Events Will Promote And Celebrate The State's Aviation Industry

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley (pictured) proclaimed August 19 – August 23, 2013 as South Carolina Aviation Week. The South Carolina Aeronautics Commission (SCAC) has partnered with the South Carolina Aviation Association (SCAA) to develop a week that promotes, educates and celebrates the aviation industry in South Carolina.

“South Carolina’s airport system plays a vital role in the state’s transportation network and economy,” said SCAC’s Executive Director, Paul Werts. “Not only does Aeronautics support the development and maintenance of our local airports, but we try to promote and foster aviation education and connections to the workforce through economic development.”  Overseeing the safety and development of the state’s public use airports and providing safe and reliable air transportation for state government and business prospects are also important parts of the Aeronautics mission. This National Aviation Week is designed to increase public awareness, knowledge and appreciation of aviation in four areas:  Airports, Aviation Safety, Aviation Military and the Aerospace Industry.”

In 2012, over 3.6 million people boarded commercial flights in South Carolina. In addition, more than 102 million pounds of cargo was transported by air last year. South Carolina’s aviation system includes 60 public use aviation facilities, six of which are commercial service airports.

“Safety is always a priority,” added Werts, “but we need to introduce students to the possibilities of being involved in aviation, and we need to connect these students to the workforce in South Carolina. Introducing students to aviation is one of the focuses for SCAC and for the past two summers, we have sponsored a week long Aviation Science Summer Camp attended by 50 outstanding high school students from across South Carolina. This camp has been highly successful and we look forward to continuing this endeavor. In addition, SCAC has been working closely with the Richland One School District/Challenger Leaning District to encourage expansion of their programs to students interested in aerospace and aviation careers.”

In addition the Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, August 23rd. This is one of the efforts sponsored by the SCAA to fund scholarships for students interested in the fields of aviation and aerospace. We need your sponsorship and/or participation in this event so please consider providing your support.

Aviation Week activities include a Media Day, and Industry Appreciation Day, Safety Day, and a Scholarship Golf tournament. Resource packets have been provided to all of the public use airports, flights will take place to fly-a-reporter, airport open houses are scheduled, the South Carolina Aviation Safety Council and the South Carolina Aviation Safety Round Table will be having meetings to discuss airport, pilot, mechanic, and industry related safety and operational topics. An Industry Appreciation Dinner will be taking place to provide recognition for the industries that provide aviation/aerospace related jobs to South Carolinians, and the Scholarship Golf Tournament will assist those that have aviation dreams become realities.

FMI: www.scaaonline.com/south-carolina-aviation-week/