Over 300 Students, Parents Attend 2nd Annual Gathering At FDK

More than 300 students, faculty, parents, and guests from schools in Maryland, neighboring states, and the District of Columbia attended the 2nd annual Aviation Education Expo at the Frederick Municipal Airport in Frederick, MD on October 16.

"We are pleased with the large number of students who attended the event," said Tim Shively, general manager of Frederick’s Encore FBO.  "Aviation is an industry that offers many career opportunities and it was a pleasure to host this expo to show young people the variety that aviation has to offer."  Shively opened the ceremonies by welcoming the attendees and encouraging the students to consider a future in aviation.

The event was sponsored by Encore FBO, Avemco Insurance Company, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).

Encore’s corporate hangar was the location of the expo. The FBO had its Hawker 800XP executive jet, used for private charter, on display. In addition, all of Encore’s departments were represented: Charter, Customer Service, Line Service, Aircraft Sales, Maintenance, Parts, and Avionics.

The students were able to explore the insides of a military C-130 transport plane, a Blackhawk helicopter, and Cirrus and Columbia general aviation aircraft. In addition, AOPA had flight simulators set up so students could have the experience of flying an airplane. Industry representatives were also on-site to discuss general aviation and the career opportunities that are available, which reach far beyond being a pilot.

"It was a pleasure to be involved with this event to show local students what aviation has to offer," said Phil Boyer, president of AOPA. "The attendees enjoyed the flight simulators as a chance to get a feel for what it’s like to fly."

General aviation engine manufacturer Lycoming displayed an engine, while mechanics were on hand to discuss careers in aircraft maintenance.

A variety of speakers highlighted the event. Cpl. Timothy Siebold of the Maryland State Police Trooper 3 Medevac Unit brought law enforcement to life for the students with a live demonstration featuring his K9 partner, a black lab named Max (above); Jamail Larkins, 23-year-old aerobatic pilot and FAA Safety Ambassador, told students about the amazing opportunities that learning to fly has brought to his life beyond aviation; and Paco Chierici, airline pilot and producer of the documentary "Speed and Angels," showed clips from his soon-to-be-released film that highlights the fast-paced world of military aviation.

FMI: www.aopa.org, www.encorefbo.com, www.avemco.com