Florida Tech Invites Public to Free Aviation Day Nov. 6

admin October 7, 2010

MELBOURNE, FLA.—As part of its Homecoming 2010 festivities, the Florida Institute of Technology College of Aeronautics, FIT Aviation LLC and Florida Tech Army R.O.T.C. will hold Aviation Day on Saturday, Nov. 6, from 9 to 4 p.m. The location is the Emil Buehler Center for Aviation Training and Research at the Melbourne International Airport. Admission is free.

Aviation Day offers something for all family members with many static aviation displays, and representation by several aviation businesses and organizations.

“I’m looking forward to an Aviation Day that will be better than ever. Participation by R.O.T.C. adds so much to this day and we are planning many educational, fun activities,” said Winston Scott, dean of the College of Aeronautics and former astronaut.

The day will include military, civilian and homebuilt aircraft and displays, food and educational booths. Exhibits include a missionary flight DC3 plane and, from the Valiant Air Command in Titusville, there will be a WWII C-47, which replicates the colors of the Normandy invasion.

Visitors are also invited to fly in an authentic WWII biplane while comparing it to the technologically advanced aircraft of today. Rides will be available for $75 per person.

Supporters of the day include the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1288, based at Valkaria Airport, which will host a pancake breakfast; and Florida Tech’s Panther Battalion Army ROTC.

From 7 to 9 a.m., Florida Tech R.O.T.C. will host the annual Junior

Reserve Officer Training Corps Fitness Competition. The event, among

competing high school teams from at least seven schools, includes the

Army physical fitness standards push-ups and sit-ups, and a two-mile run.

Participating high schools are from Brevard County, Port St. Lucie and

Arcadia. For more information on ROTC activities on Aviation Day, contact Capt. Mitchel L. Mendelson at (321) 674-7438.

To the Emil Buehler Center: Turn onto Woody Burke Road—a continuation of Dairy Road—at Hibiscus Boulevard. Cross NASA Boulevard onto Grumman Place and turn right onto Tower Access Road. The next right turn leads to the Buehler Center.

For more information contact Steve Nesbitt, FIT Aviation at (321) 674-6519

or Ryan Tenny, Florida Tech College of Aeronautics, at (321) 674-7369, or visit www.aviation-day.com.