Aviation career exploration program honors top students
Six local high school students were recently honored with Career Achievement Awards at the Aviation Explorer Post’s annual banquet held at The Ohio State University Airport.
Recipients of this year’s Career Achievement Awards are Andrew Gabalski, Carlos Muller, Iman Qamar, Louisa Beckwith, Ryan Watson and Carl Bloecher.
The Ohio State University's award-winning Aviation Explorer Post program helps youth gain insight into a variety of programs that offer hands-on career activities. It exposes young men and women ages 14 to 20 to flying and offers aviation experiences as a possible career or simply for recreational enjoyment.
Students tour aviation facilities, learn subjects required for a private pilot license, get acquainted with aircraft maintenance, participate in orientation flights, and enjoy opportunities to interact with aviation professionals.
“The Aviation Explorer Post is an excellent opportunity for high school students to determine if aviation is a potential career choice they wish to pursue. Over the years, we’ve had very dedicated students in the post, several of which have gone on to various collegiate aviation programs,” said Airport Director and Post Advisor Doug Hammon. “This year’s award winners have shown the dedication and determination that will help them succeed in college and beyond.”
In order to gain the career achievement award, students must have completed 50 hours of community service, displayed knowledge in several areas related to aviation, and completed a series of tasks, such as recruiting speakers and assisting in the reassembly of plane equipment.
In the coming years, the university hopes to increase the number of students in the explorers program, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds that traditionally have not had access to aviation. If you are a student interested in joining the post, an aviation business willing to host a visit, or someone interested in giving to the post, please contact Post Coordinator Jonathan Denison at 614-292-7509.
Located on West Case Road in northwest Columbus, The Ohio State University Airport opened in 1943 as a flight training facility for military and civilian pilots. Categorized by the FAA as a “National Priority General Aviation Airport with Reliever Status,” it now operates as a self-supporting entity of The Ohio State University through the College of Engineering.
