Kids take flight on Youth Aviation Day
About 150 kids pack McClellan-Palomar Airport to take part in an annual aviation event showcasing planes, a helicopter, simulator and other interactive elements
CARLSBAD — It was such a success parents are clamoring for more.
Nearly 150 kids and their parents took part in the Palomar Airport Association’s third annual Youth Aviation Day on Saturday at the McClellan-Palomar Airport. The event featured 15 stations, a proclamation from Carlsbad Mayor Keith Blackburn, a simulator, planes, a helicopter and more.
PAA President Alan Baldus said the goal was to give kids a meaningful introduction to general aviation and the benefits of the airport. It appears they did that and more as many parents have already contacted the association about getting on the list for next year’s event, he said.
“The day went fantastic, without a hitch,” Baldus said. “It was an unbelievable turnout. Families were ecstatic and happy to be there. Many times, I heard they don’t get an opportunity to do things like this.”
This year’s event exploded in requests and even had a waiting list as hundreds of parents signed up their kids, Baldus and Gary Gonsalves, the vice president of the PAA, said. The PAA had to send multiple confirmations to parents to ensure their attendance due to the demand.
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