McKay Marble, Grace Madison and John Gibson III attended Advance Air Academy 2018. Logan Burns was accepted to the academy but did not attend.
This website brought to you in part by the following sponsor:
John Gibson III and McKay Marble of Gallatin High School and Grace Madison of Chillicothe High School were recently chosen by Experimental Aircraft Association (EEA) Chapter 944 to be sent to the Advanced Air Academy in Oshkosh, WI, from July 17-25.
The camp combines “in-the-air” and “on-the-ground” hands-on activities. The camp also includes full participation (access to forums, flight line and all associated activities) in EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, WI, the world’s premier aviation event.
The EAA was able to send these young adult to the academy through the donations received at the annual Fly-In/Drive-In event. This year’s Fly-In/Drive-In will be Saturday, Aug. 25, at the Chillicothe Municipal Airport, Chillicothe. Breakfast will begin at 7 a.m. with the opening ceremony at 8 a.m.
The three students provided the following insights into their experience at the academy.
— John Gibson III, Gallatin High School, son of John and Janece Gibson:
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the Advance Air Academy in Oshkosh, WI. I first heard about the Academy through Gallatin High School, and I am so grateful that I did. It was an amazing experience in which I learned about all kinds of opportunities and careers available in the field of aviation. Besides furthering my knowledge of career options, my classmates and I learned many skills as well. To name a few, we were taught how to calculate the weight and balance of an airplane, several new welding techniques, how to read weather reports, and finally, how to turn fiberglass cloth into airplane skin.
Overall, my favorite experiences at the Academy were flying in the simulators, helicopter rides, and exploring the air show for two days.
I would have to say that my love for aviation stems from my early years. My dad is a pilot, and vintage airplane collector, and I have spent my whole life around planes and attending air shows like Oshkosh.
While I will probably not pursue a career in flight, I am currently working on getting my private pilot license so I can continue to fly throughout college. My favorite plane is the SR71 Blackbird because no other plane compares to its stealth and speed.
— McKay Marble, Gallatin High School, Son of David and Kristen Marble:
I learned a lot about the aerodynamics of flying and the importance of the weather during the Advance Air Academy. My favorite part was the workshops, especially the welding, sheet metal, and woodworking. I’ve just always thought planes were really cool. I’m not planning on a career, but definitely flying recreationally in the future. I don’t have a favorite plane, but the Voyager is really interesting. I heard about the academy from my school counselor.
— Grace Madison, Chillicothe High School, granddaughter of Wayne and Jenny Steele:
I learned at the Advance Air Academy that using your hands isn’t so scary after all; it’s okay to ask for help; and it’s okay not to be sure of yourself. The workshop class and going into the museum was my favorite part. It was fascinating and I learned so much. Oddly, I think my interest in aviation took off in third grade when I started reading about Pearl Harbor. I intend to go to school for aviation. My favorite airplane is the F4F Wildcat. I heard about the Academy through my high school and others who went there. I would recommend this camp to anyone who even has a slight interest in aviation.