LAKEPORT— Over 40 people ages 10 and up attended the Clear Lake Aviation Gathering at the Lampson Airport in Lakeport Saturday. Several guest speakers presented on an array of aviation aspects including flying clubs, safety protocols for sea planes and a detailed discussion from Dr. Stephen Bateman, Director of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Flying Clubs Initiative highlighting their “You Can Fly” high school curriculum program.
A large portion of the conference was spent discussing the involvement of today’s youth in aviation, opening pathways to an entire industry of increasing employment opportunities. Bateman noted data from Boeing’s 2022 Pilot and Technician Outlook which projects that over two million new positions are needed to fly and maintain the global industry over the next 20 years.
The AOPA Foundation High School Aviation Initiative is a free four year, six course, two-pathway (pilot and unmanned aircraft (or aerial) system pilot) High School Aviation STEM Curriculum available to high schools across the United States.
This program fully prepares for the Federal Aviation Administration testing. According to Bateman, the curriculum is currently being taught in over 400 high schools with over 15,000 students nationwide. Bateman summarized the program stating, “This is an all out, four year, detailed STEM curriculum to solve the problem of an aviation workforce shortage and get people rewarding careers as well.” The program is available to all educational institutions including home school co-operatives and charter schools and provides for professional staff development, with the only requirement being a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) certified teacher administers the curriculum.
Bateman also reviewed a multitude of scholarship funding opportunities that are available for students and educators totaling over 1.3 million dollars from the AOPA sharing “The purpose of the foundation is to supply scholarships so there would be competitive funding for the people showing interest.” Last year the AOPA awarded 80 $10,000 scholarships to high school students and and 20 $10,000 scholarships to teachers. More information and a list of available scholarships is available on the AOPA website aopa.org.
Although flying clubs can not directly train or certify pilots, they can provide the exposure and mentorship that students need to build their interest in aviation. Herb Lingl, Education Director for the Clear Lake Flying Club, presented on prior and current club activities for youth within the flying club, including seminars and meetings to connect experienced pilots with younger people which provide free flights for those aged between 8 and 17 years old in conjunction with the Experimental Aircraft Association.
Lingl shared that he has been working towards his goal of getting the AOPA curriculum into Lake County schools since 2019 and mentioned that his main objective is “To promote aviation training in schools in Lake County by encouraging the adoption of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association STEM Aviation High School Curriculum.” Lingl had invited school administration and board members to attend the conference although none were able to. Bateman added, “There is an importance of investing in the future of aviation in this great country.”
Other speakers included Clark McAbee, curator of the museums of Lake County, speaking historically about Navy and Pan Am operations on Clear Lake. He also shared an informational video detailing the different aviation operations held on the lake. Paul Koscheka, FAA FAASTeam Program Manager at the Sacramento FSDO, presented about the FAA WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program and aviation safety encouraging pilots and mechanics for enrollment.
“Pilots never stop learning, and those who participate in regular proficiency training are competent, confident, and safe,” said Koscheka. There was also a panel of four sea plane pilots and aircraft business owners – Gordon Mills who owns Alpine Aviation, Terry Hayes who spoke about flying on different floats, Missy Lee who owns Alaska Floats and Skis in Talkeetna Alaska, and Jason Johansen, sea plane owner and operator. This panel discussed passenger briefings, which outline safety protocols specific to sea plan operation in anticipation of the upcoming “Splash In” sea plane event held annually in Lakeport, this year taking place from September 22-24. For more information on the Splash In event, flying clubs, or youth program visit clearlakeflyingclub.com.
