Photo above – Lone Star Flight Museum.
Each year throughout the country on August 19th, National Aviation Day provides a great opportunity for organizations to promote careers in aviation. That was certainly true for a number of organizations in Texas including the Lone Star Flight Museum.
“National Aviation Day is the best day of the year,” said Anna Hawley, president and chief executive officer of the Lone Star Flight Museum. “It is a day that is representative of both who the Museum is and also of our mission as an aviation museum and STEM-learning center. We believe aviation inspires achievement and endless possibilities.”
In full support of that thought is Darrin Brust, the Houston campus president of Universal Technical Institute. “We’ve supported various aviation events in Texas and are a sponsor of Girls in Aviation Day annually at the Lone Star Flight Museum.”
Brust said that UTI is committed to ensuring high school students learn about post-secondary trade school programs and careers, especially in areas like the aviation industry, where demand is strong. “Our FAA Part 147 approved aviation program(s) exemplify how we provide the hands-on education required to help prepare students for these rewarding career opportunities.”
Hawley says that aviation is the unique combination of science, history and American ingenuity, and the wonder of flight can be experienced by an observer, a rider, a pilot and so many others at LSFM. “From historic aircraft to supersonic jets, we hope National Aviation Day inspires the next generation of aviation trailblazers.”
Another aviation business embracing National Aviation Day is Tavaero Jet Charter, based in Houston at Hobby Airport, whose leaders and staff are thankful to aviation pioneers like the Wright Brothers who embraced the wonders of flight. “Our industry is constantly evolving, and the need to nurture and equip the aviation workforce of the future is constant. We routinely mentor women and men of all ages who are interested in pursuing career opportunities in all aspects of aviation and other STEM fields,” commented Marcela White, Tavaero Jet Charter co-owner. Tavaero is also a sponsor of Girls in Aviation Day held at the Lone Star Flight Museum in September.
Partnering with the Lone Star Flight Museum, the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council (GSSJC) launched a new Discover Aviation Patch program in the Spring of this year. “We have had such great feedback from Girl Scouts as they are introduced to the aviation industry,” said Heather Ganucheau, Marketing and Communications Director for the GSSJC.
“Watching Girl Scouts explore the world of aviation is truly inspiring,” said Shelly deZevallos, GSSJC Board Member and licensed pilot. “The Discover Aviation patch has the power to influence the career aspirations of young girls and pioneer a future where women’s contributions in aviation know no bounds.”
Mary Vitek, GSSJC CEO says that with only 7% of pilots nationwide being female, we recognized the importance of introducing young women to the boundless opportunities within the field of aviation. “Our collaboration with Lone Star Flight Museum is instrumental in igniting this passion and showcasing the many avenues available to these aspiring young women.”
The Discover Aviation patch program is not just about teaching girls the science of flight—it’s about inspiring the next generation of aviators and engineers. “By partnering with the Lone Star Flight Museum, we’re giving our Girl Scouts a front-row seat to the wonders of aviation, helping them view skies not as a limit but as a starting point,” said Ganucheau. “Houston’s rich aviation and aerospace history, coupled with resources like the Lone Star Flight Museum and NASA, provides a unique backdrop for this program. This initiative is opening doors for girls to explore careers in aviation and STEM, encouraging them to dream big and aim high,” continued Ganucheau. “Through the Discover Aviation patch program, we’re empowering girls to explore the aviation industry in a hands-on, engaging way. We’re proud to be at the forefront of nurturing their interest in STEM fields, especially in a city like Houston, where the possibilities in aviation and aerospace are truly limitless.”
