It's an aviation enthusiast's dream! Flights in private aircraft; tours of aviation facilities at Metro Airport, Detroit City Airport and Selfridge Air National Guard Base; model airplane building; a visit to the Tuskegee Airmen Museum, briefings on flight theory, navigation and aviation history.

These activities and more are part of the annual Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academy hosted by Wayne State University, July 13-17. The program, which involves 8-10th graders from Detroit-area schools, is aimed at encouraging careers in aviation by giving students an opportunity to observe aviation-related activities up close and personal. Students, parents, schools and participating organizations, including the Federal Aviation Administration, have praised the program.

The approximately 25 participants, most from Detroit Public Schools, will visit an airport control tower, fire stations and aircraft maintenance facilities. They also will compete in flying model gliders that they themselves will build.

But the highlight of the week for most will be rides in private aircraft piloted by members of the Black Pilots of America (BPA) organization on Wednesday, July 15, (10 a.m.-noon) at Detroit City Airport. The BPA is a sponsor of the academy, along with the National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees, Organization of Black Airline Pilots and the Tuskegee Airmen.

WSU's King-Chavez-Parks College Day and HEOC/Talent Search Programs coordinate the program. There is no charge to the students.

Completion certificates will be awarded during closing ceremonies at WSU on Friday, July 17.