Students ages 10 to 17 can get a hands-on introduction to the world of flight during a two-day aviation camp on July 21-22 — the first time the Aviation Museum of Kentucky has brought its immersive summer experience to the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport.
The two-day aviation camp includes an hour to hour-and-a-half of flight time in a Cessna 172 aircraft, depending on weather conditions. Each participant will also engage in hands-on learning activities focused on aeronautics, navigation, and flight simulation, along with behind-the-scenes tours of the airport control tower and fire station.
“It’s really a great opportunity to introduce aviation careers and opportunities to young people,” said OWB Director Tristan Durbin. “They’ll get to explore simulators, interact with aviation professionals, and experience what it’s like to be in the air.”
The camp is limited to 36 participants and costs $299 per student. However, airport officials are working with community partners to remove financial barriers by offering scholarships.
“We’ve already secured a few scholarships and are actively trying to find more,” Durbin said. “We want to make it accessible to as many students as possible.”
The camp is hosted by the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, which is based in Lexington and brings its mobile camp setup to a limited number of communities each summer. The museum will provide eight to 10 flight simulators, including a custom-built model created by an OWB board member, to enhance the learning experience.
Students will rotate through various stations and fly in groups of three with a licensed pilot. Each student will get a chance to sit in the pilot’s seat during their time in the plane.
To register, families can visit the Aviation Museum of Kentucky’s website. Those interested in applying for scholarship assistance are encouraged to contact the airport at [email protected] or call the main office directly.
“We’re hoping this becomes an annual event,” Durbin said. “It’s something we’ve been working to bring to Owensboro for years, and we’re thrilled to finally make it happen.”
Anyone interested in sponsoring a student for the camp is also encouraged to reach out.
“Even one sponsorship can make a difference,” Durbin said.
