ICON A5 Visits Richmond Executive Chesterfield County Airport

The ICON A5 Introduction to Flight Program, which is a new and free aviation education program offered by the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV), traveled to Richmond Executive - Chesterfield County Airport to teach American Heritage Girls, a Christian-based scouting group about aviation.

A group of 17 girls and their parents attended the ICON A5 presentation at the airport as part of an “Aviation Day” on Saturday, March 19. The scouting group also met with the Virginia State Police and learned about the Civil Air Patrol. Throughout the day, the girls learned about fuel farms, airfield lighting, taxiways and basic aircraft aerodynamics.

Communications and Education Division Transportation Operator and Presenter Kim Anderson drove the transit van that is connected to the ICON A5 trailer and setup the display at Richmond Executive – Chesterfield County Airport. PR and Education Specialist David Halstead led the presentation and explained the flight controls while each student was seated in the aircraft. Halstead discussed how airplanes fly and answered questions from the girls and their parents.

PR and Education Manager Betty Wilson talked with the students following their time in the ICON A5 about what they learned and the many careers available in aviation. All girl scouts received wooden balsa airplanes and aviation calendars.

The ICON A5 is an amphibious light sport aircraft that the DOAV PR and Education Team take across the Commonwealth of Virginia to educate youth about aviation. For more information on how to get this free program to your school or local airport, email Betty Wilson.