Southern California TRACON goes to USA Science & Engineering Expo

NATCA members Ian Lewis (Southern California TRACON, SCT) and Jonathan Eagle (Van Nuys ATCT, VNY) shared their passion for aviation at the USA Science & Engineering Festival in Los Angeles. Together with the NBA’s L.A. Clippers, the non-profit organization Science Spark hosted this year’s inaugural Southern California science and engineering festival at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The goal of the Clippers SciFest SoCal, like that of its parent event, the USA and Engineering Festival in Washington, D.C., is to inspire a new generation of STEM professionals.

“It was a great event, and it was the first time they did it out in L.A.,” Eagle said. “Kids K-12 were invited, so it was an excellent opportunity to reach out to kids of all ages and educate them and their teachers about our job as air traffic controllers. I look forward to representing NATCA in future outreach events.”

“It’s a privilege to represent our Union at events that advocate the importance of what we do,” Lewis said. “To able to share my passion with our youth is something I don’t take for granted.”

The Experimental Aircraft Association also delivered the excitement of flight as EAA’s Spirit of Aviation mobile unit, sponsored by NATCA, exhibited at the festival. The traveling exhibit introduces aviation to attendees through hands-on activities to engage people of all ages. The Spirit of Aviation experience encompasses immersive activities and virtual reality, giving visitors a glimpse into flight and invites them to be part of the aviation community.

The Spirit of Aviation mobile unit will be making 11 appearances in seven states during 2019.  Its next appearance will be April 13-14 at Wings Over South Texas Air Show in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Are you or your brothers and sisters doing educational outreach to raise up the next generation of aviation professionals? Tell us about it! Send your photos and stories to [email protected]!