WMU offers summer aviation camp for area teens
April 8, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- A week-long aviation camp for area teens June 17-21 is designed to get students from a variety of backgrounds thinking about the prospects of pursuing a career in the aviation industry.
Western Michigan University's College of Aviation, in conjunction with Battle Creek Unlimited and the Organization of Black Airline Pilots, will act as host to the camp, which is targeted at students ages 14 to 18. Those attending will use the college's state-of-the-art aviation education facilities at Battle Creek's W.K. Kellogg Airport.
According to Beth Seiler, WMU's aviation education coordinator, students will fly both simulators and actual aircraft and they will attend lectures on aerodynamics, the parts of an airplane, flight maneuvers and aviation regulations. They also will hear about careers in the aviation industry from a variety of speakers and will tour companies involved in the industry.
Seiler says one focus of the camp is to increase awareness
of aviation careers among groups of
people who are not currently well represented in the industry.
Those include women and minorities. The entire camp, however,
is open to all students who can bring diversity to the field
of aviation.
There is no charge to attend the camp since all three organizations are underwriting the cost.
However, only a limited number of spots at the camp are available and those interested must apply promptly to be considered for acceptance to the camp. The families of those who are selected for the camp will be asked to provide transportation to and from camp at the beginning and end of each day.
Students may obtain camp applications or more information by calling Leeanna Tolles of the College of Aviation at (269) 964-9042 or Paula Young of Battle Creek Unlimited at (269) 968-1515.
Media contact: Cheryl Roland; (269) 387-8412, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu