Looking for a Summer Adventure?

July 13, 2012

Again this summer the AMT team will be attending EAA’s annual AirVenture to see what’s new in general aviation and of course enjoy the air show. If you’re looking for a great aviation event to take your children and family to, AirVenture is it.

KidVenture, located at Pioneer Airport and supported by United Technologies, is held Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It allows young people to explore aviation from several different fronts. They receive loggable flight instruction on a simulator, earn FAA credit toward an A&P certificate through hands-on building projects, learn how to fly a radio-controlled airplane, modify a wing on a computer then find out how well it flies, and even see what it's like to land on Mars.

While you’re at Pioneer Airport, spend some time walking through the many period hangars located there housing close to 50 vintage airplanes. After Pioneer Airport and KidVenture you might as well go over to the EAA Museum which houses more than 200 aircraft, with free admission to AirVenture attendees.

Recognition, career advancement, and history

The General Aviation Awards program and the FAA will recognize a small group of aviation professionals in the fields of flight instruction, aviation maintenance, avionics, and safety for their contributions to aviation, education, and flight safety. The FAA Administrator will present the national GA Awards during a "Theater in the Woods" program.   

The Helicopter Association International will be holding a couple of sessions on the helicopter industry and the opportunities it offers. Another interesting session will feature 21st century aviation maintenance training and what it takes to get ahead.

If your interests are vintage aircraft there will be a large gathering of Piper Cubs in the Vintage Area celebrating their 75th anniversary. On the south end of the AirVenture grounds the Ultralight Area will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of FAR Part 103.

Workshops

This year AirVenture has many hands-on workshops and training sessions to participate in, here are some events you should checkout: Daily sessions will be held on composites, sheet metal, fabric covering, TIG welding and gas welding. At the Vintage Hangar and AeroPlane Factory you can witness restoration practices and metal forming demonstrations. If engines are your interest, you can learn about new or old engines at AirVenture. Sessions include the PT6A turboprop, Corvair aero-engines, Franklin engines, as well as the more common Lycoming and Continental engines found on so many GA aircraft.

If you can’t make it to Wisconsin for AirVenture be sure to check for air shows in your community; you never know there may be a great opportunity at your local airport!

Until next time we’ll see you online: AviationPROS.com 

Thanks for reading!

Jon Jezo