Falcon Aviation Academy, the metro area’s premier provider of professional pilot training programs, will be offering future aviators ages 14-18 the opportunity to get hands-on experience with both ground training and flight training in a series of summer flight programs at the school’s Falcon Field facilities in Peachtree City. The programs will help teens explore the world of aviation and encourage them to consider careers in the aviation industry.

Three programs will be offered: the Flight Adventure Camp for ages 14-18; the Top Gun Solo Program for ages 16-18; and the Pilot Certification Course for ages 17-18.

The week-long Flight Adventure Camp offers teens an introduction to the world of aviation and includes a sampling of aviation training. Presentations from various aviation career fields will be part of the camp. In addition to the presentations, participants will experience 15 hours of ground training and five hours of flight training and get a tour of the FAA’s air traffic control facility, which is located at Falcon Field, directly across from Falcon Aviation Academy’s classroom facilities. The camp meets Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 pm, June 5-9. Cost for the Flight Adventure Camp is $995 and includes lunch each day.

For prospective aviation professionals ready to take their first solo, the 10-day Top Gun Solo Program prepares teens to realize their dreams of solo flight. Guest presentations similar to those offered in the Flight Adventure Camp and a tour of the air traffic control facility will be a part of the Top Gun Solo Program as well; however, Top Gun Solo participants receive more in-depth ground training (25 hours) and flight training (15 hours) in anticipation of the first solo flight. Each participant will receive a certificate of completion and a $200 gift certificate redeemable at Falcon Aviation Academy toward completion of a pilot certification course. The program meets Monday through Fridays (no weekends) from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. June 12-23. Cost for the Top Gun Solo Program is $2,700 and includes lunch each day of the program.

The Pilot Certification Course takes the young aviator to the recreational pilot level. After completion of the practical test, students may rent an aircraft to fly solo around the Falcon Field area. Students receive 40 hours of ground training and 30 hours of flight training. Week one will be devoted to ground training, while the second and third weeks will be spent in flight training and week four will be concerned with preparation for the practical test and the practical test. A certificate of completion will provided, in addition to a $200 gift certificate toward completion of the Private Pilot Certification course. Cost for this four-week pilot certification course is $4,600. The course meets Monday through Friday (no weekends) from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., June 5-30, and lunch is provided each day.

The Top Gun Solo Program and the Pilot Certification Program require students to have an FAA Third Class Medical Certificate. Third Class Medical Certificates are required for anyone seeking a student pilotís license, and for flying solo. Parental permission is also required for students under age 18 participating in any of the three summer programs.

“Participating in one of these programs is a challenging and rewarding way to spend a summer,” said Dan Waters, president and CEO of Falcon Air, Inc., parent company of Falcon Aviation Academy, “and an opportunity to do some exciting things in a professionally supervised environment.”

Students interested in the summer programs should call Mike Nunemaker, chief flight instructor and director of operations and training, at 770-486-5561 for more information or to register.

It is estimated that at least 6,000 new pilots will be needed each year until at least 2012 to replace Baby Boomer-age pilots now retiring. Along with the many additional aviation-related occupations, aviation and aviation management continues to be a strong career field for todayís young adults. “Aviation is one of the most dynamic and resilient career fields,” Waters said.

Based at Peachtree City Airport-Falcon Field, Falcon Air, Inc., operates an air charter company, Falcon Air, LLC; a maintenance company, Peachtree Aviation Maintenance, LLC; and Falcon Aviation Academy, LLC, a professional flight training school that provides career pilot training and development. Falcon Aviation Academy is now developing 2-year and 4-year aviation studies programs.

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