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Inspiring and Encouraging

the Next Generation of Aviators

by Chris Rozansky, Executive Director,
Naples Airport Authority

s children, many of us 1974, this accredited school has provided rigorous
pretended to be airplanes and relevant educational experiences that prepare
A or birds at some point, students with both the academic and technical
extending our arms to soar through skills necessary to succeed in their chosen careers.
our backyards or homes. The Previously, LWTC hosted an annual Fly-In Cruise
concept of flight is fascinating – looking down Event at Naples Airport to raise scholarship funds to benefit local
on the earth while freely soaring through the students in need.
sky, wind in our faces. Experimental Aircraft Association: The EAA’s Naples Chapter
Nearly all pilots say they knew at an early offers a Young Eagles program that provides youth ages 8 to 17 with
age that they’d pursue a career in aviation. an opportunity to go flying – for free – in a general aviation airplane
They caught the bug, so to speak. My story is no different, thanks through the generosity of EAA members and volunteers. Its monthly
to early exposure through the Civil Air Patrol at the age of 12, an Young Eagles Workshops allow students to explore and embrace
experience which sparked a lifelong love of aviation. aviation as a potential recreational or career path, covering topics like
Meanwhile, others found something else that sparked their ground school, building model airplanes, flying model airplanes and
interest – medicine, law, engineering, education, construction or more.
another field. Ray Foundation: This Naples-based foundation seeks to
The reason why many children and teens don’t develop a encourage the potential in youth by enabling them to develop life
fascination with flying is because they haven’t been exposed to skills, such as self-discipline, self-confidence and self-reliance. It
aviation. Unlike basketball, soccer or baseball, aviation isn’t a primarily supports education programs and organizations with a
field that lends itself to youth involvement. Naples Airport is focus on aviation and aerospace.
out to change that, offering a variety of programs and services to Outdoor experiences: Naples Airport’s Observation Deck near
introduce youth to aviation and potentially set ablaze that spark of the start of Runway 5 allows aviation enthusiasts of all ages to sit
interest. just off the airfield to watch departing and arriving jets, planes and
Below are just a few of the programs that Naples Airport helicopters. The covered pavilion even has a speaker piping in real-
supports: time chatter from the air traffic control tower. Just steps away from
Naples Civil Air Patrol (CAP): One of the Naples Airport’s that viewing spot is the Gordon River Greenway, a pristine 140-acre
longest tenants, this volunteer, nonprofit organization educates ecological corridor that runs across airport property and attracts
and serves the Collier County community. Launched in 1952, this aviation, environment and health enthusiasts.
civilian arm of the U.S. Air Force promotes aerospace education, The Naples Airport Authority and its tenants regularly host youth
performs emergency services, and operates a cadet training groups from schools, scouts, churches and other organizations, with a
program. The chapter also partners with Wreaths Across America goal of potentially inspiring the next pilot, flight attendant, mechanic,
to remember fallen U.S. veterans and honor those who serve. air traffic control or marshal to pursue a career in aviation.
Girls in Aviation Day: Through a collaboration with Girl As the industry continues to experience steadily increasing pilot
Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Naples Airport hosts Girls in and technician shortages, this mission becomes more important
Aviation Day to provide girls and young ladies with opportunities than ever. According to Boeing, which recently released its annual
to climb aboard vintage planes, learn aircraft marshalling signals 20-year forecast, commercial carriers will need substantial hiring and
and meet Collier County MedFlight pilots and EMTs. Girls even training to sustain the global commercial fleet. This includes a total
have a chance to speak with female pilots and sit in the cockpit of of 2.4 million new commercial pilots, technicians and cabin crew
their personal aircraft. through 2044 to meet the long-term increase in air travel. Of the
Southwest Florida CEO: A partnership with Southwest new personnel, two-thirds will address replacement due to attrition
Florida CEO, a dual-enrollment program through Florida Gulf while the remaining one-third supports growth in the commercial
Coast University, brings teens to Naples Airport for consecutive airline fleet.
days of meetings, information sessions and an airfield tour. To inspire that next generation of aviation professionals, it is vital
Students learn about the airport’s uses beyond private and that flight be made accessible and exciting for local youth. These
corporate aviation, including public service agencies like the hands-on programs, community partnerships and unique experiences
Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Collier County MedFlight, U.S. aim to help young people discover the excitement of aviation.
Customs and Border Protection, Collier Mosquito Control and
others. The program also covers Naples Airport Authority’s efforts Want to learn more about the Naples Airport?
to be a good neighbor and community partner, including multiple Check out our FAQ’s at www.flynaples.com/faq
noise mitigation efforts, event sponsorships and award-winning For a tour of the airport, or to arrange for a speaker at your group’s next
environmental sustainability programs. meeting,
Naples Airport Runway 5K & 10K: Each fall, Naples Airport call (239) 643-0733
hosts a unique event that allows participants to run past the For more information, visit the Naples Airport Authority’s website at
fuel farm and aircraft hangers before zigzagging around private www.flynaples.com
jets, small planes and emergency vehicles positioned around the Want to learn more about the NAA?
perimeter road, tarmac, taxiway and Runway 32. The event raises Visit the FAQ page of our website (flynaples.com/faq), or invite
money to provide scholarships for local runners and future aviators. a member of our team to speak with your group.
Lorenzo Walker Technical College (LWTC): Since opening
its doors as the Collier County Vocational Technical Center in

20 www.LifeInNaples.net