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Inspiring Boy Scouts with the magic of flight
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Volunteers help youths earn aviation merit badge
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11/3/2009 11:34 a.m.
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Alaska Airlines and more than 70 employee volunteers helped a group of Seattle-area Boy Scouts discover the magic of flight during the carrier's first Aviation Merit Badge Day. Sponsored in cooperation with the Chief Seattle Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the event attracted a sellout crowd of more than 160 Scouts.
The boys — ages 11 to 17 — spent Saturday, Oct. 24, at Alaska's Flight Operations and Training Center and Maintenance Hangar, where they were treated to a firsthand look at a 737-700 and learned the basics of flying an aircraft, how jet engines work and the functions of various aircraft controls.
They were also briefed on airport operations and the important roles that aircraft technicians, flight attendants, air traffic controllers and others play in commercial aviation.
"It was wonderful to see employees from so many different work groups sharing their knowledge and love of aviation with the youth of our city," said Tom Rogers, an Alaska captain and Eagle Scout. Rogers and Senior Project Manager Joe Gockowski, who is also an Eagle Scout, organized the event to help the Scouts learn about aviation and complete the requirements for an aviation merit badge.
Mike McQueen, director of schedule planning, tutored the boys on how to plan a trip on Alaska Airlines while volunteer Flight Attendants Clinton Callender and Megan Brown described emergency procedures. Duane, Phil and Roger Bailey from the Maintenance & Engineering Division explained how mechanics keep the airline's fleet of jets flying. Other Alaska employees, FAA officials and airport workers described the many career opportunities in the aviation industry.
Five employees flew their own light aircraft to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for the event. Among them was CEO Bill Ayer, who showed the Scouts how to preflight an aircraft using his own Piper Malibu. Ayer was joined by Fleet Support Manager Linda Chism, Captain Greg Bruce, Inspector Scott Burdeaux and Retired Captain James Durkin — all of whom also talked about aerodynamics and described various aircraft instruments.
At the end of the day, 152 Scouts had earned an aviation merit badge.
The idea for Aviation Merit Badge Day came about when Alaska Airlines sought a new way to support the Boy Scouts.
"We have sponsored a golfing auction for several years, but there are not a lot of golfers here," said President Brad Tilden, an Eagle Scout. "It occurred to us that helping a group of Scouts earn their aviation merit badge might be a better way for our company to support scouting. Many kids are fascinated with flying. It was a fun day."
So much fun, in fact, that Rogers and Tilden are already planning a similar event next year.
"We're thinking of calling it Alaska Aviation Day, where any young person — boy or girl — can come and learn about flying. And, if you're a Scout, you can earn a merit badge," Tilden said.
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