students ages 12-18 who want to learn about aviation and aerospace in a fun, relaxing atmosphere. This year's courses, some of which may be taken for college credit, are Aerospace Summer Camp, Flight Exploration, and SunFlight. Application is required by June 1.

Summer Academy programs include housing in an Embry-Riddle student dormitory, on-campus meals, classroom instruction, and educational materials. Students in some camps will take field trips that may include Kennedy Space Center, Orlando Science Center, a water park, and a major theme park. Transportation for off-campus activities is provided by Embry-Riddle.

For students ages 12 to 18, Careers in Aviation provides an opportunity to explore fields such as air traffic control, flight, engineering, human factors, meteorology, and space through state-of-the-art simulation devices and labs, field trips, classroom interaction, and guest speakers. Tuition is $899.

Aspiring astronauts and scientists will learn about NASA programs, space shuttle operations, and the history of space flight during the four-week Aerospace Summer Camp. The course fosters a basic understanding of space and space technology through classroom lectures, field trips, and guest speakers. Students will design and build two space-station models, one on land and one in zero gravity. Tuition is $3,699.

Flight Exploration is a one-week introduction to flying and flight training. Students practice flight maneuvers and get acquainted with how an airplane responds to cockpit commands. Participants learn how to comply with aviation regulations and how to analyze weather conditions. The course includes flight and ground lab instruction, field trips, and a logbook to record flight hours. Tuition is $1,599.

Solo, and more!

Three SunFlight programs also offer flight instruction. The goal of the three-week SunFlight Solo Camp is for all qualified students to solo by the end of the program. Tuition is $2,199. Students in the eight-week SunFlight Private Pilot Camp earn their private pilot certificate and six college credits. Tuition is $7,499. Participants in the SunFlight Instrument Camp earn their instrument rating and four college credits in eight weeks. Tuition is $7,499. SunFlight tuition includes classroom instruction for college credit, housing, on-campus meals, ground lab, books, materials, and field trips. SunFlight tuition does not include flight fees.

FMI: www.erau.edu/summeracademy; (800) 359-4550