6th Annual Aviation Academy | Read Caption
Youth throughout north central Florida had the opportunity to learn about the aviation field through various technologies and aircraft during the 100 Black Men of Greater Florida GNV's 6th annual aviation academy.
The two-day event launched at Kika Silva Pla Planetarium at Santa Fe College on Friday at 3000 NW 83rd St.
The final event was held on Saturday at the University Air Center at 4701 NE 40th Ter where guests and registrants participated in tours and practiced on drone assimilators.
Ray McKnight, president and chairman of the local chapter of 100 Black Men of Greater Florida GNV, said what makes this year's academy different from the rest is having organizers who
specialize in private, commercial, military and drone piloting.
"This is a good program to give kids an opportunity to learn more about the aviation field," McKnight said. "Kids get to learn how certain agencies use aviation to help in search and rescue efforts. We have a great supporting cast and everyone has been working very hard to make this successful."
Capt. David Bridges, chair of the Aviation Academy for 100 Black Men of Greater Florida GNV, was one of the three pilots who flew kids in the aircraft during the program.
He said he appreciates this event every year because it guides parents and their children to fly an aircraft, drones, learn about aerodynamics, flight patterns and aviation careers.
"We have a great day to fly," Bridges said. "This shows them something different than their 5-mile radius that they're used to seeing. Flying with the new ones is what I enjoy the most. Once the aircraft gets off the tarmac, they get really excited and I am able to watch their fear turn into excitement."
Attendees were able to tour a Navy plane, Alachua County Sheriff's Office helicopter and the Gainesville Fire Rescue airport service truck.
Gainesville High School student Simon Seavers said he is eager to enter his senior year thanks to the aviation academy he attended this weekend.
"I was able to learn about the science behind aviation and it has been a cool experience especially for a young man like me," Seavers said.
He said the academy opened his mind to new opportunities he can pursue after he graduates from high school.
"The different activities opened my mind to what I can study in college," Seavers said. "I was able to learn different skills, techniques and the payroll each job consists of."
Ashley Nelson, a parent of a 13-year-old son, shared how helpful this academy was when it came to exposing him to the possibilities in aviation.
"This was my first time here and it is a great experience for your children to learn about aviation," Nelson said. "They need that exposure. They don't know what they can do until they see it."
Angela Blake is the mother to Braylon Goff, 13, and she was excited to see him board the aircraft to fly around the city and learn about the different technologies in aviation.
"We were astounded at the opportunity," Blake said. "This level of exposure is needed in our communities. They have the opportunity to fly and to tour a Navy plane. These are opportunities they normally wouldn't get. Exposure is the name of the game."
The 6th Annual Aviation Academy, organized by the 100 Black Men of Greater Florida GNV, serves as an essential program to inspire and educate young individuals about the aviation industry. Participants had the unique opportunity to experience flight firsthand, learn about aerodynamics, and engage with aviation technology. The event featured tours of various aircraft, including a Navy plane and a sheriff's helicopter, providing attendees with insight into different aviation fields such as private, commercial, and military piloting. In addition to hands-on experience, attendees engaged in discussions about aviation careers and the skills needed to succeed in this dynamic field. Many students, like Gainesville High School's Simon Seavers, reported an awakening of their educational aspirations, with newfound excitement for what they might study in college. Parents, such as Ashley Nelson and Angela Blake, highlighted the importance of exposing youth to aviation careers, stating such programs open doors to opportunities that may otherwise go unnoticed. The enthusiastic feedback from students and parents alike reflects the significance of such academies in promoting STEM education and encouraging diversity within aviation. As these young aviators look to the skies, events like the Aviation Academy are crucial for fostering the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals.
