Program Educates Youth About Aviation

Gulfstream Aerospace, in conjunction with the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, recently hosted a "Look Up!" event in Savannah. "Look Up!" encourages elementary, middle and high school students to explore careers in aviation.

The program features a Cirrus SR22 aircraft flown by Katie Pribyl, GAMA's communications director. Pribyl and Gulfstream employees talked to approximately 30 local students about the many career opportunities available in aviation. The students then climbed into the Cirrus cockpit and explored the controls and avionics.

Three students, selected from the Gulfstream youth apprentice program, also received 30-minute flights in the SR22.

"This is a great way to get students excited about aviation," Pribyl said. "A shortage of trained technical graduates is affecting every sector of the aerospace industry. Our mission is a nationwide campaign to encourage kids of all ages to explore careers in this great industry." "We know the challenges aerospace companies face in terms of recruiting," said Jennifer Giffen Vadersen, vice president, human resources, Gulfstream.

"Because of that, we wholly support the mission of 'Look Up!' to generate enthusiasm for and interest in aviation and the career opportunities it offers."

FMI: www.gulfstream.com, www.gama.aero