Aviation View | April 2021

89 AVIATION VIEW APRIL 2021 there is to learn before getting into the cockpit of an airplane. This reduces the time it takes to get a pilot’s certificate and also allows them the opportunity to explore the ins and outs of an aviation career. “About five years ago the local neighbourhood decided to create an airport themed park for the kids,” says Chmiel, “and the airport staff became involved and helped create this wonderful place. It actually has runways and taxiways and a real A7 Corsair on a pedestal. There is also a control tower and a hangar and nine educational stations throughout the park that teach elementary school-age kids about aviation and flying and the history of the airport. In addition, we’ve developed a program called Model Airplane Night, where we help teach middle school-age kids how to build several models of airplanes so they can develop model flying skills and learn how an airplane flies. Another program created by the local EAA chapter is called Learn Build Fly. That program takes high school kids who have an interest in STEM and the blue- collar arts and airplanes, and teaches them about aviation and engineering through the fabrication of real airplanes. They’re actually about 80% done with their second airplane! We’ve got all these youth programs that are similar to a feeder program for hockey – aviation programs at all age levels so we can feed these kids into an aviation career.” In summing up Wausau Downtown Airport’s secret to success, Chmiel reflects, “I think the main reason we have been able to be so successful, even now, is all of these partnerships with the local community. I am proud of the partnerships we have been able to create, and I believe our facility gives back to the community as well. There is so much to look forward to on the horizon.” WAUSAU DOWNTOWN A I RPORT