Gateway Youth Aeronautical Foundation Hosts Aviation Explorers

By Carmelo Turdo

The Gateway Youth Aeronautical Foundation (GYAF) hosted members of Aviation Explorer Post 9032 Wednesday evening at Creve Coeur Airport. The Explorers took turns getting their photos taken in the F-4 Phantom jet cockpit exhibit and flew missions in the Virtual Reality Simulation Lab. Many of the Explorers are looking forward to entering the aviation industry as military or civilian pilots, A&P mechanics, air traffic controllers and other support roles, and they were encouraged to seek the required training and financial resources available to them to accomplish their goals. Some had also received Young Eagle Flights at recent rally events.

Aviation Explorer Post 9032 is part of the Learning for Life Program, an affiliate of the Boy Scouts of America, and sponsored by Boeing and EAA Chapter 32. Post 9032 members meet at the Boeing St. Louis Building 100 and host guest speakers, assist in aircraft building projects, take field trips to aviation business and educational facilities, interact with aviation business leaders and receive practical career counseling during the course of the year. Student members (aged 14-20) take leadership roles in planning meetings and events along with their adult mentors. The recent Open House meeting attracted a significant number of additional members. 

The Explorers enjoyed their visit to the GYAF, as shown below!