PITTSBURGH – Allegheny County Airport in West Mifflin will host students participating in the Airport Authority’s Ready for Takeoff program on Friday, May 12, as part of a regional corporate equity and inclusion initiative.
This year, four ninth grade students from Westinghouse Academy will take a tour with STAT MedEvac and the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics and experience the operating procedures of a general aviation airport first-hand. The students began the program in the 2015-16 school year and served as mentors to eighth grade students enrolled during the 2016-17 school year.
Schedule of Events
9:00 a.m. Arrival of Students to Main Terminal Conference Room
9:00-9:30 Introductions and Breakfast
9:30-10:15 STAT MedEvac Tour of Hangar and Helicopter, Intro to Aviation Careers
10:20-11:15 Tour of Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, Intro to School and Career Paths
11:20-12:00 Ride in Airport Authority Fire Trucks
12:00-12:45 Lunch and Wrap-Up Discussion in Terminal Conference Room
Through Ready for Takeoff, the Airport Authority and its partners educate eighth grade students on the numerous career opportunities at the airport. The students also follow a curriculum surrounding the program throughout the year, beginning with an open house event in which they are introduced to airport professionals.
"Community outreach is important and this is one way we engage the community. We’ve been very pleased to have the students out at Pittsburgh International Airport to show them numerous opportunities for rewarding careers in aviation,” said Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis.
The Corporate Equity and Inclusion Roundtable (CEIR) initiative develops strategies for recruiting, promoting and retaining minorities through its involvement with local businesses, including the Airport Authority. The initiative was organized by the Black Political Empowerment Project, with support from the Allegheny Conference on Community Development and Allegheny County. The effort has included community and business leaders throughout Western Pennsylvania.
See Photos from Ready for Takeoff
About Allegheny County Airport Authority:
Allegheny County Airport Authority, which manages Pittsburgh International Airport and Allegheny County Airport, is committed to increasing air service, improving customer service and inspiring growth in the Pittsburgh region. Its 2016 Annual Report detailing growth and improved financial position can be found at flypittsburgh.com/AR16 .
About Pittsburgh International Airport
Pittsburgh International Airport serves more than 8 million passengers annually on 16 carriers. During the past two years, the airport has increased its nonstop destinations more than 80 percent to include 68 airports. Air Transport World named Pittsburgh International its 2017 Airport of the Year. Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast both named Pittsburgh International a Top 10 Domestic Airport in 2016. In addition, TripAdvisor ranked Pittsburgh International Airport a Travelers’ Choice Favorite for Shopping in 2016.