Hackler Students explore aviation at BC Airport

More than 100 fourth and fifth grade students from Hackler Intermediate School visited the Baxter County Airport last week for a hands-on introduction to aviation, hosted by the Leading Edge Aviation Foundation.



The educational field trip gave students the chance to pilot flight simulators, learn basic drone operation, tour airplane cockpits, and explore how the airport functions as a system — from air traffic to aircraft maintenance. Pilots, mechanics, and aviation professionals volunteered their time to offer demonstrations and answer questions, helping students understand both the science and career paths tied to aviation.

The event was organized by the Leading Edge Aviation Foundation, which has been working to expand aviation opportunities for young people in the Twin Lakes area. Gerald Gaige, a director with the foundation, praised the volunteers for their impact.

“You left them with permanent positive memories of airplanes, pilots, mechanics and aviation in general,” Gaige said in a message to participants. “The inspiration you created is immeasurable — and you will never know the specific spark that changes a student’s life.”

This was the second round of Hackler students to visit the airport this spring, as part of the foundation’s ongoing educational outreach.

WebReady^TM Powered by WireReady^® NSI