TCAA Week At A Glance
DAY 1: Orientation & Basic Training
The students arrive very excited ready to start their week!
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Parent/Student Orientation & former student testimonial(s)
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Academy Overview & T-Shirt Distribution
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Aviation History with special guest Captain Woody Fountain the first African American pilot for Northwest Airlines.
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Basic flight/Aerodynamics
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Safety Briefing/General Knowledge
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ATC Procedures
DAY 2: Aerospace
The students had the opportunity to build a capsule for the balloon launch to space! Within the capsule are two cameras to record the entire flight to 110,000 feet, GPS to locate capsule during re-entry to earth. We gather weather infomation and predict the trajectory of the balloon and the landing area.
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Weather balloon release to space
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Video teleconference or in person visit from NASA
DAY 3: Mankato State University Tour
We introduced students to the collegiate educational environment as students traveled to Mankato State University. Located in Mankato, Minnesota, Mankato State University is the only-accredited four-year aviation collegiate institution within the state of Minnesota. Students learned about the degree programs within the field of aviation, which include Professional Pilot, and Aviation Business. Students also traveled to Mankato Regional Airport, where they were able to see the flight line utilized to train aviation students at Mankato State University and had a chance to fly the CRJ-700 jet simulator!
DAY 4: MN Air National Guard
The Twin Cities ACE Academy highlighted corporate, commercial, and military aviation. Students began the day by visiting Signature Flight Support at the St. Paul Downtown Airport. Signature is a fixed based operator located at the airport and caters to private aircraft. Students learned about the benefits of general aviation and private jet travel. The second tour of the day included a visit to the Army Aviation Unit at the St. Paul Downtown Airport where students, toured the Blackhawk helicopter. Students also had a chance to visit the Air National Guard Facility at Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport where they toured the C-130 aircraft and learned how its role is vital to military aviation and the defense of our country. The day concluded with a visit to the Minneapolis Airport Commission (MAC) Offices for a tour of the Delta TechOps Maintenance Facility, Airport Fire Station and Air Traffic Control Tower Tour.
DAY 5: Solo Flights
Throughout the week, most of the discussion revolved around the activities scheduled for Friday, which is known as “Flight Day”. During the final day of the academy, students visited Thunderbird Aviation at Crystal Airport where each student got to take a 30-minute discovery flight. Each student embarked on this flight under the assistance of a Certified Flight instructor who allowed the students to take control of the aircraft and experience the thrill of flight. It was wonderful to see the smiling faces of academy students upon the completion of the discovery flights. For many of our students, this was their first time in an airplane, but it created a memory that will last for years to come!
Graduation Celebration
Students are rewarded for their hard work and dedication during the academy, with a Graduation Ceremony at the JLG Twin Cities Schools in St. Paul. Students and their families are invited to the ceremony, which includes a delicious dinner courtesy of Famous Dave's, dessert, and an awards ceremony. Students are recognized for their participation throughout the week, and several students are recognized for their outstanding performance! The evening concludes with a powerful message from our Guest Speaker.