​Local students enjoy day of learning, exploring at Kincardine Airport

The Kincardine Municipal Airport hosted 10 students from Ripley, Kincardine and Walkerton, Friday, April 24, for a day of learning and exploring, with 12 volunteers who represented a variety of aspects in aviation.

The event was organized so that all students had an opportunity to look into details that could lead to future careers in aviation, including a commercial pilot, aviation mechanic or flight planning service. The students were engaged in making airplane parts and wiring, flight planning, airport operations, design and maintenance. They also had an opportunity to fly a flight simulator that replicated an actual Cessna cockpit.

The day began with a safety briefing and orientation in one of the hangars. The students then separated into small groups so they could talk to a pilot. They were given a thorough explanation of the features and functions of instruments in a cockpit, as well as the process of becoming a pilot. They learned about private-versus-commercial flying, visual-versus-instrument flying, float planes, multi-engine and high performance flying.

The students could compare the differences between vintage production aircraft, such as a Cessna with analog instruments, against a more modern home-built aircraft with a complete digital information “glass cockpit.” The variety of career opportunities associated with aviation were explained, including military-versus-commercial paths.

Following the talk-to-a-pilot session, the students broke into two groups where one group had a detailed review of fuelling an aircraft while the other group had a tour of the airport conducted by the local consulting engineer. Everybody rushed outside when a Bombardier Global 7500 decided to make a low pass over the runway. Pilots from Waterloo-Wellington flight centre flew in on a cross-country training exercise and gave a live example of small planes in action.

The day ended with the students having the opportunity to choose any subject about which they wanted a little more information.

This is part of a continuing effort on the part of those involved in the airport to promote aviation and engage the community. The pilots and airplane owners are always eager to open the doors to the airport, answer questions and explain how the airport is important to the future of the community.

Since this first effort was well-received, plans are being considered to offer this again in the fall on another professional activity day.