Aviator Gathering October 2013
The Aviators of the Future from 2012 and 2013 have met over the past two days. On Tuesday the Aviators met in Galway Education Centre. There we met Edite Amorim of Thinking Big, from Portugal. Edite worked with a group of Transition Year students last year and was extremely popular. We were thrilled to bring Edite back to work with the Aviators. The day was most enjoyable, interesting and a time to catch up with old friends and meet the Aviators from both years. Learn about Edite’s work here: http://www.thinking-big.com/
On Wednesday we had a guided tour of The Casement Aerodrome and Museum in Baldonnel. Thanks to Conor Furey from Naas who helped us organise our visit: http://conorfurey.ie/mobile/
Also, much thanks to Captain Brendan O’ Dowd in the Press Office and John McCormick, Regimental Sergeant Major who set up our visit.
We were delighted to get a guided tour of the Garda Helicopter thanks to Brian Coade of the Garda Air Support Unit.
Following Baldonnel we visited the Science Gallery in Trinity College to tour the exhibition Grow Your Own which looks at Synthetic Biology.
https://dublin.sciencegallery.com/
There we met Joe Roche, the resident astrophysicist in the Science Gallery, who provided us with a guided tour and spoke to us about his research, passion and love for Science! Follow him on Twitter on @joeboating
Operation Leprechaun Parts 1&2
Operation Leprechaun
Part I
August third, the day we had been dreading since our arrival 9 days earlier.
We were fortunate enough to have a little sleep in this morning and wake up call was at 8am. Usually 12 teenagers would be screeching to get out of bed at 8am but after our week of early mornings and busy days it was definitely nothing to complain about. We all knew today was the day we had to depart from our new home of Ambition and everyone’s emotions were running high.
After the hectic last minute packing this morning, we headed down to the Mess deck for breakfast where we were thrilled to see 60 Krispy Kreme doughnuts waiting for us. Each AXP was eligible for 5 doughnuts but only the very brave AXPs managed to eat all 5.
After our heavenly breakfast we went back up to our staterooms to say goodbye to our beds and grabbed our luggage to bring downstairs to the lobby. Our time schedule was running smoothly so we were able to go across the road to the Museum of Naval Aviation one last time. All 12 AXPs made a pit stop to the gift shop at the museum to buy some last minute presents for our friends and family back home.
We browsed around the museum for a little while to look at our favourite exhibits one more time before we would have to leave. At 11.45 we met back at Ambition and the thought of having to leave became a reality. The car was packed, the people were crying and the experience was about to end. The last 9 days were unforgettable but the
main thing we learned was that once you know how to fly, the sky is no longer the limit. All 12 AXPs really treasured our time aboard Ambition and were so thankful for the time we spent, friends we met and the people who had invested in us.
-Sinead Bohan
Operation Leprechaun
Part II
Memories are special, they last forever in your mind. When we stepped into the NFA minivan for the last time this morning, our biggest fear was forgetting what it feels like to be there, in the strong humid air of Pensacola with these 11 other people we can now call our bestfriends. Every other time we were in the van together we were laughing and singing, sharing stories of the silly things our room mates had done the night before. This time was different though, there was a sad vibe in the air. We have had the most amazing, once in a lifetime experience this week and we will never forget it.
When we reached the airport everyone stepped out of the van and gathered their luggage. Masterchief and Melody then walked us to the check in desks. That’s when it became real that we were actually leaving. We checked in, got our boarding cards and said our last minute thank you’s.
We then made our way through security and up to the gates. We thought we weren’t going to have any time to eat anything or look in the one shop in the airport but thankfully we had just over an hour. We sat down at a small restaurant and had lunch. At about 1410, Domhnall came down to tell us the gates were open and we had to board.
The flight to Charlotte was only one hour long but as soon as we stepped off the plane we were rushed over to the gate for boarding to Dublin. The airport was absolutely packed. We had about five minutes to make a head call (go to the bathroom) and get some snacks for the plane.
We got on the plane, put our bags overhead and found our seats. After a little while we were told by the captain that the plane was delayed. Nobody really minded this because we were all spread around the plane and we got to spend more time together. From then on we cherished every second we could get to spend together. It’s not going to be as simple as that very soon.
When we first met up in Galway Education Centre, we met 11 other girls and guys from around Galway. It was very awkward and we were scared that that wouldn’t change. Now, almost one month later, after meetings, a trip to Shannon and an amazing trip to Florida, we have made life long friends. I can honestly say that we are some of the luckiest people to have been chosen and invested in by Galway Education Centre.
On behalf of all the Irish AXP’s I would like to say a massive thank you to Kate, Paddy, Maeve, all the staff at NFA, Galway Education Centre and everyone who had any part to play in sending us on this once in a life time opportunity.
I heart Roadrunner
Louise Hosty(AKA Cabbage)
Highlights from Days 5 and 6
Check out the highlights from our last two days on board Ambition as Aviator of the Future Ambassadors for Galway Education Centre, Ireland for 2013.
Graduation Day!
Today was our last full day in America! Most importantly it was our graduation. We woke up at 6:30 for the last time for a while! Well after our last breakfast with our squadrons it was time say good-bye.
Of course the Irish did this uniquely by performing our own performance of River Dance! Luckily the Americansdid not know what the real River Dance performance is, so they were not let down by our atrocious dancing skills!
With that, it was time to head on over to our first American Graduation! It was so exciting!
With all our certificates and our wings it was time to say our final goodbyes and return to an all Irish squadron. After a beautiful lunch out in a local restaurant we came back to Ambition and got ready to go to the beach!
Well after 3 hours of non stop swimming, body boarding and fun it was time to head home. We may have been upset, other than the fact that we had more shopping to attend to!
After another 2 hours of going through Hollister, Aeropostale, and many other shops picking up last minute presents for family members (and for ourselves!) we went for more food!
After 2 hours of going through memories from the week it was time to go to bed. The girls are now are trying to fit all their clothes in their suitcases! We will let everyone known if this is possible when we touch down in Ireland on Sunday!
Amy Forde
Final Mission
This morning was our last full day on Ambition and what an exciting one it was too! We woke up to blue skies and a shining sun… just kidding it was actually stormy and raining but we didn’t let that put us off (after all we do come from the land of rain!) We had a busy schedule planned out for the day and our first stop was in the Mess Deck for breakfast. When we arrived we were thrilled and delighted to see some Blue Angel pilots and crew sitting at our squadron tables. After sharing our morning meal with us the Blue Angels then talked to us about their different jobs, being in the U.S. Navy and pursuing dreams. It was a truly inspiring speech and we’re all in awe of what they do!
After breakfast all twelve of the Irish Ambassadors plus some American students headed up to the Ready Room to be interviewed. Everybody else on Ambition took a look around the Naval Aviation Museum until about 12:00. While we were waiting to be interviewed we went over our next mission.
The day before we had been instructed to plan out a cross country route anywhere within a 500nm radius of Ambition. Everybody had it all planned out until we got to the Ready Room where the Irish Ambassadors decided that it yould be absolutely amazing if we could fly to Ireland! After getting the all clear from OPSO O’ Rear we started planning it all out with some help from other Chiefs.
By lunchtime we were all psyched for our exciting mission, until we were hit with devastating news. A cruise liner named Tropicana had crashed into an oil tanker on the Gulf of Mexico and 2317 peoples’ lives were in danger. We ran to our work stations and immediately began planning our rescue mission. There were people to save, pumps to deliver, fires to put out, chemicals to be neutralised and injuries to be treated so we were on the go all day long. I enjoyed every minute of the mission but the most rewarding part was when we were informed at 21:30 that every single person onboard the Tropicana had been rescued! It has been a really great experience here so far and I’m looking forward to tomorrows graduation!!
by Erin Shimizu
Highlights Day 3 & 4 on Ambition
Days three and four have been fun! Check out all of hard work in this video! The Irish Aviator of the Future Ambassadors have been busy!
Ambassadors make it to 4 days!!
Today marked the AXPs 4th day aboard the USS Ambition. It was also our second last full day before graduation and was a very exciting and eventful day which was obviously to the AXP’s delight. Our day started as usual with the daily morning call at 0630, which some of us still haven’t gotten used to, and our breakfast on the Mess Deck with the other squadrons.
Following breakfast each squadron had squadron time where we talked with our chiefs and discussed some basics of skills of land survival. This subject was further discussed in detail when we went to the Land Survival Centre on the naval base in Pensacola. Here, Master Chief Curley explained to us about the various requirements we should adhere to in the misfortunate situation of finding ourselves deserted! He also showed us how to light fires in the wild and find water. It was so much more complex than I thought!!
After this trip to the Land Survival centre we returned to base on Ambition. Unfortunately the bus on the way home did not have air-conditioning! When we arrived back onboard the Ambition we crossed the gangway where we met Kate, Paddy and Maeve. We had a short “catch up” before we left again.
This time we went to a class on the importance of the weather to aviation. We had meteorologist John O’Hara brief us about this. We also predicted what tomorrows’s weather will be like. The team who got it right got to eat first at lunch so the pressure was on! After that we went to the JIC where we planned the Eglin fly-by mission with IO Wilson before lunch.
It was time for another off-shore trip after lunch, this time it was to the Blue Angel’s hangar on base. This was such an amazing experience. Here we met with all of the crew in the world renowned Blue Angel’s squadron. We met with everyone from the engineers to the administration team and even saw a few pilots!! At the end of the tour we got the chance to come face to face with the F-18 jets. It was amazing to see them all at work!
We resumed our usual positions after that on ambition, flying the Triads, planning missions and working in ATC. At first we were controlling the Argonauts in the JOC before we took the reigns ourselves in the triads!! This mission was one of our toughest missions to date. It involved flying in formation, and not just normally!! We did it in front of cameras! However in the end the Maces came out on top!
We got up from dinner and immediately headed for the JIC where we planned one of our last missions, a cross country flight to anywhere within 500 miles of Ambition! Our next task was to control and fly another mission, the Tampa air rally! This was a competition between all squadrons and we are currently awaiting results!!
It was then time for freetime!! AXPs could then play a game of air hockey or stay in their staterooms before lights out at 2300!!
Slán go fóill!
Eoin Corcoran (AKA Spud)
Day Three on Ambition
Today is our third day on Ambition. It was a bright, warm, lovely day. The sky was clear and blue.
We are beginning to get used to waking up at 6:30. We headed down to the mess deck with our A.M. Chiefs. This morning we had French toast, cheese grits, scrambled eggs, sausages and bread roles. The food continues to be exceedingly good.
After that we headed to the J.I.C. My squadron was about to play a game of Jeopardy when suddenly the fire alarm went off. We had to walk outside to complete a very professionally done fire drill. After this my squadron returned to the J.I.C. Other squadrons went to Air Traffic Control (ATC) and were completing various activities or were having squadron time in the ready rooms.
After, we headed over to the Naval Aviation Museum on base. We were going to go to Hangar Bay 1, but sadly it is closed on Tuesdays. We went back to the main museum, which all of us from Ireland had been to it before but we did not see all of it, and it was still as impressive as it ever was. Everybody was amazed by the small (and large) things we missed before. A nice employee informed us of what life was like many years ago. It was very interesting. We use the max flight simulators. They are a 4D flight simulator. We got to move around in a Blue Angel’s FA-18 Hornet and show off our skills!
After the museum we proceeded to the J.I.C. Here we planned out a formation flying mission. The IO (Intelligence Officer) gave us some good tips on flying in formation and let us practice. After this we went to the mess deck for lunch.
After a delicious lunch we headed back to the museum for an IMAX movie. It was called ‘The Magic Of Flight’. After this we returned to Ambition and competed various missions and had some Squadron time. We then went to dinner. We are served dinner in order of how clean our staterooms are. Today Stateroom 23 (which has myself and Eoin in it) won. We had help from some flying friends.
After dinner we proceeded to plan and complete missions. We also were in the J.O.C. to help the other squadrons whose planes we were watching on the radar. We all had great fun and are looking forward to tomorrow!!
Highlights Day 1&2 on board Ambition
Check out the highlights of our first two days sailing on Ambition
Day 2 on Ambition
Day 2 on Ambition
After waking up at 06:30 we headed down to the mess deck for breakfast which was bacon, pancakes, eggs, grits and home fries.
After we had land survival where we learned how to survive in the wild by making fires using various methods.
Next was the scavenger hunt where we searched Ambition for various rooms and objects.
Whilst in the the JIC ( Joint Intelligence Centre) we practised hovering on the simulators as we would need this skill for our missions.
For lunch we had hamburgers with beans and a cookie for dessert.
After this we went to the JOC (Joint Operations Centre) and gave the AXPs flying the triads headings and directions. Then we flew the triads ourselves.
For dinner we had southern fried chicken with pasta and a brownie for dessert.
At the end of the day we completed a mission helping the coast guard find and film illegal vessels and aircraft.
– Michael Murphy
The Programme Begins
Today we started the actual programme side of our trip. We met the other kids in our squadrons and our chiefs. We made lots of new friends and learned a lot about each other. We learned about the physics of planes and how they work. After about half an hour we learned around 106 things about planes. We went into the JOC which is the Joint operations centre. In here we learned how to talk to pilots from air traffic control centres and how to identify planes on radars. We also went into the hangar where the simulators were. These simulators were really hard to fly but we’ll get used to them. The last thing that we did today was learn how to plan missions. A lot of this is about maths but it’s really interesting. We also did interviews about our time here and how we were accepted to participate in the programme. I was really nervous when I did mine but I enjoyed it as well.
-Iarla Muldoon.
First experience on board Ambition
Today when we woke up we went to a golf club and had breakfast. We hadn’t really gotten used to the portions. The large in Ireland is the small in America!! It was hard to finish our pancakes but they were lovely. We then headed back to ‘Ambition’.
We got ready to go to the museum of naval aviation. We were amazed at how many planes there were. There was a Blue Angels simulator which was very good. After we went to have lunch in a restaurant at the museum. It was a very good experience.
Then we went back to our rooms to get our money. We had 20 minutes so we went into the games room for the first time. It has two TVs in it, one for the Xbox and one for the Playstation. There’s also an air-hockey table. Then we went to the mall and spent 2 hours there.
Afterwards we got dinner in a seafood restaurant. We played volleyball while we were waiting for the food. It was great fun. We ended the night by returning to ‘Ambition’ and had an air-hockey tournament. Mark won!
-Killian McHugh + Domhnall Ó Braonáin
Ambassadors in Pensacola
Want to see our adventures so far? Check out this film:
The programme on board Ambition begins today. This is what we have to look forward to:
Welcome committee from NFA
Here we are coming off the Bombardier CRJ900 at Pensacola airport.
We got an ovation from the crowd before we even got to arrivals.
We were met by Chip Yarborough, Programme Director at NFA, Dr. Dave Dawson of University of West Florida, Natalie Suarez, Event Coordinator and Lonex, Melody and Mike, who are our new chiefs. We are so excited to be here! Go NFA!
We have arrived safely in Pensacola
We have arrived safely in Pensacola and have gotten our badges and lodgings at the NFA. See us settling in here, with more to follow! Night to everyone in Ireland! We need our sleep!
Flying to Florida
Flying to Florida !
Today eleven out of the twelve ambassadors met up in Dublin airport. We had to go through two sets of security and customs before we could get onto the plane.When we got onto the plane they told us what to do if there was an emergency. Then shortly after that the plane took off at around 9:30. We are flying in a Boeing 757.We have a stop over in Charlotte for eight hours and then on to Pensacola. We are meeting the twelfth ambassador in Charlotte and he is flying with us to Pensacola. We are all so jet lagged but I’m sure it will be worth it !
By Leona Larkin
Here we are in Charlotte as we wait on our final plane to Pensacola.
Thanks to Deirdre McHugh for taking these photos.
On our way
Today we are flying to the National Flight academy in Pensacola, Florida from Dublin airport. It’s so exciting and I can’t wait to arrive in Florida! It’s been an early morning but it’s all been worth it! We are just waiting for our early morning breakfast in the airport. Our flight departs at 9:30am and we arrive in Charlotte at 12:30pm local time.
By Kate Tarpey
Interview with Galway Bay FM
We were interviewed by Antoinette Giblin of Galway Bay FM yesterday. Check out the interview here.
In the photo you can see us with Mayor of Galway city; Padraig Conneely.
Thanks to Andrew Downes for taking such great photos!
On Wednesday the 24th of July 2013, twelve Aviator of the Future Ambassadors gathered at Galway Education Centre. At this ceremonial gathering they were presented with their uniforms before they travel to the National Flight Academy, in Pensacola, Florida, on Friday July 26th, 2013. Here the Ambassadors are representing Galway and Ireland and taking part in a special five day residency on board the NFA’s simulated training aircraft carrier, ‘Ambition’. Ambition is designed to simulate a modern aircraft carrier with three decks catering for everything from simulation and immersion centre spaces to academic spaces, mess decks and accommodation berthing.
The twelve Ambassadors are : Louise Hosty, Salerno, Leona Larkin, St. Augustine’s NS Clontuskert, Kate Tarpey, Gort CS, Erin Shimizu , Coláiste na Coiribe, Sinead Bohan, Dominican College, Amy Forde, Gairmscoil Mhuire, Athenry, Iarla Muldoon, St.Joseph’s College, Garbally, Michael Murphy, St. Joseph’s College, Galway, Mark Fitzgerald, St. Enda’s College, Salthill, Eoin Corcoran, Holy Rosary College, Domhnall O Braonain, Colaiste Cholmcille, Killian McHugh, St. Joseph’s College, Galway.
The Aviator of the Future Ambassadors were met by Galway City Mayor; Mr. Padraig Conneely. He was impressed by The Aviators of the Future Programme as it aims to create a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) among students in County Galway, along with critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and communication. The students will keep a daily log of their adventures on http://www.aviatorofthefuture.com and maintain a Twitter feed on @AviatorFuture .
This renewal of the agreement between the Galway Education Centre and the National Flight Academy marks another historic milestone as last year the 12 students from Galway were the very first international students on board the ‘Ambition’.
Meeting with Galway City Mayor
Today when we woke up we went to a golf club and had breakfast. We hadn’t really gotten used to the portions. The large in Ireland is the small in America!! It was hard to finish our pancakes but they were lovely. We then headed back to ‘Ambition’.
We got ready to go to the museum of naval aviation. We were amazed at how many planes there were. There was a Blue Angels simulator which was very good. After we went to have lunch in a restaurant at the museum. It was a very good experience.
Then we went back to our rooms to get our money. We had 20 minutes so we went into the games room for the first time. It has two tv’s in it. One for the Xbox and one for the Playstation. There’s also an air-hockey table. Then we went to the mall and spent 2 hours there.
Afterwards we got dinner in a seafood restaurant. We played volleyball while we were waiting for the food. It was great fun. We ended the night by returning to ‘Ambition’ and had an air-hockey tournament. Mark won!
-Killian McHugh + Domhnall Ó Braonáin
Visit to Atlantic Air Venture
Today the Aviator of the Future Ambassadors are visiting Atlantic Air Venture in Shannon. Jane has been teaching us about the forces of flight; lift, weight, thrust and drag.
Visit their website here; http://www.atlanticairventure.com/
Aviator of the Future Ambassadors 2013
Today we are meeting our new Aviator of the Future Ambassadors for 2013 who will be representing Galway and Ireland.
Here you can see the Ambassadors and their parents at the Orientation Meeting in GEC
The Galway Education Centre has chosen 12 students from County Galway, aged 12-15 to take part in the “Aviator of the Future” programme from July 26th to August 4th, 2013.
These students will fly to The National Flight Academy in Pensacola, Florida, and take part in a special six day residency on board the NFA’s simulated training aircraft carrier, ‘Ambition’.
This is the continuation of the last year’s momentous agreement with the National Flight Academy in Pensacola, Florida, USA.
The Aviators of the Future programme aims to create a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) among students in County Galway.
This renewal of the agreement between the Galway Education Centre and The National Flight Academy marks another historic milestone as last year the 12 students from Galway were the very first international students on board the ‘Ambition’.
In 2012 The Galway Education Centre signed a momentous agreement with the National Flight Academy in Pensacola, Florida, USA to send 12 school children from Galway aged 12-15 to take part in the inaugural “Aviator of the Future ” programme. For twelve lucky schoolchildren it was the opportunity of a lifetime! They flew to The National Flight Academy in the United States and took part in a special five day residency on board the NFA’s simulated training aircraft carrier, Ambition. Ambition is designed to simulate a modern aircraft carrier with three decks catering for everything from simulation and immersion centre spaces to academic spaces, mess decks and accommodation berthing. The programme is to promote science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills along with critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and communication.
Thanks to two of our 2012 Ambassadors who passed on their wisdom to our new Ambassadors.
Aviator of the Future 2013
The Galway Education Centre are seeking 12 students from County Galway, aged 12-15 to take part in the “Aviator of the Future” programme from July 26th to August 4th, 2013.
These students will fly to The National Flight Academy in Pensacola, Florida, and take part in a special six day residency on board the NFA’s simulated training aircraft carrier, ‘Ambition’.
This is the continuation of the last year’s momentous agreement with the National Flight Academy in Pensacola, Florida, USA.
The Aviators of the Future programme aims to create a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) among students in County Galway.
This renewal of the agreement between the Galway Education Centre and The National Flight Academy marks another historic milestone as last year the 12 students from Galway were the very first international students on board the ‘Ambition’
“To be in a position to again offer Irish students an opportunity like this is amazing”, said Bernard Kirk, Director of The Galway Education Centre, “Through our work in the area, we are very aware of the high standards in STEM subjects among our students here in Ireland. We are delighted with the way the partnership has developed over the past year and look forward to working closely with the NFA and TEQ Games @ Universal Studios for a considerable number of years to come”.
Application forms for the Aviators of the Future programme are available to download from http://www.galwayec.ie. Closing date for applications is 5:00 pm on Monday, June 24 th 2013.
For further press information, to request interviews or photography, please contact Galway Education Centre at 091 745600. Email: info@galwayec.ie
Aviators of The Future Scholarships 2013
Galway Education Centre invites applications for scholarships for the second annual Aviator of the Future Programme. The scholarships funded, by Galway Education Centre and the National Fight Academy Pensacola Florida will provide free flights and accommodation for 12 students on the Aviator of the Future Programme.
Background
In 2012 The Galway Education Centre signed a momentous agreement with the National Flight Academy in Pensacola, Florida, USA to send 12 school children from Galway aged 12-15 to take part in the inaugural “Aviator of the Future ” programme. For twelve lucky schoolchildren it was the opportunity of a lifetime! They flew to The National Flight Academy in the United States and took part in a special five day residency on board the NFA’s simulated training aircraft carrier, Ambition. Ambition is designed to simulate a modern aircraft carrier with three decks catering for everything from simulation and immersion centre spaces to academic spaces, mess decks and accommodation berthing. The programme is to promote science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills along with critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and communication. For further information see http://www.aviatorofthefuture.com
Who is eligible to apply?
· All students over 12 years of age and under 16 years of age on August 1st, 2013.
· All students who are full time residents in County Galway on the date of application.
· Students who have a current passport.
· Students who are available to travel between July 26th and August 4th.
· Students who can provide two referees contact details including one from a teacher.
The Committee of the Galway Education Centre may at any stage, seek additional information from individual candidates or referees. The Committee reserve all rights to modify at any time and/or to terminate this scholarship scheme and/or to make whatever decision in regard to the operation of this scholarship scheme that may be required and their determination(s) on all these matter shall be final and there shall be no right to appeal.
How to apply for a scholarship?
Applications are invited from all students living in County Galway and between the ages of 12 and 16 on August 1st 2013 and who meet the eligibility criteria.
Each candidate must submit:
1. A completed application form providing their personal details, his/her educational history, a personal statement and the names and contact details of two referees one of whom must be a teacher.
Application forms can be viewed and printed off from the Galway Education Centre website http://www.galwayec.ie.
2. A two minute YouTube video outlining the reasons they wish to attend and activities he/she has been involved in to date. The YouTube piece must be uploaded to YouTube and set at private. The password to access the YouTube video must be included on the application form in order that the selection Committee can view the video. Instructions are provided in Appendix 1.
Where and when to send completed Application forms?
Applications may be posted or delivered to Galway Education Centre, Cluain Mhuire, Wellpark, Galway, by 5:00pm on Monday June 24th, 2013. It is the applicants’ responsibility to ensure the applications are submitted before the deadline.
What are the selection criteria?
The Committee of the Galway Education Centre has established a selection panel for assessing all applications. Significant importance and preference will be given to candidates who display interest and achievements in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. An interest in aviation and/or gaming is not essential. As in 2012 the selection committee will be looking to select ambassadors who will represent Ireland and therefore interpersonal skills, communication skills and evidence of experience of teamwork will rate highly.
However the selection panel will also review and evaluate the merits and eligibility of candidates using several other criteria including;
(1) the candidates’ motivation, disposition and commitment to benefit from scholarship to The National Flight Academy.
(2) the candidates personal statement will bear on their likelihood of success.
(3) feedback from the referees.
The selection panel will prepare a shortlist of candidates and some candidates may be required to attend an interview with the selection panel. The interview will principally focus on the candidates’ application particularly their personal statement and interpersonal skills and the degree to which he/she meets the selection criteria. Candidates to be called for interview will be given two days notice of the place, time and location of the interview.
Conclusion
The decisions of the selection are final and there will be no right of appeal and the selection committee will not enter into any oral or written communication regarding the final selections.
Galway’s Pioneering Aviators of the Future are honoured
The Science Gallery in Dublin will today honour 3 teachers and 12 schoolchildren from County Galway who last year were crowned the first ever “Aviators of the Future” in The Galway Education Centre’s ground breaking new project in partnership with the National Flight Academy in Pensacola, Florida, USA.
Tonight the impressive group will meet Daraine Mulvihill from RTE’s The Science Squad at The Science Gallery where they will update her on their successful trip to the states last summer and their special six day residency on board the NFA’s simulated training aircraft carrier, Ambition. The team from Galway were the first ever international students to participate in this program.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s function, Bernard Kirk, Director of The Galway Education Centre said, “ We are delighted to be bringing these young Aviators of the future to the flagship centre for science and technology in this country! It is a wonderful opportunity for the students to meet with Daraine Mulvihill and it is so important for them to be recognised for this huge international achievement”.
Mr Kirk credits the innovation, dedication and international respect of teachers in Ireland, as playing a key role in the success of this project. Kate Murray, a principal of a small rural school in Clontuskert, County Galway spoke of her involvement; “For the pupils at Clontuskert National School to get an opportunity like this is life changing. This project is a classic example of how dreams can be brought to reality to the benefit of our young people in the STEAM subjects”.
The National Flight Academy is a subsidiary of The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation in the United States. The Galway Education Centre have for some time also been running programmes such as FIRST LEGO League and The CREST Awards here in Ireland in an effort to also recognise and reward excellence in these important STEAM subjects for Irish Students.
My Experience At The National Flight Academy by Emer Harte
I had the experience of a life time at the National Flight Academy (NFA) in Pensacola, Florida! It was nine days of non-stop action which I enjoyed hugely and met many new friends.
I enjoy Maths and Science in school, so when I saw the notice in the newspaper looking for 12-15 year olds, with an interest in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects to go to the NFA in Florida with the Galway Education Centre, I immediately applied. I was both nervous and excited when I heard that I would be going to America. The Galway Education Centre organized pre-trip meetings where they informed us about the trip and gave us a chance to get to know the other ambassadors and the three teachers from the Galway Education Centre (Kate, Paddy and Maeve), who would accompany us on the trip.
On the 3rd of August, we met at Dublin Airport at 6am, all dressed in our matching ‘Aviator of the Future’ gear. We had a long flight to Atlanta, Georgia and then a further short flight to Pensacola, Florida. We were exhausted when we arrived but we were given a warm welcome by Hank, Kathy and all the others from the National Flight Academy. After many photos, we headed for the NFA, which had been renamed the International Flight Academy, just for us.
We were shown to our staterooms and were given time to unpack before having our first dinner in America- pizza! We stayed up late that night with Chief Chrissy and Chief Lonex, getting to know each other. It was great fun.
As the course wasn’t starting until Sunday we had a free day which we mainly spent on Pensacola beach. It was beautiful. We slapped on the sun cream and ran for the water. With the sun and the sea, we couldn’t have been happier. Later that evening we were taken to the local shopping centre for some quick shopping! We had a barbeque that night. What a start for our first day! I couldn’t wait to see what we would be doing for the next 5 days.
We spent the next few days living on Ambition, a simulated air craft carrier. It was so real that I actually felt like I was living on a huge ship. We were all put into squadrons. I was part of the Chargers, and Chrissy and Jennifer were our chiefs. Throughout the week, they made a huge effort to make us feel welcome and make the experience as enjoyable as possible.
Every morning we were woken by the trumpet blowing the wake-up call at 6.30am (not exactly what I had planned for a week in Florida!!) We had a quick shower, then breakfast at 7.30am and we were sitting at our stations at 8am, ready for a day of action! Our days involved spending time in the JIC (Joint Intelligence Centre), JOC (Joint Operations Centre) and on the simulators. In the JIC we planned our flight paths using computers and smart boards. This is where we put our everyday Maths skills into action. In the JOC, we used head sets and computers to help and advise the other squadrons, who were ‘flying’ using the simulators. While on the simulators, we learned to fly planes and took part in many tasks such as air rallies and rescue missions. We were given a task of rescuing people from a collision between a cruise ship and a cargo ship. Unfortunately, my flight buddy and I weren’t the most successful! – Good job it was only on simulators!!
During the week, we were taken to see the Blue Angels air show, an air traffic control tower and the Rescue Swimmers School. On our final night in America, we went to a local baseball match with the staff of the National Flight Academy. We also got a bit of shopping done too! It was a great finish to a great week.
I loved every minute of my time in Pensacola and I would really like to go back there again some time. I am very grateful to everyone at the National Flight Academy and to Kate, Paddy and Maeve, from the Galway Education Centre for the care we were given while abroad. I would strongly recommend the whole experience to anyone who is interested in the STEM subjects (and a good time!). I had the time of my life and I will remember this experience forever.
Aviator of the Future Programme 
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