EAA Chapter 1088 Volunteers Visit Local Aviation Students

EAAby EAA

In Chapters, Youth Outreach.

EAA Chapter 1088 Volunteers Visit Local Aviation Students

By Judie Mooney, Chapter 1088 Media Coordinator

On March 26, the Fredericksburg High School aviation program’s students and teacher Kade Jenschke toured multiple aviation services based at the Gillespie County Airport in Texas. 

Bill Lucy, EAA Chapter 1088’s vice president, invited the students, and with the coordination from Gwen Fullbrook, owner and operator of Crosswind Aviation, the students were able to learn about the many careers in aviation and see an array of aircraft.

The students visited TacAero Tailwheel Academy, which offers specialty flight training. They train pilots in a variety of aircraft including CubCrafters, GameBird, vintage aircraft, and floatplanes, and they train pilots for backcountry flying.

EAA Chapter 1088 Vice President Bill Lucy takes the students through the TacAero hangar, discussing the different aircraft, including a vintage red 1943 Waco and a yellow Carbon Cub. Both made a big impression.

Ethan Crane, owner and operator of the Fredericksburg FBO, not only showed off airplanes that are based in the FBO’s hangars, but also shared the many careers associated with an FBO. Previously, Ethan was a corporate pilot and was able to give them insight into that career. 

Ethan Crane, owner and operator of Fredericksburg FBO, going over flight controls with the students.
Fredericksburg High School aviation students were given an opportunity to ask Ethan Crane questions about the Citation X jet.

Then they were able to get up close to an AT-802 SEAT (Single Engine Air Tanker) at Texas A&M (TAMU) Forest Service. The aircraft belongs to private vendors Coastal Airstrike and Western Pilot and are contracted through the federal government to be available to fight fires two weeks at a time. TAMU Forest Service will base the aircraft at the Gillespie County Airport during potential fires. “When there is some down time, pilots and staff happily show off the aircraft,” said TAMU Forest Service’s Dayziah Petruska, public relations.

Coastal Air Strike Pilot Steve Lakey invited students to take a close-up look into the cockpit of an AT-802 single engine air tanker.

Gwen Fullbrook said, “It was so exciting to have our two high school aviation classes out to the airport for a mini airport day. Being able to show them in person all the airport operations in action brings to life the career opportunities as well as a lifelong adventure in aviation.”

Student Jett Barnett is actively working on his private pilot certificate. He recently finished his solo towered landing.

Jett Barnett, Fredericksburg High School aviation program student, is actively pursuing a private pilot certificate. He has just finished his solo towered landings.

At the end of the tour, Bill Lucy asked which aircraft was their favorite. “They thought and then each one had a different answer, including the vintage Waco! A very fun time,” Bill said.

There are still more businesses and careers for the students to explore, and another day will be planned soon.

For more information regarding EAA Chapter 1088, contact 1088eaa@gmail.com.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *