Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) seminars allow aircraft mechanics, repair station employees and aircraft maintenance students to keep up with the latest industry trends and safety issues in aviation maintenance. Attendees are eligible for commendation under the FAA's AMT Awards Program. Many AMT's with Inspection Authorization (IA) privileges commonly renew their IA through this successful multi-purpose program.

The 2004, First Annual Soaring Safety Summit will bring together soaring pilots from North Carolina and the East Coast. This exciting new event is an effort to serve the needs of a unique community of aviators who fly unpowered aircraft. Many regional soaring organizations, the NC Division of Aviation, and the FAA have come together to sponsor this event.

This event features a combination of safety seminars, flight proficiency training, aviation exhibitors, and a pilot appreciation banquet. At Wings, pilots will be able to attend informative safety seminars and fly with volunteer flight instructors. This event qualifies under the FAA's Pilot Proficiency Program, also known as the Wings Program. The Wings Day allows pilots to meet their mandatory FAA training requirements (FAA Flight Review) by attending one safety seminar and flying with an instructor for 3 hours. Volunteer flight instructors will be on hand to fly with pilots wanting to meet the Wing's requirements. Pilots certificated as Recreational Pilot or higher are eligible to fly with a volunteer flight instructor during the event for a complete training experience. Bring your own aircraft or choose from a limited supply of rental aircraft and you will be on your way to your earning your Wings! Don't forget about the Saturday evening "Pilot Appreciation Banquet". This FREE banquet promises food, folks, and fun for all those who sign up.

Commonly offered during the Wings Weekend Program, (see above description) this course is designed for persons that are described as "frequent flyers" in general aviation aircraft. The goal of the Companion Pilot Course is to give participants a better understanding of the aircraft operations and systems.

Karen Smith of the Wilmington Air Traffic Control Tower has generously taught this course for several consecutive years with rave reviews. As an Air Traffic Controller and Flight Instructor she has the ability to relate to the various demographics of the group.

Operation Rain Check is an Air Traffic Control Tower outreach program hosted by North Carolina air traffic control facilities, this program gives pilots the opportunity to meet with regional air traffic controllers. The goal is to improve the understanding of the system, accomplished through special safety seminars and ATC facility tours or virtual tours.

The Division of Aviation offers an opportunity to stay current on the latest FAA regulations, flight techniques and safety information through local nightly seminars. They only last a few hours and may be as close as the nearest airport. These seminars are typically held in conjunction with the FAA's Wings Safety Program. NCDOT additionally sponsors the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Air Safety Foundation (ASF) to present seminars in this format.

Air Tours are best described as an opportunity to include families in aviation events with a special emphasis on aviation safety seminars. Unique to all other programs, Air Tours are a great way to get the aviation safety message out to a broader audience plus benefit communities with tourism revenue. Activities include a multi-airport visit to various airports with group events and seminars.

A growing program in the Division of Aviation, this program consist of facility tours and presentations by the staff. The presentation consist of an overview of general aviation and issues in an on or off-site format.

The current education emphasis targets budding pilots, maintenance technicians, and other personnel in aviation. The Division of Aviation can provide informative displays at youth career trade shows, offer facility tours, and provide input to local school systems.

The Division of Aviation supports the Experiment Aircraft Associations (EAA) "Young Eagles Program." http://www.youngeagles.org. This program goes beyond talking about flying or "hangar flying" as pilots call it, to getting kid's ages 8-17 years old in an aircraft for a trilling airplane ride. General aviation pilots in the EAA reached their goal to fly one million young people by December 2003, commemorating 100 years of powered flight, which began in North Carolina. The Division of Aviation has supported state EAA Chapter efforts through co-sponsorship of events, materials and a special letter of accomplishment from the Governor to individual Young Eagle plane ride recipients.

• Letter from the Governor to Young Eagles Participants

Youth programs are expanding to include an emphasis on early childhood aviation awareness to generate excitement and interest at an impressionable age. It also will help motivate school children to excel in school in preparation for a career in aviation.

All of the events we participate in wouldn't be possible without the help of key organizations, groups, companies and volunteers. From the FAA who's support we value tremendously due to our similar mission. Corporate sponsorship that allows us to offer a all around better program, to the aviation enthusiast that helps set-up tables for Wings Weekend it is truly a TEAM EFFORT that makes this program work. From the Division of Aviation we would like to give you a hearty "thank you!" and "well done!"