It started with a paper airplane challenge – which design will stay in flight the longest? After 12 days of intense learning, students took flight. In between, they studied how engines work, worked in a simulator, took public speaking and did so much more.

Marc Gittleman and Jennifer Vittoria guided the students of the Aviation Academy, along with instructional assistant Madison Tremper. The academy was held for nine days at the Dutchess County Community College campus at Hudson Valley Regional Airport with aviation instructor Jay Robinson through the US Aviation Group. The lead instructor at Civil Air Patrol was Bill Martin. The program organizer from DCCC was John Trosie.

While at Hudson Valley Regional Airport, students received – and gave – presentations. They explored the hangars, watched landing gear demonstrations, got introductions to various types of engines, received individual time in the flight simulators and co-piloted a flight.

The students also attended Pratt and Whitney, which was organized by Karen Murtagh, and spent one day at Civil Air Patrol.

Outside of this instruction, students heard from two additional speakers: former student Jonathan Grant of the Air National Guard, and current Pine Bush employee Cloyd Davis accompanied by two retired Air Force veterans.

This academy is a collaboration with Pratt & Whitney and the US Army. It provides students with a basic knowledge of the equipment and operation of aircraft.

Aaron Hopmayer, principal of Pine Bush High School, noted that these students and those at the four other summer enrichment academies spent a chunk of their summer learning, which sets them apart from many others in the area and throughout the country. “This is incredible. This most definitely sets you all apart,” he said to the group.

Mr. Gittleman applauded the students for their hard work. “I’m proud of the work you put into this,” he said. “I hope everyone got something out of this. We have had fun and learned many things.”