On March 29, Special Services hosted Boy Scout Troop 715 of the Southbounder District, Blue Ridge Council.  The troop visit was comprised of 40+ scouts and half as many adults.  The tour began promptly at 1900 with introductions and explanations of business aviation, flight instruction, sport piloting, and airport tower operations.  While here, the boys were able to get into aircraft, ask questions about what it takes to be a pilot, what the different instrumentation is used for, and what career paths can be taken in the aviation industry.  During the tower operations portion of the tour, the scouts were given explanations of the radar system, airspace, lighting, runways, taxiways, ground operations, and the “Domino’s” phone (otherwise known as the crash phone).

Overall, the visit was a great success.  The troop was very respectful to their surroundings, as well as the people that gave their time to provide the educational opportunities.  Special thanks to Bill DeGroote for arranging the visit, and to Tim McConnell, Mickey Hitchcock, Jerry Preiser, Alex Park, Steve Wiley and James Stephens for providing the feedback to the troops about their respective aviation areas of expertise.  We look forward to another opportunity to share our passion with others.