2011 is the Centennial of the First Transcontinental Flight that started in Sheepshead Bay, New York and ended in Long Beach, California on December 10, 1911 just 800+ yards from our Long Beach Arena. (The area was surf and sand back then and later filled in.) As part of a year long list of aviation related events, we included an Aviation Career Day at the Long Beach Municipal Airport.
This event was the brainchild of local general aviation business owner, Curt Castanga who is passionate about encouraging young people to consider a career in aviation and to showcase our local aviation partners who add so much to our economy. The event was held yesterday, at the Long Beach Municipal Airport on Saturday, November 19, 2011. (what's that? you didn't see any coverage in the local press...not controversial enough...)
Over 300 attended. The Firefighters Association cooked and provided hot dogs. There were several speakers. Lots of planes and information booths. Free bolsa planes that actually flew quite well in and out of the hangar. We were treated to the sight of a blimp taking off and landing outside the hangar.
A special thanks goes to Curt Castagna of Aerolease/Aeroplex who stepped up and offered his hangar and staff assistance to make certain this happened.
A big shout out to Mario Rodriguez, Director of the Long Beach Municipal Airport and his staff who did the work in bringing organizations and planes to the tarmac and hangar.
A special thanks to Kerry Gerot, newly hired Public Affairs Manager at the Airport who worked behind the scenes getting the word out about the event and serving as MC for the program during the day.
And as always, a big thank you to my staff who work so very hard in serving the residents of the 5th Council District.