Sky’s the Limit: Flying into the Future at North Texas ACE Camp
By: Nicole Johnson
For students across the country dreaming of careers in aviation, ACE Camp is quickly becoming one of the most immersive and inspiring programs available. Short for Aviation Career Education Camp, this weeklong experience, held in various locations across the U.S., offers high school students an in-depth look at the aviation industry through hands-on training, behind-the-scenes tours, and direct engagement with aviation professionals.
This year’s North Texas-based ACE Camp hosted in Fort Worth, Texas, and made possible through the partnership of the University of North Texas, Tarrant County College, Texas Woman’s University, and the North Central Texas Council of Governments, was a standout example of how early exposure and real-world experience can ignite lifelong passion. Throughout the week, students were introduced to the many career paths within aviation—from piloting and aircraft maintenance to drone operations, aerospace, and aviation safety. The curriculum blended technical instruction with practical application, giving students the rare opportunity to both learn about and experience the various careers in aviation.
Campers began with fundamentals: aerodynamics, aircraft systems, and electronic flight tools. Weather briefings, chart navigation, and simulator training helped them understand what goes into preparing a flight. As the days progressed, students learned about riveting and sheet metal, non-destructive materials testing, and aviation maintenance demonstrations.
Technology and innovation were front and center with drone-building challenges. Once the drones were built, the students participated in competitions—such as drone speed, skills tests, and raced a remote-controlled semi truck to deliver packages, which encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and applied learning.
One of the most exciting and eye-opening moments for students was spending time at the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) station. There, they learned about the critical role firefighters play in airport safety and emergency response. Students watched a live demonstration of a high-powered water turret in action, simulating a rescue mission. For many, this was a chance to explore an essential but often overlooked career in aviation.
Beyond the technical side, the ACE Camp emphasized connections within the industry. Students engaged in conversations with military pilots, airport managers, police and federal agents, aircraft mechanics, and air traffic controllers. Military panels and civilian career discussions gave students an authentic look at what different aviation roles entail, how to pursue them, and the realities of life in the field.
The camp also featured several industry tours that would impress even seasoned professionals. Campers visited Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport for an airside tour and explored the Southwest Airlines Maintenance Hangar. At RECARO, students saw how aircraft seats are designed and manufactured, while the tour at Aspire MRO introduced them to the massive world of aircraft maintenance, overhaul, and passenger-to-freighter conversion.
But the true highlight for many students was the discovery flights with Thrust Flight and helicopter flights provided by Tarrant County College’s partner Veracity Aviation. For most, it was their first time in the cockpit of either a small airplane or a helicopter, and under the guidance of certified flight instructors, they took the controls and experienced the thrill of flight firsthand. Whether soaring above North Texas in a fixed-wing aircraft or lifting off vertically in a rotorcraft, these moments gave students an unforgettable taste of what it’s like to be a pilot.
Programs like the ACE Camp are vital in building the next generation of aviation professionals. With the industry facing ongoing workforce shortages, particularly with pilots, maintainers, and air traffic control, the need for early engagement has never been greater. For students, parents, educators, or aviation organizations looking to support or participate in ACE Camp programs, now is the time to get connected. Camps are offered in multiple states each year, often supported by local colleges, aviation businesses, and government agencies. As this year’s North Texas cohort demonstrated, one week at ACE Camp can launch a lifetime in the sky.
Photo caption note:
For the one labeled “0601225_ACE Camp_HDC_1696” can you please have a caption or label to include “Photo courtesy of Hillwood, Debra Hale”
*This article was developed by NCTCOG staff with the assistance of AI.
