63th Air Refueling Squadron pilot mentors the future of aviation

  • Published
  • By Maj. Christine Stanaback
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --       "Cessna November 62354, clear for takeoff," blared through the headset as the pilot pushed up the throttle of the four-seat, high-wing, single-engine Cessna 172 Skyhawk. Fifteen-year-old Tiffini Campbell, Terry Parker High School student and Aviation Career Education Academy, Jacksonville Fla., attendee, accelerated down the runway, pulled back on the yoke, lifting the aircraft and crew of three, off the ground. "Today is when everything comes together for the kids," said Maj. Brandon Acosta, director of the Jacksonville ACE Academy and traditional reserve KC-135 Stratotanker instructor pilot with the 63rd Air Refueling Squadron, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., as he peers through his aviator sunglasses on the ramp watching Tiffini's takeoff. "This last week of aviation tours, basic flight instruction, and career path development come together in the experience of this flight." 

     Tiffini is a student at ACE Academy, a nationally-recognized program, co-sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees. The camp serves as a support network for underserved communities. Focused on middle and high school students, the goal of the ACE Academy is to provide insight and hands-on experience for students to learn the fundamentals of aerodynamics, the various careers available in the aviation industry and create a career path for their future.
     For Acosta, his passion for flying goes beyond his service as a Citizen Airmen. When not flying missions with the 63rd ARS, he volunteers as the director of ACE Academy.

"Volunteers are an essential part of the academy," said Acosta. "The staff consists of pilots, teachers, finance managers, and sales associates varying in background and education bringing their unique life stories and experiences in aviation to the students. The mission is not only aviation education, but to create a network of opportunity to grow the future of aviation and the community."

     Focused on bringing the ACE Academy to Tampa, Fla. and exposing local young adults to military and civilian aviation careers in Tampa, Acosta is optimistic the academy will gain community support. Donations provide students with an experience of a lifetime, but there is concern each year about whether the academy will remain open and if the growing need for the academy in other cities will obtain the support required to grow aviation's future pilots, air traffic controllers and maintenance personnel.
     In addition to the continued support of volunteers and agencies providing their time and equipment, the academy in Jacksonville, Fla. is funded by donations through the Charlton Camps for Aviation Science & Technology Training. The donations provide the students with meals, transportation to off-site tours, student insurance, and flight time. Increasing fuel prices and personal expenses incurred by volunteers create an obstacle each year for the academy to operate and limit the number of the students the academy can support. Despite its financial struggles, the academy leaders are committed to providing the students with a unique outlook of opportunities and life skills through aviation.

"It was fun, the challenges taught us how to be organized and brought us together as a team", said Derrick Taylor, a student at Ribault High School in Jacksonville, Fla. and ACE Academy attendee.

     Students nearing high school graduation are faced with important decisions. These decisions can either help or hinder a successful future. ACE Academy provides positive role models educated and successful in their own specialties willing to share their experiences to future generations. .

"This academy reaches out to everyone and it is good for the kids to see successful men and women of all backgrounds. I've been involved with the camp for two years and you can see the difference in their maturity and individual character by the end of the week," said retired Lt. Tyrone Jones, firefighter with the Baltimore City Fire Department, Md., and ACE Academy leader. "This program provides the tools and mentorship needed to make a difference."

     The influence of the academy is bigger than the student. Nathan Christel, a graduate of the academy and sophomore at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona, is an example of the school's lasting impact. After high school, he joined the Florida Air National Guard as a security forces Airman. Soon after being awarded a Combat Systems Officer scholarship, Nathan decided to go to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, full-time to pursue a commission. He stays in touch with his ACE instructors. For ACE Academy students, their teachers often become lifetime mentors.

"The academy provides a great network," said Christel. "I could email or call the camp leaders today and they would be there to point me in the right direction."

     Wings-level and eyes on the horizon, Tiffini and her crew touch-down on the runway. The instructor taxis the aircraft back to the hangar. She is so excited, she runs from the plane to share the experience with rest of the students and academy; Acosta smiles.

If you would like more information, contact ACE Academy, Jacksonville at www.ccastt.com and ACE Academy, Tampa at ace@aceofthebay.com.