Thrill of First Flight returns to local airport
The skies above Waycross and Ware County Airport were alive with excitement earlier this month as more than five dozen area youth took to the air —many for the very first time — during the annual Thrill of the First Flight event at the Wayross- Ware County Airport.
The aviation outreach program, designed to spark interest in aerospace careers, provided hands-on experiences for students ages 8–18 and their families.
Hosted by John Ratcliff and his nonprofit organization, Thrill of the First Flight GA, the event served as a launchpad — both figuratively and literally — for youth interested in careers in aviation and aerospace. First Flight GA has been instrumental in connecting rural students to real-world aviation experiences through flight days, education programs, and mentorship.
A’zaria Hillman, a student from Ware County, opened the program by singing the National Anthem.
While the thrill of flying was front and center, the event also introduced students and their families to the diverse range of aviation careers available. Industry professionals were on hand to share guidance and real-world insight, including: • A retired Southwest Airlines ground supervisor, offering behind-thescenes airline knowledge;
• Instructors from Frontline Aviation, the local flight school that provides primary pilot training;
• Program ambassadors from South Georgia Technical College (Americus) and Middle Georgia State University (Eastman), discussing aviation programs and degree pathways; • Personnel from the Ware County Fire Department and Ware County Sheriff’s Office, showcasing public safety operations and airport response roles.
First Flight GA also is offering one student a Flight Instruction Award consisting of 16 hours of dual flight training with Frontline Aviation.
These flight hours count toward earning a private pilot’s license, an important first milestone for any aspiring pilot.
This grant is an opportunity for a motivated young aviator to take the first real step toward flight certification.
Those ages 16-19 who reside in Ware or Pierce counties are eligible to apply before the deadline Friday, May 9 at firstflightga. org/awards.
The event wouldn’t have been possible without strong community collaboration. Special thanks go to Ware County Fire & Resue Chief Dee Meadows and the entire team at Waycross-Ware County Airport for their outstanding coordination and support.
Together, with aviation mentors, educational partners, and public safety teams, the event offered youth a memorable experience.
For more about aviation opportunities, upcoming programs, and ways to support youth in flight visit firstflightga.org on the internet or check facebook. com/firstflightga.
An adult watches as a young boy gets to “fly” while on the ground at the controls of a flight simulator under the watchful eye of a veteran pilot (right) as part of the Thrill of First Flight event. SPECIAL PHOTO
