Children and families got a hands-on look at aircraft, drones, simulators, and aviation careers at Brunswick Landing
More than 400 children and family members came to Brunswick Landing Saturday morning to explore aircraft, try aviation technology, meet current students and recent graduates, and get a hands-on look at careers in aviation.
The University of Maine at Augusta’s second annual Kids in Aviation Day filled Hangar 6 with families exploring aircraft, drone technology, simulators, virtual reality, aviation tools, and other hands-on activities. The event also included a paper airplane competition and opportunities for children to interact directly with UMA aviation students and faculty.
Current UMA students and recent graduates helped lead activities throughout the morning, showing children how aviation tools and technology work, answering questions, and sharing what it is like to study aviation and prepare for a career in the field.
“There’s a big difference between telling a young person about a career in aviation and giving them the chance to sit in an aircraft, try a simulator, or talk with a student who is already doing it,” said Brenda McAleer, Ph.D., associate vice president of Academic Affairs and dean of the College of Professional Studies. “That’s why we put this event on. UMA offers degrees in piloting, drones, and aircraft maintenance, and we want young people to see early that these are real careers they can pursue right here in Maine, in fields where skilled workers are needed.”
UMA offers several pathways into the aviation industry, including crewed flight, uncrewed aircraft systems, or drones, and aircraft maintenance technology. The university offers Maine’s only Bachelor of Science in Aviation and is the only university in the state with a UAS pilot training program. UMA also operates Maine’s first and only FAA Part 147-certified aviation maintenance technician program.
Those programs are also helping address workforce needs in Maine. UMA developed its Aviation Maintenance Technician School in response to demand from Maine aviation employers, some of whom had been recruiting skilled technicians from outside the state.
For high school students already interested in aviation, Saturday’s event also provided a chance to learn about UMA’s Early College program and aviation-related classes they can begin taking while still in high school. UMA offers Early College pathways in flight, uncrewed aviation, and aviation maintenance.
Kids in Aviation Day was held at UMA’s Aviation Center at Hangar 6 at Brunswick Executive Airport.
UMA thanks Wild Oats Bakery & Café for sponsoring this year’s Kids in Aviation Day.