Students participate in Summer Aviation Camp

  • Published
  • By Major Sekou Billings
  • Air Force Inspection Agency
Kirtland Air Force Base, NM --  Sixteen high school students from local schools around Albuquerque attended the 2010 Summer Aviation Camp on July 19-23 here.

The camp was geared towards introducing high school students to the world of aviation and science. The students were able to get an up close and personal view of the people, tools and day to day operations that are used in the field of aviation.

The program began with a welcome address by Lt. Col. Robert Jackson, 58th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander.

The students participated in a variety of activities. First, they were given a guided tour of the aircraft hangers which house the CV-22 Osprey, C130 Talon and HH60G Pave Hawk. Then they were taken to view airfield operations from the flight line. After viewing the airfield operations, the students then visited the engine repair and parachute maintenance shops.

Next, they participated in a discussion panel with both military and civilian personnel who work in different areas of aviation. The panel included pilots, navigators, air traffic controllers and maintenance personnel.

Following the discussion panels, the students visited the CV-22 Osprey simulator. After the simulator training, the student's listened to motivational speeches by Lt. Col. Alexander Carothers, 58th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1 Commander, Maj. Robert Robison, an instructor pilot in the 550th Special Operations Squadron and Lt. Col. Jackson. Following the speeches the students were taken on an actual flight at the Kirtland Air Force Base Aero Club.

The event ended with more inspiring messages from an original Tuskegee Airmen, MSgt John Allen; USAF, Retired, Colonel James Cardoso, 58th Special Operations Wing Commander; Dr. Harold Baley, executive director, State of New Mexico Office of African American Affairs, and Lt. Col. Robert Jackson.

Both the students and the presenters had a good time. The students found the activities to be very informative and a realistic portrayal of the day to day activities of those who work in aviation.

The Aviation Camp was sponsored by the Tuskegee Airmen, INC, General Lloyd W. "Fig" Newton Chapter, the State of New Mexico Office of African American Affairs, the Federal Aviation Administration and the 58th Special Operations Wing.