Community Aviation Day Inspires the Next Generation with a Variety of Career Paths
On March 22, the skies weren’t the only thing buzzing at the second Community Aviation Day held at Da Vinci Schools. Nearly 400 attendees gathered to explore the fascinating world of aviation and aerospace, with a special emphasis on educating youth about the many career opportunities in the industry beyond the cockpit.
One of the most exciting aspects of the day was the opportunity for families across generations to interact with aviation professionals in fields they may not have known much about. While the flight simulators, glider test flights, and drone demonstrations were a highlight of the event, many young attendees were surprised to discover that the aviation industry offers countless career paths that don’t involve piloting an aircraft. With representatives from the FAA, Civil Air Patrol, flight schools, college aerospace engineering programs, the Western Museum of Flight, military personnel, and many others, attendees were able to meet experts and learn about the wide range of roles that keep the aviation world soaring.
For those with an interest in military aviation, the day also included the opportunity to meet and learn from military personnel, including the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Space Force. They shared their experiences, giving attendees an insider’s view of the diverse roles that make military aviation possible.
School leaders from Da Vinci Connect High also were on hand to showcase its new Aviation career pathway.
Roxane Artero, a sophomore at Da Vinci Connect High, has always been interested in an aviation career and discovered she could gain experience in school at Da Vinci. Practicing on the simulator at Community Aviation Day, she shared, “This time last year, I knew nothing, but I know a lot more now. It’s nice to see how far I’ve come. I would like to be a private pilot for companies or specific people in those fancy private jets. I’m taking aviation classes at Da Vinci Connect and getting my flight hours in.”
An incredible 25 community organizations hosted booths and fun aerospace activities, making it a truly engaging day for families. We are deeply grateful to the following organizations that helped bring this event to life:
AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics)
Beach Cities Aviation Academy
Boeing
Cal Baptist
Civil Air Patrol
El Segundo Police Department - Drone Operations
FAA
Latino Pilots Assoc
Los Angeles World Airports
Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals
Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce
Sling Pilot Academy
Society of Manufacturing Engineers
U.S. Air Force
U.S. Army
U.S. Marine Corps
U.S. Space Force
West LA College Aviation Tech
Western Museum of Flight
Wiseburn Ed Foundation
Universal Technical Institute
FlyUniquely
MOOG
Aero Club of Southern California
Mt. Sac College
We wish to extend a huge thank you to Aviation teacher Jessi Snyder and Dr. Steve Wallis who organized this fantastic event!
