Regional youth enjoy an eye-opening day of endless opportunity and life-changing possibilities
Mather Airport in Sacramento was busier than usual this past Sunday. The ramp was filled with colorful airplanes, helicopters, fire trucks, police vehicles as over 200 youth from the Sacramento region were given an opportunity that many could only dream of. The California Capital Airshow, presented by Sacramento County, along with Sacramento Jet Center at Mather Airport, more than 50 local pilots and dozens of caring community partners introduced disadvantaged youth to an eye-opening day of endless opportunity, inspiration and life-changing possibilities - aptly named, Positive Altitude.
In order to participate in Positive Altitude, each child was required to submit an application and/or essay. Twenty-five essay winners were awarded the opportunity to experience and truly feel the thrill of flying with an introductory flight lesson. Training aircraft and instructors from Mach 5 Aviation were on standby at Sacramento Jet Center’s new location at Mather Airport to take the lucky winners beyond the horizon!
The kids also enjoyed a motivating conversation and presentation by Tony Magee, well-known author and STEM education director at Aerojet Rocketdyne, as well as lunch, interactive games and actual flight simulators. Additionally, many aviation-related community partners were on hand to share stories, knowledge, and fun!
The Airshow and its year-round programs use the power and magic of flight to inspire young people; creating an exciting educational environment showcasing how science, technology, engineering and math are the tools needed to accomplish great things, reach for the stars and change the world. The looks of excitement and curiosity on these kid’s faces throughout the day were simply unforgettable and Positive Altitude will continue for many years to come.
Statistics show that exposure to such unique and interactive experiences expand a young person’s imagination and broaden their outlook on life, as well as their view of the world. Positive Altitude isn’t just about aviation or the thrill of flying; this event is so much more. It is about the opportunities that lie ahead if these young people are given the tools to succeed. Half the battle is exposing children to life beyond their neighborhoods, the latest gang, or their family legacy. With this unique annual event the Airshow hopes to truly inspire these kids to strive for a better life and achieve the greatness that we all know they possess.
To see television coverage of the event, Click Here. To see photos from Positive Altitude, Click Here.
ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA CAPITAL AIRSHOW
Established in 2004, the California Capital Airshow has become one of the largest and most highly- respected shows in the nation. CCA is an exciting and family-friendly non-profit regional event designed to honor the Sacramento region’s rich aviation heritage and veterans while inspiring young people to pursue education and careers in the areas of science, technology, engineering, math, aviation, aeronautics or aerospace. The non-profit organization gives back to the community through scholarships, charitable group donations, and a wide variety of community events and exciting educational programs throughout the year. For more information about the California Capital Airshow, please visit www.californiacapitalairshow.com or call Airshow Headquarters (916) 876-7568.
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