Aviation: Minnesota Department of Transportation

Aviation Education - ACE Camp

2013 Aviation Career Education (ACE) Camp

June 23-29 and July 14-20, 2013

Each summer the Federal Aviation Administration, and the MnDOT Office of Aeronautics co-sponsor the Aviation Career Education (ACE) Camp. Open to Minnesota students who will be entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, ACE Camp allows students to explore a wide variety of aviation careers and all aspects of the aviation and aerospace industries through tours and hands-on projects. Campers are also given the opportunity to fly in a helicopter, pilot a single-engine aircraft, and take the controls of a glider.

Why Should You Attend?

You will:

Visit a wide variety of aviation facilities and talk to engineers, pilots, maintenance technicians, college aviation program staff, air traffic controllers, security personnel, and others about what it is like to work in various aviation fields.
Fly an airplane, helicopter, and glider under the supervision of experienced pilots.
Tour corporate aircraft and facilities.
Experience hands-on demonstrations in air traffic control, pilot training, and aircraft maintenance.
Learn the basics of flight, aviation systems, aviation-related industries, and much more . . .

Who Can Attend?

You must be entering grades 10-11-12 in the 2013-2014 school year. Minnesota students and students who have at least one parent or guardian living or working in Minnesota have priority in registering. Students from outside Minnesota may be considered on a space-available basis.

What Does it Cost?

The total cost for the camp, including the $50.00 non-refundable application fee, is $575.00 ( $50 Application fee included ) for Minnesota students. Out-of-state tuition is $675.00.

Note: $50.00 discount for applications post marked by April 16, 2013.

What Should I Bring?

Casual clothing, including jeans, shorts, t-shirts, etc. One dress outfit for graduation. Personal care items.

How Do I Apply?

Click here to apply online.

How Do I Apply for Financial Aid?

Yes, financial assistance is available based on individual need; please contact us for a scholarship application and answer question five on the camp application. Please include the $50.00 application fee when you send in the application. This fee will be returned to you if you are not accepted. If you are applying for financial aid and can't pay the $50 application fee, please note this on your
ACE Camp application.

On separate sheets of paper, please complete the following.You must either type or neatly print in blue or black ink.

Your Name
List any extracurricular activities you participate in and list any awards or special recognition you have received.
List any work experience, current and past.
Where did you hear about the Minnesota ACE Camp?
If you need financial assistance, please explain why.
In addition to answering these questions, write a short essay (minimum 200 words) on why you should be selected to attend the 2013 Aviation Education Camp. Also, have one teacher AND one non-relative adult each write a letter of recommendation for you to attend the Minnesota ACE Camp.

All applications must include all of the above materials (Application questions, essay, two letters of recommendation) when submitted.

Applications should be postmarked by May 15, 2013. Late applications will be considered on a space-available basis.

APPLY EARLY. All applications postmarked by April 11, 2013 will receive a $50.00 discount.

Complete application materials and $50 application fee should be sent to:

Diane LangerFAA/STP ATCT, 514 Tower Rd, St Paul, MN 55107 612-718-4229

Sample Schedule

The week-long camp is offered two times during the summer, in June and July. The following list is a brief description of your stay. (This is a sample schedule based on previous camps and is subject to change.)

Day 1 - Orientation & Introductions

The first day you will get an overview of the coming week, get acquainted, take a pre-test and start making your hot air balloons. You will start a class on Introduction to Aviation, which is similar to private pilot ground school.

Day 2 - Helicopters Rides/General Aviation Flights/Aero Systems Engineering

Your day will start with the completion of Introduction to Aviation. A tour of Aero Systems Engineering, will take place next. Later in the day, you will get an opportunity for a general aviation flight and a helicopter ride.

Day 3 - Tour MAC/C-130 Mock-Up/Dinner Aboard a Champion Airlines Aircraft

The third day you will listen to speakers in the morning, visit the Mn Air Guard Museum and Mesaba Airlines and have a tour of Metropolitan Airports Commission and the Minneapolis airport. Next you will have dinner, compliments of Champion Air, on one of their charter aircraft. The day will finish with more time on your hot air balloons.

Day 4 - Tour Maintenance Facility/MSP Air Traffice Control/Flight Simulators/NWA Flight Attendant Training Center

The fourth day you will start off with a visit to the NWA Flight attendant training center, have lunch in the NWA cafeteria and visit the NWA maintenance facility at the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport. You will also visit the MSP Air Traffic Control Tower and visit the NWA store. You will finish the day with a tour of simulators and listen to a speech by a Tuskegee Airmen, while having dinner.

Day 5 - Minnesota Soaring Club/Farmington Air Traffic Control Center/Dinner & Speakers at the MnDOT Office of Aeronautics

The day will start out at the Minnesota Soaring Club and you will be able to take a glider flight. You will also tour the Farmington Air Traffic control center. That evening you will visit 3M's Corporate Aviation facility and the Army Guard facility. During dinner you will have a presentation by the Princeton Flight Service facility and listen to a maintenance supervisor from Regent Aviation. The evening will end with a tour of Regent Aviation.

Day 6 - Balloon Competition/C-130 Mock-Up/Military Speakers

You will start the day with your balloon competitions. This will be followed by speakers from the 934th and the 133rd squadrons. The day will finish with a tour of Minneapolis Technical College and Training center, showing presentations, taking the post-test, and completing thank yous and evaluations.

Day 7 - Graduation

You will participate in a graduation ceremony and are awarded a Certificate of Completion. You say good-bye and exchange addresses and phone numbers. You will leave camp with a knowledge of aviation, the many career opportunities available and wonderful memories.

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Aviation Education - ACE Camp