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Aviation offers two summer flight camps for teens

May 12, 2004

KALAMAZOO--A May 24 application deadline has been set for two high school aviation camps that will be held at Western Michigan University's College of Aviation this summer to encourage teens from a variety of backgrounds to consider careers in the aviation industry.

WMU, in conjunction with the Organization of Black Airline Pilots, will act as host to two sessions of a Summer Flight Academy. Those attending both sessions will use the college's state-of-the-art aviation education facilities at Battle Creek's W.K. Kellogg Airport.

The junior day camp for Battle Creek and Kalamazoo-area students in grades 9 and 10 is set for June 15-18.

A senior residential camp, open to all students in grades 11 and 12, will be held June 20-25.

According to Tony Dennis, director of student services for the aviation college, students will fly both simulators and actual aircraft and they will attend lectures on aerodynamics, the parts of an airplane, flight maneuvers and aviation regulations. They also will hear about careers in the aviation industry from a variety of speakers and will tour companies involved in the industry.

Dennis says one focus of the camp is to increase awareness of aviation careers among groups of people who are not currently well represented in the industry. Those include women and minorities. The entire camp, however, is open to all students.

There is no charge to attend the camp since the sponsoring organizations are underwriting the cost with the help of grant funding.

However, only a limited number of spots at the camp are available and those interested must apply promptly to be considered for acceptance to the camp. Those selected for the academy will be notified by May 28. The families of those selected for the day camp will be asked to provide transportation to and from camp at the beginning and end of each day.

Students may obtain camp applications or more information by calling the College of Aviation at (269) 964-6375 or by sending e-mail to <tony.dennis@wmich.edu>. A downloadable application can be found online.

Media contact: Cheryl Roland, 269 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu

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