The Idaho Division of Aeronautics held their annual ACE (Aviation Career Education) Academy June 26-28, presenting aviation career options to 32 Idaho high schoolers from around the state.
“After months of planning and coordinating, the ACE Academy was a great success!” said coordinator Shelly Towner. “The teamwork was one of the best I have experienced – it all worked like a well-oiled machine.” 
Participants were able to visit the Boise Air Traffic Control Tower, utilize Mission Aviation Fellowship’s flight simulator, and tour the Boise Airport where the biggest draw was seeing the bomb-detecting dog in action. Students toured the TSA baggage area, and viewed the ongoing expansion project from the top of the parking garage.
Students also visited the Idaho National Guard to learn about aviation career fields in Rotary Wing and Fixed Wing aircraft. They visited Skywest to explore airline careers, and Western Aircraft to explore turbo-prop and business jet aviation. The National Weather Service covered aviation weather services, and at the National Interagency Fire Center the kids saw how smokejumpers, drones and aircraft are used to fight fires. The Idaho 99s taught a mini-ground school, T-Craft Aero Club discussed opportunities to train in a flying club, and our 12 volunteer pilots took the kids flying.
Many participants were enthusiastic in their review of the 2024 ACE Academy:
- “This camp was so awesome! I loved every minute of it and I really wish I could do it again next year. I want to be a pilot and I learned so much. Thank you!” – Mason
- “I am grateful I was selected for this unique, exciting, and fun opportunity. – Nick
- “Thank you so much for the opportunity!” – Anon
- “Thank you so much for putting ACE together! I had a great time and learned a lot.” – Anon
- “All of the instructors were so good, and they really made us feel like it was something amazing to be a part of and the way they were so passionate about it really inspired me!” – Anon