Henrico Times

Department of Aviation issued the following announcement on Dec. 7

The ICON A5 Introduction to Flight Program, which is a new and free aviation education program offered by the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV), traveled to Deep Run High School in Glen Allen, VA to teach high school students about aviation.

Three groups of students, including two grade levels of Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) cadets attended the ICON A5 presentation outside the school Tuesday, December 7. The program was a great experience for many students who are interested in pursuing aviation careers to learn about the many opportunities available and how to get on the right path.

“I like giving the kids any chance to get involved with aviation,” JROTC Major Patrick Scholle said. “Having this opportunity to come out and let them have a hands on experience with the aircraft is really cool. I think they were excited to be able to crawl in the aircraft, see the instruments and see some of the things we have been talking about in class. A lot of the kids come into JROTC with the idea that they are interested in aviation, so taking the classroom outside to a hands on lab is really beneficial.”

Communications and Education Division Director John Campbell drove the transit van that is connected to the ICON A5 trailer and setup the display outside the school. PR and Education Coordinator Kim Wells led the presentation and explained the flight controls while each student was seated in the aircraft. Wells discussed how airplanes fly and answered questions from the teachers and students.

PR and Education Manager Betty Wilson and PR and Education Specialist David Halstead talked with the students following their time in the ICON A5 about what they learned and the many careers available in aviation. All students received scholarship applications, aviation art contest information and other educational materials.

The ICON A5 is an amphibious light sport aircraft that the DOAV PR and Education Team take across the Commonwealth of Virginia to educate youth about aviation. For more information on how to get this free program to your school or local airport, email Kim Wells or Betty Wilson.

Original source can be found here.