Florida Tech Invites Public to Aviation Day Oct. 17

MELBOURNE, FLA.—As part of its Homecoming 2009 festivities, the Florida Institute of Technology College of Aeronautics, FIT Aviation and Florida Tech Army R.O.T.C. will hold Aviation Day on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 to 4 p.m. The location is the Emil Buehler Center for Aviation Training and Research at the Melbourne International Airport. Admission is free.

Aviation Day offers something for all family members with many static aviation displays, and representation by several aviation businesses and organizations.
“I’m looking forward to an Aviation Day that will be better than ever. We have participation by the R.O.T.C. for the first time and are planning so many educational, fun activities,” said Winston Scott, dean of the College of Aeronautics and former astronaut.

The day will include a landing competition hosted by the Florida Tech Falcons, kid’s balsawood airplane flying contest, simulator in operation, airplane rides, raffles, auction, food vendors and more.

Aircraft slated for exhibit include a Cessna 414, King Air C-90, EC-135 (First Flight helicopter), CH47 Chinook helicopter, T-1, T-611 and T-38, H-57 helicopter, DC-3 Turbo, EAA Chapters 7, 24, 1288 homebuilt aircraft and the Florida Tech Piper Warriors and Remos aircraft.

From 7 to 9 a.m., Florida Tech R.O.T.C. will host their annual Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Fitness Competition. The event, among competing high school teams from at least seven high schools, includes the Army physical fitness standards push-ups and sit-ups, and a two-mile run. Participating high schools are from Brevard County, Port St. Lucie and Arcadia. The contact for this event is Senior Drill Sergeant Robert Kasper, (407) 383-0279.

To get to the Emil Buehler Center, turn onto Woody Burke Road—a continuation of Dairy Road—at Hibiscus Boulevard. Cross NASA Boulevard onto Grumman Place and turn right onto Tower Access Road. The next right turn leads to the Buehler Center.

For more information contact Ryan Tenny, Florida Tech College of Aeronautics, at (321) 674-7369. Visit http://aviation-day.com.