What is ACE Camp? CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE AND TAKE A PEEK!
ACE Academy (aka ACE Camp) is a unique educational, hands-on, nation-wide program co-sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration with outstanding support from the U.S. Military, State and local aviation businesses, general aviation, corporate aviation, seaplane pilot groups and hundreds of volunteers. These camps are designed for middle and high school students who have a strong desire to learn about aviation and explore possible aeronautical careers.
There are two camps held each summer in Maine: The Portland ACE Academy is a junior day camp for students ages 12-16, and is sponsored by the Portland International Jetport and the Boy Scouts of America's Pine Tree Council. For more information on that camp, click the link above that says" day camp".
The Bangor ACE Academy is a senior overnight camp for students ages 13-17 and is sponsored by the Western Maine Flyers Association / EAA Chapter 1520 and the Maine Air National Guard. For more information on that camp, click the link above that says "overnight camp".
Bangor's overnight camp dates are July 15-21, 2012.
Portland's day camp dates are July 23-27, 2012.
The following is a short summary of activities students will participate in during ACE Camp week:
* Classroom lessons on Camp Safety, Aviation History, Theory of Flight, Basic Aerodynamics, and Introduction to Aircraft.
* Tours of local airports, FAA air traffic control facilities, aviation museums, aircraft repair businesses, aerial photography operations,
NASA Challenger Learning Center, Air and Army National Guard bases, and more!
* Security permitting, fly on a KC-135 refueling mission and on a UH60 Blackhawk helicopter low level training mission! (Bangor camp)
* Experience flight through various aircraft: 1946 Swift, C152, C172, J3, RV-8, and a BE-58!
* Learn first-hand about seaplane operations including wind effects, float construction, flight safety requirements, and pilot license
requirements. Experience flight (weather permitting) in various seaplane aircraft!
* Create, build and launch model rockets!
* Learn teamwork and leadership skills through group sessions and role playing scenarios.
* Meet and speak with expert commercial aviation pilots, military KC-135 and UH60/OH58 pilots and crew members, FAA air traffic
controllers and maintenance technicians, and possible celebrity pilots! (last year Jimmy Buffett spoke to the students in Bar Harbor!)
* Receive critical drug and alcohol abuse information and the negative effects any offense can have on future employment
opportunities and FAA medical exams. Drugs/alcohol and aviation don't mix.
* Have FUN with other students hiking, swimming, volleyball, soccer, and many other recreational activities!
* Most importantly, students learn NOW what they will need in future for educational courses, and career planning.