Students Complete Week Long Aviation Academy at Van Nuys Airport

Twenty middle school and eighteen high school students participated in the annual Aviation Careers Education (ACE) Academy hosted by Van Nuys Airport (VNY).

“This program gave middle school and high school students a weeklong, in-depth look into the world of aviation; including career options and daily operations,” said Diana Sanchez, Van Nuys Airport’s Public and Community Relations Director.

Students were given an inside look at VNY’s rich history and daily procedures of aviation professions, including airport operations, air traffic control and LA Fire Department. The students learned about the industry and career opportunities by visiting local aviation businesses, landmarks and museums. The students were selected based on their level of interest in aviation. They met experienced individuals in the field, including airline pilots, mechanics, and other aviation professionals.

The students expressed their appreciation for this information-packed program; designed to expose them to the numerous career options available in aviation.

“This program is amazing and I’m so grateful for it and my parents’ support in my (future) career,” said Alexis Gonzales, a student from La Reina High School.

James Kang, a student at Village Christian School, added “This was an opportunity to make connections and learn how to become a pilot and more on other aviation careers.”

 

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.