Youth learn the basics of aviation through program formed by Black pilots group and Delta Airlines

Jet, August 25, 2003

Through a partnership that is concluding its fourth year, Delta Air Lines and the Organization of Black Airline Pilots, Inc. (OBAP) have joined forces to make the dreams of Black Georgia teenagers who aspire to be aviators come true by conducting the Atlanta Career Education (A.C.E.) Camp.

The A.C.E. Camp, which is free of charge, is an intensive week-long summer program that is held in July and geared toward local Atlanta teens, ages 14-18, who have an interest in pursuing aviation as a career.

The camp participants are taught aviation history, aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation and flight simulator orientation taught by FAA-qualified flight instructors.

While attending the camp students are exposed to professionals in the aviation industry, and with accompaniment conduct a "Discovery Flight" where they learn to fly a general aviation aircraft.

The Atlanta students who have completed A.C.E. Camp are also offered FlightLine Camp. These participants who successfully pass all academy qualifications, training and exams are eligible to conduct a solo flight.

"Through this program we introduced the many facets of the aviation industry to a diverse group of teens who traditionally would not have this opportunity," said Paul Graves, Delta's vice president of Global Diversity. "Our team of dedicated employee volunteers pull together every year to make this camp a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these youths."

This year's camp, especially significant because it marks the centennial celebration of the aviation industry, brought aviation pioneers, who included the famous Tuskegee Airmen, to speak to the teens.