18-04-2025
Hundreds of stem students explore Owensboro Air Show roles at mid-america jet
OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT) — In Owensboro, students interested in aviation got a behind the scenes look today at the Owensboro Air Show. A stem event was hosted at Mid-America Jet for 3 local schools looking to help the next generation take flight.
Tim Ross, the director of public events in Owensboro, says hosting events like these in the Spring versus during airshow weekend allows students the chance for more of a hands-on experience with the machinery. They get to ask questions and learn about the numerous other positions that make everything possible.
On Thursday, hundreds of students got a chance to take a step beyond the aircrafts' performances. Stem students at Owensboro Innovation Academy, Apollo High School and Daviess County High School all made their rounds at Mid-America Jet.
'[It gives] them a time to talk to these pilots and his crew…whether or not it's the maintainers or the medics or the pilots. 'How do they get started in their field? What they enjoy doing? What their day to day looks like in their field?',' says Ross.
Some students even got to switch seats with the pilot and take a look at flight simulations. Captain Sam Williams piloted the C-130 Hercules,a four engine transport aircraft.
'Total fuel is about 42,000 pounds. Which is relatively small in [comparison to] the other Air Force mobility aircraft.'
Preson Estes says it was actually his love of Lego's that allowed him to discover his dream of one day constructing aircrafts.
'I've seen how much wiring, and how much that stuff requires. It's very complex. It's going to take a lot. I'm ready to take that challenge,' says Estes.
Isabel Pierrard likes aerospace but says, at the moment, her fear of heights has her aiming for a job that keeps her on the ground.
'I have more of an incline for creativity rather than mathematical and strategical. I felt really welcomed as a female. It's pretty male dominated from what I can see today, but it also feels good that we, as girls in this century, had this chance to see all these aircrafts and learn,' says Pierrard.
Owensboro officials say after the event, they speak with teachers and students to explore unique ways they can continue to explore roles.
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