VAN NUYS, Calif., April 23, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- More than 1,200 high school students from San Fernando Valley area schools today participated in Aviation Career Day at Van Nuys Airport (VNY). The event -- designed to give students a firsthand look at the world of aviation and insight into aviation careers – was presented in partnership with Los Angeles Council member Tony Cardenas, Syncro Aviation, The Valley Economic Alliance, Learning for Life and VNY.
Students experienced interactive exhibits, aircraft (including helicopter) displays, high-tech video presentations, VNY airfield tours and had the opportunity to speak with experts who work in a variety of aviation and aerospace fields.
"Aviation Career Day, now in its fifth year, exposes students to the numerous career possibilities in aviation," said VNY Manager Jess Romo. "As part of VNY's longstanding commitment to the science education of future leaders, we support a number of educational initiatives like this, while encouraging aviation-related career and training opportunities."
Today's event took place at the Syncro Aviation Hangar at VNY. It featured more than 40 exhibitors, including universities and educational institutions, aviation organizations, VNY tenants, law enforcement, the U.S. military, divisions within Los Angeles World Airports (which owns and operates VNY) and more.
Among the many other activities available, students had the opportunity to learn about the NASA-SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) Program, observe a small-scale wind tunnel, build electrical circuit boards and see the U.S. Navy's MH-60R Seahawk helicopter and the U.S. Coast Guard's MH65C Dolphin helicopter.
Pierre Louis-Moroni, President of Syncro Aviation, added, "We believe programs like Aviation Career Day lay the foundation for a bright future for today's youth and enhance the development of an educated, dedicated workforce for decades to come. When it comes to careers in aviation, the sky's the limit for today's students."
VNY was born in 1928 as Metropolitan Airport through the establishment of a corporation by a small group of local citizens. From its origins as a private airport favored by daring young aviators and Hollywood's famous faces, it has grown into one of the world's busiest general aviation airports, averaging close to 400,000 takeoffs and landings annually.
Dedicated to noncommercial air travel, VNY meets corporate, private and government aviation needs -- in the process providing vital aviation services, enhancing efficiency at the region's commercial airports, creating jobs and promoting business. A 2007 economic study showed that VNY contributes more than $1.3 billion annually to the Southern California economy, supports over 12,300 jobs and generates an annual earnings impact of about $707 million.
VNY is one of three airports (including Los Angeles International) owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles. For more information on VNY community and educational programs, including free tours, visit www.lawa.aero/vny or call (818) 909-3529.
The Van Nuys Los Angeles World Airports logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7357