On April 11, 2025, West Star Aviation welcomed 115 enthusiastic second graders to their Solon, Ohio facility for an unforgettable, aviation-filled field trip.
This event, part of an ongoing partnership between Lewis Elementary School in Solon and the aviation company, provided students with a first hand look at the exciting world of aviation through fun, hands-on activities designed to educate and inspire.
The day kicked off with a high-energy welcome, setting the tone for a packed schedule of discovery and learning.
Students then rotated through several interactive stations that brought the world of aviation to life in imaginative and meaningful ways.
During a tour of the aircraft maintenance shop, students got an up-close look at real aircraft components in various stages of repair—an eye-opening experience that helped connect classroom concepts to real-world engineering.
The M&M activity transformed colourful candy into a powerful lesson on analytics and decision-making, demonstrating how data plays a critical role in aviation operations.
A paper airplane design-and-fly contest was not just for fun; it introduced the importance of testing, quality assurance, and the rigorous steps required before an aircraft is returned to service after maintenance.
The LEGO build station sparked creativity and problem-solving, while the safety demonstration gave students a practical overview of the critical procedures used daily by aviation professionals.
The day wrapped up with laughter and photos, reinforcing the field trip hosts’ desire to inspire students from a young age about the field of aviation.
Veteran second-grade teacher Randy Davis summed it up best, stating: “This was the most educational, informative, and exciting field trip of my 30-plus-year career.”
His words echoed the excitement and curiosity of the students as they engaged with professionals, asked questions, and experienced a front-row seat to the field of aviation.
Events like these are more than just memorable experiences; they are critical investments in the future of aviation.
According to the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC), the industry faces a significant shortfall of certified aviation mechanics, projecting a gap of more than 30,000 professionals by 2031.
ATEC and its affiliated initiative, Choose Aerospace, focus on early engagement to combat these trends.
Choose Aerospace partners with schools across the country to introduce aviation curriculum and inspire career pathways as early as possible, especially among younger students who might not otherwise be aware of the opportunities in aviation maintenance, engineering, and operations.
Jack DiCello, West Star team member and field trip host said: “Creating awareness about aviation careers at an early age is essential.
“This kind of community engagement helps build long-term connections between our industry, our customers, and the future leaders of our field.
“It’s part of our broader commitment to invest in people and nurture talent from the ground up.”
