Look at all these bright faces! They sure do have a reason to shine, as they've just completed the spring course of our free aviation ground school. Next session begins in October! Find more info here.

​The past two Saturdays, Ray Travis and Michael Oliphant led a 2-part raku sculpture workshop. Here is a short clip for all to have a glimpse at the creative happening that took place.

Our friends at EAA Chapter 1083 in Rowan County are once again hosting the spectacular ASCEND aviation camp this Summer (June 18 thru Saturday June 23, 2018), open to youth of 13-18 years of age. The camp has proven to be a great success for budding aviation enthusiasts, and has inspired many young people to pursue aviation as their carrier.
 
Just recently this note was received from one of the ASCEND graduates Delante' V. Sykes (see photo), who now got his private pilot license. “Please let everybody know who helps put the camp together of my success, and I thank all of them for embracing me and helping me fall in love with aviation.” 

Click here to learn more about the camp and the program offered.
You can also check out their Facebook page. 

We have a treat for your eyes today. Though this event took place last September, the memories are still fresh, and this new video clip will revive the magical moments that happened then, yet can be enjoyed now.  Check it out! 

To read more about this fun event, see our earlier post.

​One of SVA friends, Steve Fritts, has offered 3 wonderful classes to some children (and a few adults 😊). The first class was about building a toy airplane, followed by a class in which they worked on constructing a radio.   In a recent class, the theme was electricity and magnetism.  
 
Since early childhood, Steve has been fascinated with “how things work.” What he wasn’t able to learn about electricity tinkering in the family’s garage, he made up for by joining 4-H where he discovered many opportunities to learn more.  This only increased his interest in all things electric.   After his service in the Air Force, Steve became involved in a career as an A&P (Airframe and Powerplant mechanic) in the aviation industry with a focus on avionics.  Steve is now retired and owns and flies his Cessna 140 at every opportunity.   A gifted and enthusiastic teacher, Steve continues to share his enthusiasm for “how things work” with youngsters all over the Piedmont Triad. Enjoy a few photos from these sessions, and see the children participating in and focused on learning “how things work.”
 
In addition to classes with Steve, children and young adults have enjoyed some pottery classes, art classes, as well as woodworking classes with local volunteers.
 
If you are interested in exploring what opportunities might be found at Sugar Valley Airport for you or your children, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. SVA offers a beautiful platform for people to share, connect, learn with and from each other. Come and experience for yourself!
 

​~ 11/17 Sugar Valley Craftsmen hosted another raku workshop.  Ray Travis guided folks in making raku candlestick holders. No experience was necessary for this, just another opportunity to be creative with clay!

~ 10/27 an RC (radio controlled) airplane club came to SVA. Visitors were welcome to come see the planes and visit with the club members to learn more about RC's.
​
~ 10/2 The Sugar Valley Composite Squadron hosted the CAP speaker
Charles Willard and Chris Keon, presenting about “Unmanned Systems for Public Safety". This presentation covered how unmanned systems can be safely and effectively used in public safety applications. A variety of unmanned systems was shown, including the technologies used to stream live video to public safety agencies.
This event was open to public.

~5/29 The CAP Sugar Valley Composite Squadron hosted an open house. 
​More info here.

​~ 4/14 Rowan Aero Modelers Society (RAMS) hosted a fly-in for AMA members and guests at SVA. 
​ The Rowan Aero Modelers Society (RAMS) was chartered in 1968 and is the oldest Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) sanctioned Club in North Carolina.  RAMS leases property in eastern Rowan County for their home flying field.  All members are required to obtain AMA membership.
Throughout the year, many neighboring clubs host fly-ins at their own home fields and several of RAMS members are regular participants.  RAMS hosts a few fly-ins at locations other than their home field, which includes Sugar Valley during Spring and Fall.  RC flying out of a full-scale airport adds another level of uniqueness to this hobby. RAMS welcomes any AMA member to fly with them at any of their off-site events.  Any size and type of RC aircraft are welcome.
Speaking of size and type:  Model aircraft have really blossomed in recent years.  Virtually ANY full-scale aircraft that has ever flown has been represented as a flying model aircraft.  The advent of lithium polymer batteries and brushless motors has made fully-electric model aircraft a reality and with impressive performance.  Gas/glow motors still have a healthy presence and have enjoyed improved performance and reliability.  Real jet engines and electric ducted fans now make model jet aircraft an option for real adrenaline junkies.
For more information please connect with John Gaskey- John.Gaskey@duke-energy.com. 

​Congratulations to our own “SVA local,” Lee Kosub, who on October 24th became an instrument-rated pilot, one who is certificated to fly an aircraft in conditions of reduced visibility, as in the clouds, depending primarily on instruments for navigation rather than on visual observation of external surroundings.
She studied and practiced, practiced and studied with that tremendous focus and determination which are among her many gifts. She did this while being pregnant and having a toddler to raise, among other responsibilities. It was not a walk in the park. In fact, Lee admits that it was definitely more challenging and took longer than she expected.
 
However, as often happens when one is serious about pursuing a heart-felt dream, things magically line up, challenges are transformed into doors of opportunities and one is a step closer to the destination. Lee’s achievement is just another example of that “magical” process.
Lee shared that behind her pursuit of the instrument training was her interest in becoming a flight instructor. Achieving an instrument rating is one of the requirements on that path. “Becoming a flight instructor was inspired by the gift and joy of flight and wanting to be a part of passing that on to the next generation. So many people have been so generous on my journey as a pilot. People in aviation want to see people learn how to fly and experience the joy of it. I'm looking forward to being a part of passing that joy on and paying it forward,” said Lee.  
She shared that with a lot of support and encouragement, she was able to achieve her instrument rating. “And when I say support, I mean way above and beyond what is ‘normal.’ Susan, one of the airport managers at SVA, took care of my 2-year-old daughter two mornings a week for nine months so that I could fly! Definitely not in the usual airport manager’s job description! And my instructor, Gary, really had to be as dedicated to my success as I was. He made time in his schedule to fly with me 4-8 hours per week for nine months. He had just retired from a successful career as pilot and trainer with American Airlines when I connected with him to start the instrument training. Not only did he make the time, but the instruction was absolutely topnotch. Better than money could buy. So the story is really about the people at places like Sugar Valley and the inherent generosity and good character in the aviation community. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of passing that on?”
This is a well-earned and a significant achievement that is inspiring to many of us.
May this story serve as an encouragement to all of us in navigating our paths towards worthwhile pursuits.

​ On 10/21/17 Rowan Aero Modelers Society (RAMS) hosted a Fly-in for AMA members and guests at SVA.
​The Rowan Aero Modelers Society (RAMS) was chartered in 1968 and is the oldest Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) sanctioned Club in North Carolina.  RAMS leases property in eastern Rowan County for their home flying field.  All members are required to obtain AMA membership.
 Throughout the year, many neighboring clubs host fly-ins at their own home fields and several of RAMS members are regular participants.  RAMS hosts a few fly-ins at locations other than their home field, which includes Sugar Valley during Spring and Fall.  RC flying out of a full-scale airport adds another level of uniqueness to this hobby.

​RAMS welcomes any AMA member to fly with them at any of their off-site events.  Any size and type of RC aircraft are welcome.
Speaking of size and type:  Model aircraft have really blossomed in recent years.  Virtually ANY full-scale aircraft that has ever flown has been represented as a flying model aircraft.  The advent of lithium polymer batteries and brushless motors has made fully-electric model aircraft a reality and with impressive performance.  Gas/glow motors still have a healthy presence and have enjoyed improved performance and reliability.  Real jet engines and electric ducted fans now make model jet aircraft an option for real adrenaline junkies.

A flock of white egrets stopped by the Sugar Valley Lake this past Thursday. Such beauty around!

​CAP Sugar Valley Composite Squadron hosts monthly speaker series. These are open to public and cover a variety of topics.

On 10/10/17 C/CMSgt Caleb Padiak presented “The Quiddity of Respect” as the topic for our October session. Padiak cited respect, one of the CAP Core Values, as the basis for the other Core Values of excellence, integrity, and volunteer service.  “The premise of respect is to recognize value, which is good. We see amazing things happen when there is a lack of respect, and we see equally amazing things happen when there is strong respect.” Padiak gave the example of a young private in Iraq who threw himself over a grenade to save the other members of his team. And what about self-respect? “Self-respect is having respect for your future self. If you respect your future self, then you will be responsible and wise to the best of your abilities in everything.”

​Padiak closed with this: “There is an inverse ratio between wisdom and the potential to act on it. Being in Civil Air Patrol is a great first step. To everyone, and Cadets especially, do not miss your chances to show respect.”