YOUNG PEOPLE, FAMILIES CAN EXPLORE FLIGHT THROUGH 2003 EAA AIR ACADEMY RESIDENCE SESSIONS

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (Feb. 12, 2003) - Both young people and families can explore the fascinating world of flight as the nation’s longest-running aviation camp, the EAA Air Academy, presents a complete schedule of residence programs during summer 2003. 

This year’s program schedule will begin on June 21 and end on Sept. 1.  The individual camps range from three to nine days in length and are designed for youth ages 12-18 and adults.

Five distinct programs are offered at the EAA Air Academy.  Three are designed specifically for young people: The Primary Aviation Fun Camp for 12- and 13-year-olds; Intermediate Aviation Experience Camp for those 14 and 15 years old; and the Advanced Aviation Leadership Camp for ages 16-18.  In addition, a Family Fun Flight Camp is scheduled for July 3-6 and a First Flight Camp for youth and adults will have two sessions in August.  All sessions are based at the EAA Aviation Center and the new Air Academy Lodge in Oshkosh.

“Since 1984, the EAA Air Academy has hosted thousands of young people from around the world, launching them on their own voyages of self-discovery and aviation adventure,” said Chuck Larsen, Executive Director of Residence Education for the EAA Aviation Foundation.  “Each participant will learn that the sky is not the limit - it’s a beginning for aviation fun, adventure, friendship and knowledge.”

The EAA Air Academy programs, which are accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA), are staffed with instructors with more than 180 years of experience at the Air Academy and more than 225 combined years of teaching and counseling background.  The Air Academy’s mission is to provide a fun aviation learning experience and develop bonds with other young aviation enthusiasts.

This year’s Air Academy programs specifically for youth include:

• Primary Aviation Fun Camp (June 21-25 or June 27-July 1).  Designed for ages 12-13, this introduction to the world of aviation is fast-paced with plenty of hands-on activities.  It also includes ample recreation time, including the Air Academy Lodge Challenge Course.
   
• Intermediate Aviation Experience Camp (July 8-13 or July 15-20).  These sessions for 14- and 15-year-olds include workshop activities and “in the air” experiences.  Science and technology come together to expand a young person’s horizons and raise new possibilities for their future.
   
• Advanced Aviation Leadership Camp (July 22-31 or August 2-11).  The original Air Academy program for young people ages 16-18, these sessions provide a first-hand experience in recreational aviation on the ground and in the air, designed to enhance the participant’s leadership skills as well as their love of flight.  Includes participation at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

In addition, adults and families can enjoy two additional offerings:

• First Flights Camp (August 6-14 or August 17-25).  Designed for ages 15-18 as well as adults, the camp focuses on successfully completing Private Pilot ground school, as well as up to eight hours of dual flight training.
   
• Family Fun Flight Camp (July 3-6).  An introduction to the world of aviation, this family-oriented hands-on program presents the basics of flight and aeronautic concepts in a “science camp” format that is a unique combination of fun and discovery for aviation enthusiasts of all ages.  A wide variety of activities are offered to suit the interests of the whole family over the Fourth of July holiday.

For more information on any of the EAA Air Academy sessions, including a registration brochure, contact:

EAA Education Office
airacademy@eaa.org
EAA Aviation Foundation
P.O. Box 3065
Oshkosh, WI 54903-3065
920-426-6815 or 1.888.EAA.EAA9 (1-888-322-3229)
Web site: http://www.eaa.org/education/youth_programs.html

The EAA Aviation Foundation was founded in 1962 and is dedicated to aviation education, preservation and research.  Its headquarters are at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh, Wis.