Aviation Day Program for Pontiac Public Schools

Waterford, Mich. – Pentastar Aviation will welcome students from Pontiac Public Schools to take flight as they host the Pontiac Alumni Foundation’s (PAF) “Aviation Day” program on August 24, 2011.  Approximately 75 students will have the opportunity to fly in general aviation aircraft, tour Pentastar and Oakland County International Airport (OCIA) facilities and meet with a cadre of guest speakers.  The program is being produced in partnership with the OCIA, the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program, Western Michigan University, the Tuskegee Airmen National Museum and the City of Pontiac.

“Aviation education has been a long-standing passion of mine,” Pentastar President & CEO Rick Maloney said.  “Aviation Day provides the perfect opportunity for us to serve our community while introducing students to the world of aviation,” Maloney said.

Pentastar and PAF are proud to welcome back keynote speaker Lt. Col. Harry T. Stewart, USAF (Ret.), who was a featured speaker at the first Aviation Day program in 2009.  Stewart, who was one of the original members of the Tuskegee Airmen, will share his experiences as part of the United States military’s first African-American pilot corps.

“Lt. Col. Stewart has a unique and moving story to tell,” said Oakland County Circuit Judge Fred M. Mester, founder of PAF.  “These students will have the chance to not only fly on a plane during the program, but also to go on a historical journey with Lt. Col. Stewart,” Mester said.

Students will tour a variety of aircraft throughout the day.  The program will also celebrate the Sesquicentennial of the City of Pontiac and emphasize the significance of the OCIA to the surrounding area through the decades.

About Pentastar Aviation

For nearly 50 years, Pentastar Aviation has been a leader in the world of business aviation. Pentastar Aviation provides award-winning aircraft maintenance, aircraft management services, aviation advisors, avionics design/installation/repair and aircraft charter through Pentastar Aviation Charter, Inc.  Pentastar’s repair station received Airframe Class 3 and 4 Ratings from the FAA in January 2009 and boasts one of the most expansive and well-equipped facilities in the nation.  Pentastar’s world-class FBOs at Oakland County International provide exceptional customer service and amenities to regional, continental and global travelers.  Pentastar strives to give back to the community through a variety of charitable initiatives.

About Pontiac Alumni Foundation

Pontiac Alumni Foundation (PAF) is a non-profit organization founded in 2000 by Oakland County Circuit Judge Fred M. Mester. The PAF’s stated mission “Creating a Certainty of Opportunity,” includes empowering youth in Pontiac to make positive life choices. The PAF is comprised of five major components: mentoring, tutoring, community outreach, soccer and enrichments – all intended to keep the student engaged year-round by providing activities during and after school.

About the Experimental Aircraft Association

The Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program was launched in 1992 to give interested young people, ages 8 – 17, an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane. These flights are offered free of charge and are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers.

About Oakland County International Airport

Oakland County International Airport (OCIA), located in Waterford, Michigan, is the County’s aviation gateway to the world and is the premiere corporate and general aviation airport serving Oakland County, Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan. Currently ranked as the world’s twelfth busiest general aviation airport, more than 500,000 passengers and pilots pass through OCIA every year.  More than 150 corporations base aircraft here.  More than 800 aircraft are based at the airport, and their value is in excess of $200 million.  The 24 hour facility is completely self-supporting.

CONTACT:

All media inquiries should be directed to Danielle Tanner, Pentastar Aviation at 248.666.8221.