GEORGETOWN, Del. (AP) - Hurricane Ian’s remnants grounded a portion of 2022 Wings & Wheels, but youthful interest in aviation took flight at Delaware Coastal Airport.
Approximately 70 students from about a half dozen schools in Delaware and Maryland participated in Wings & Wheels’ Pathway to Aviation, an informational/educational program presented by the Greater Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware Aviation Museum.
“This is a day for you to learn about what is going on in aviation,” said Linda Price, Wings and Wheels chairwoman and president of the Georgetown Chamber.
“The beauty of aviation is it offers so many different career opportunities to so many people. It’s about opportunities and options for anyone,” said retired U.S. Air Force pilot Ron Covais, Delaware Aviation Museum Foundation director. “And it’s not just about being a pilot. It’s every aspect - airport operations, airline management, security, mechanic, meteorology. You name it. Anything you want to do, somewhere is here. And were just beginning. The options go on forever and ever.”
“It’s just not being a pilot. It’s just not being a flight attendant,” said Lt. Col. (retired) Michael Hales, Delaware State University’s Director of Aviation Programs. “It’s not just being an aircraft maintenance person. There are drones. There are all kinds of things you can do as a career.”
Drones captured the eye of senior Bryce Bowe, among the Sussex Tech students in attendance.
“Honestly, what intrigues me the most is the drones,” said Bryce. “I really like drones. I’m not one that really one that wants to fly, but I wouldn’t mind it. I’m mostly like focused on the ground crew, like getting the plane up in the air - maintenance and stuff. I thought it was an exciting opportunity to come here today.”
Lily Zorn’s plane “crashed” while she was at the control of a flight simulator at Delaware State University’s vendor area. The Sussex Academy freshman is considering a career in aviation. At present, however, she’s not sure what that might be.
“I’m interested in aviation. Being a pilot is interesting but …,” Lily said. “I’ve had a lot of fun today. It was really cool trying to fly the plane, even though I crashed. It was still cool to try it.”
Students heard from numerous vendors. That included representatives of Delaware State University, Delaware Technical Community College, Air National Guard, Piedmont Airlines, Dover Air Force Base, Lockheed Martin, the new Ocean Aviation Flight Academy now based at the county airport, and among others Aloft, whose manufacturing/aviation-related operations bordering the airport grounds employ about 200 workers.
Scott Simon, Del Tech’s Aviation Maintenance Program director, gave a pitch for the college’s mechanics program based at the airport.
“If you have an idea or an inkling to become an aircraft mechanic, it’s five semesters. That’s all our program is - five semesters long. And you end up with not just a job, but you have a career that is going to take care of you for the rest of our life,” Mr. Simon said. “Ask any of the flying companies around here what their demand for technicians is right now. Everybody is scrambling to try to get people. This is an awesome time to look at an aviation maintenance career.”
Ocean Aviation Flight Academy, a professional pilot program, just opened at the airport. Chief Flight Instructor Michael Freed said it’s a three-year program, with training the first year followed by two years as an instructor in building time. “During that time people like Piedmont and some of the other regionals - and I wouldn’t be surprised if we’ll be talking majors in the next couple years - will be recruiting you like you’re the Heisman Trophy winner,” said Mr. Freed.
Among the highlights of the event was the arrival of the Delaware State Police helicopter and a U.S. Coast Guard Search/Rescue helicopter.
The Wings & Wheels youth aviation component has switched gears in recent years. It began about eight or nine years ago by initially exposing students to ideas and thinking about aviation.
“We’ve transitioned the program to what we call Pathways to Aviation,” Mr. Covais said. “The thought was we could start showing you pathways so that you could be working your way toward that.”
Sussex Tech sophomore Leilani Stoa’s plans for the future are up in the air, literally.
“I just like being around airports and being around planes. It’s very interesting,” she said. “A job is supposed to be something you have fun doing, and I feel like I’d have a lot of fun doing this as a career, plus I’m making the money at the same time.”
Her hope is for something “up in the air, for sure. My hopes are to be a pilot.” Leilani said.
Mr. Covais also shared information on the EEA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Young Eagles program, which in its 30-year existence has been dedicated to giving youth ages 8-17 their first free ride in an airplane.
That caught the attention of Noah Sammons, a freshman member of Sussex Tech’s Coast Guard Junior ROTC. “And I’ve always been interested in flying aircraft. Today, gave me the opportunity to not only look at some things, but it told me about the Young Eagles Program,” he said. “I’m loving it.”