Organization of Black Airline Pilots

2007 Louisville Advanced ACE Camp

Background

The OBAP/Shawnee Advanced Aviation Camp was held in Louisville, Kentucky from July 23-26, 2007. Following our extensive camp promotion/advertising via local newspapers and businesses, Jefferson County Public Schools System and local church announcements, we selected 17 high school students to participate in our 1st Advanced ACE camp. These students (9th-12th graders) each indicated their aspirations for learning more about becoming a pilot. Our goal was to provide more in-depth information about the aviation industry from careers to educational requirements. We were fortunate to have numerous staff members (pilots (13), nurses, educators, lawyers, military personnel, and business professionals) participate throughout the week, which reinforced the importance of hard work and determination.

Our partnership with Shawnee High School introduces the parents/students to the Magnet Career Program, which includes a maintenance and aviation curriculum. This 4-year high school program is an ideal fit for students, who seek a career in the aviation industry and allows them to earn their Private Pilot’s license or credits towards their A&P certification.

Activities

Our activities for the week consisted of simulator (non-motion) ride provided by Aero-Tech, tours of the Chautauqua Airlines Maintenance Facility and the United Parcel Service Maintenance Facility, tour of FAA Control Tower, a single engine aircraft orientation flight with the Bowman Eagles and 2-3 instructional flights from Hap’s Aerial Enterprises. We concluded the week with an awards ceremony for our students/parents recognizing them for their efforts throughout the week.

We received several career briefings provided by industry mechanics, air traffic control personnel, meteorologists and logisticians.

Sponsorship

We used a portion of the funds we received from several companies/organizations and student fees for aircraft rental and flight instruction from Hap’s Aerial Enterprises. This was the lone expense for this camp. Additionally, YUM! Brands donated our lunch meals each day.

Lessons Learned

Following our 1st advanced camp in Louisville, we will build on the momentum for subsequent years. After reviewing student critiques and our observations, we will formulate a plan to modify (if necessary) upcoming camps. Overall, this camp afforded our interested area students an opportunity to learn more about the aviation industry and get hands-on flying opportunities during the week. We look forward to offering this advanced camp next year.

Raymond Robinson, Camp Director
Louisville Advanced ACE Camp
(OBAP/Shawnee Advanced Aviation Camp)