If the U.S. aviation sector wants to continue its path of innovation, it needs to attract young people to the field. Without fresh minds, the industry may find itself in a drought of talent in coming years. Many people are concerned that young people today are too removed from aviation – that they don’t have any direct access to planes or contact with pilots. Most young people’s only experience with flight is a commercial airline trip every once in a while.
But there are certainly places where adolescents gain exposure to the field of aviation. One shining example is at a high school in League City, Texas. Students at Clear Spring High School have been working together to build an airplane from the ground up. They have deciphered complex instructions to construct a shiny, super-light aircraft.
On the other side of the country, a teenager in New Jersey completed his first solo flight on the same day he received his learner’s permit to drive a car. While most students his age are worrying about denting Mom’s SUV, Josh Eichel understands what it takes to take off and land an airplane without any one else on board.
Down under, Ryan Campbell is gearing up for the flight of his life. The young Australian pilot is planning to leave in July 2013 to fly around the world. This 25-stop, 15-country tour will make 19-year-old Campbell the youngest pilot to fly solo around the world.
Perhaps you have a youngster in your life who you think would be excited to get involved in aviation. Throughout the U.S., the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has volunteer pilots that take kids on flights. The Young Eagle program was started in 1992, and it encourages young people to learn how to fly an airplane. AOPA research discovered that participants in the Young Eagles program are more likely to become pilots. Find a participating pilot in your area.
Keep up the great work, kiddos!