The future of flight was on full display at Albert Whitted Airport on Saturday, April 26, 2025, as Friends of Albert Whitted Airport (FOAWA) – along with Passage and St. Pete Air – hosted its highly anticipated Aerospace Day. It was a day these young aviation enthusiasts will never forget.
Thirty-two students, from 5th through 11th grade, arrived with curiosity and excitement, and left with inspiration, camaraderie, and a deeper understanding of the incredible world of aerospace.
The day launched — literally — with a thrilling flyover and search-and-rescue demonstration by the U.S. Coast Guard. Hovering at low altitude, the Coast Guard team showcased a simulated rescue mission, deploying a rescue jumper in a demonstration that had every eye glued to the sky.
Hands-On Aerospace Adventures
After the dramatic kickoff, students were divided into teams — each proudly creating their own team name and flag — and rotated through four incredible stations, spending 20 minutes at each:
1. U.S. Coast Guard Search-and-Rescue and Marine Science Technicians
Students had the chance to interact with real rescue gear — trying it on, handling it, and learning exactly how it’s used in real-life missions. The Coast Guard’s Marine Patrol team gave drone demonstrations, showing how they use technology after hurricanes, during environmental disasters, and in search-and-rescue operations to direct human teams safely and effectively.
2. Aircraft Ground Crew Experience with St. Pete Air
Two aircraft from St. Pete Air were on the tarmac ready for action! Students stepped into the roles of ground crew members, receiving hands-on instruction from professional flight instructors on how to perform safety checks, pre-flight briefings, and other critical procedures that keep aviation running smoothly.
3. Aerospace Trivia and Kona Ice Break
Students flexed their knowledge at a high-energy trivia contest, answering questions about aerospace history, technology, and careers. Winners took home fun prizes donated by Passage / Ostrich One, St. Pete Air, and Friends of Albert Whitted — and everyone cooled down with Kona Ice!
4. Rocket Launching with the Museum of Discovery and Science
Nothing says aerospace like rockets! Students built and launched their own pneumatic-powered rockets in a lively contest to see whose design could soar the highest, learning principles of aerodynamics and propulsion along the way.
Inspirational Presentations: A Window Into Their Future
Later in the day, students attended three inspiring presentations:
- Friends of Albert Whitted Airport Documentary Preview
They got a sneak peek at the upcoming FOAWA documentary, highlighting the vibrant history, community, and future of Albert Whitted Airport. - Nathan Van Coops: The Life of an Aviation Mechanic
Nathan gave an energetic talk about careers beyond the cockpit — from a mechanic’s perspective. He made it clear that aviation needs builders, fixers, and innovators just as much as it needs pilots — and he made sure a few lucky students walked away with prizes! - Liam Hawkins and the Mooney Anomaly: Storing Earth’s Data on the Moon
After wowing the crowd with a spectacular low pass and smoke trail flyby, Liam shared the mind-blowing mission of Lonestar, a company planning to store humanity’s data in lunar lava tubes. His presentation opened students’ minds to the emerging future of aerospace and data preservation beyond Earth.
A Show-Stopping Finale: The “Big Boom”
As the sun began to set, students gathered for the grand finale — an explosive, science-packed demonstration titled “Big Boom” led by Héllen Távora, Airborne Astronomer Ambassador for NASA/SOFIA. Using liquid nitrogen and powerful visual experiments, she demonstrated the states of matter in ways that literally shook the ground — and had the students cheering.
More Than Just a Day — A Launchpad for Dreams
Throughout the event, students asked thoughtful questions, got closer and closer to the demos, and sparked real conversations about their futures. Every team was guided by a FOAWA scholarship recipient, who shared their personal journeys and encouraged the younger students to see aerospace not just as a dream — but as an open, welcoming community with many pathways to success.
The most powerful takeaway?
There’s a place in aviation for everyone — and no single path to achieving your goals.
From future pilots and engineers to mechanics and innovators, Aerospace Day showed these students that their dreams are within reach — and that the sky is not the limit, but just the beginning.
