Australia’s premier aviation event is coming to Parkes for the first time and is set to light up the skies from 20th to 22nd September. This year’s AirVenture Australia event sees the addition of a comprehensive youth aviation engagement program, the first of its kind in regional Australia. For the first time in Australia a group of 25 school students across the Central West and Australia, including ten from Parkes, will build a BushCat aircraft from a kit as a team.
Remarkably, the aircraft will be built within seven days and take its maiden flight in the event’s airshow on Sunday, 22nd September. “Numerous high quality applications have been received,” said AirVenture Australia’s Director David Young. “We had a tough time selecting the successful applicants.
It’s really overwhelming to see so much interest in the work experience program from future aviation professionals.”
The event will also feature a separate, but extensive day long aviation careers and STEM engagement program. The program includes six, hour long programs with students selecting four to complete. With activities ranging from airfoil construction and software coding to aerodynamics, students will benefit from a broad exposure to industry occupations and concepts.
The program will have access to a full motion flight simulator to give aspiring pilots the opportunity to experience simulated flight with a flight instructor guiding them.
“We expect that in excess of 150 year 8 to 12 students from Central West NSW will attend and participate,” said David.
For more information on all the events at AirVenture Australia, including the high energy air show on 22nd September, visit www.airventureaustralia.com.au