Crop duster John Sterling educated the 6th graders about his Air Tractor.

Calhoun County Airport hosted its third annual Kid’s Aviation Day on Friday, May 6th. Students from Travis Middle School, Port O’Connor Elementary and Seadrift School arrived at the airport enthusiastic to learn about aviation.

“Kid’s Day is my favorite day of the year,” commented airport manager, Dianna Stanger. “350 kids from Calhoun County schools were exposed to various walks of aviation.”

This year the students rotated around 14 different stations, nearly doubling from the prior year. Present were: the National Weather Service, Girls With Wings, Euro Chopper, Cessna 172 SP, Hawker Beech Premier Jet, Piper PA18A, Air Tractor, Civil Air Patrol, Precinct 2 Commissioner, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Victoria Tower manager, Calhoun County Emergency Medical Service, Six Mile Fire Department and Calhoun County Fire Department.

Principal Lydia Strakos commented, “The students from Port O’Connor said the trip was very informative, many of them are now interested in learning to fly. They greatly enjoyed themselves and can’t wait to visit the airport again!”

Calhoun Air Center strives to encourage, enlighten and introduce them to the avenues readily available to them. The students were given the opportunity to sit inside of the airplanes and helicopter. They learned the differences between each plan and principals of flight.

“I was really impressed with the kids’ level of knowledge about subjects such as the effect of wind. It was great to see their enthusiasm to learn more about a jet’s performance.” said Lynda Meeks, Girls With Wings founder.

What can a helicopter do that a plane cannot?” asks airport manager, Dianna Stringer.