New Air Academy Exhibit Opens in EAA Aviation Museum

July 5, 2018 - EAA is celebrating 35 years of introducing youth to the world of aviation through the EAA Air Academy with a unique exhibit in the EAA Aviation Museum focused on the history of and graduates from the Air Academy.

“The 35th anniversary display for the EAA Air Academy is a visual montage of the history of the EAA Air Academy Camp program,” EAA Air Academy camp director Scott Cameron said. “The display showcases how young people have made an impact on various aspects of the aviation world.”

The exhibit, located in the Gorman Art Gallery, which previously held the Young Eagles 25th anniversary exhibit, will feature stories of graduates from the Air Academy and where they are now. Air Academy graduates have gone into the military, started careers as air traffic controllers and dispatchers, become general aviation pilots, flown EAA Young Eagles, and embarked on a whole host of other paths.

“The purpose of the exhibit is to not only celebrate 35 wonderful years, but also to give the visitor a peek inside the heart of the Air Academy in the various photo collages,” EAA museum director Bob Campbell said. “Summer aviation camp is where friendships are made, memories are forever etched in our hearts and minds, and the spark of aviation is fueled and ignited.”

In addition, the exhibit will also highlight what the Air Academy features during its weeklong camps, including mechanical skills and teambuilding, and communication skills essential to aviation.

The EAA Air Academy is a youth program created in 1984 by then-Executive Director of Resident Education Chuck Larson as a way to reach to young people interested in aviation. The Air Academy allows youths to participate in an unmatched aviation experience through hands-on demonstrations, flight simulations, and other exciting activities.

 “The Air Academy has turned out many of these aviation enthusiasts who have gone on to live out their lifetime dream to fly and be a part of the aviation community,” Campbell said. “Because of the Air Academy, EAA continues to grow participation in aviation, and will continue to do so for many years to come.”