America does a lot of things well, and some things, exceptionally well.

Take our aviation industry for instance, actually let me ask the question, "Where was powered flight invented?". Not China, not Germany, not England. Powered flight, for the entire world, was invented and proven between a bicycle shop in Ohio and some North Carolina sand dunes. Visionaries like Curtiss and Hughes broke records and barriers. As I write shares of Boeing are up 3% as their first 787 Dreamliner is being delivered to Al Nippon Airlines.

Aviation has "Made in America" stamped all over it.

While other industries lag, while un- and underemployment ranges around 18%, you can still find a job in one of the many facets of flying.

At this writing, the online aviation jobs site Avjob.com reports that they have have over 26,000 jobs posted with nearly 19,000 of them added in the past 30 days. That strikes me as a vibrant site serving a vibrant industry.

Yet how can our young people learn more, get a taste of what careers are available? 

Projet Aviation wants to introduce young adults, high school and college students, to a few of those of those opportunities. This Friday (Sept 30) as part of "Aviation Week" at the Leesburg Executive Airport, they are hosting the Sixth Annual Aviation Education Expo. Some 500-600 students, from colleges and high schools up and down the east coast, will be attending.

Along with dozens of exhibitors Projet's "Expo" features five special speakers. Keynoting the event is aviation entrepreneur Jamal Larkins who started flying at age 12 and has already had successful aviation businesses. Navy Lt. Meagan Flannigan will be speaking from her background as carrier pilot.  Representatives from the United Stated Coast Guard and Customs & Border Patrol will be there to tell about exciting careers in their services. Kim Kellet of the Virginia Soaring Association will talk about the thrills of sailplaning.

To get some idea of the local, regional and federal commitment young adults and this Expo, take a few moments and read over the list of sponsors/exhibitors (righthand sidebar). Impressive.

What's even more impressive is that a busy company like Projet Aviation would take the time, the staff resources to inform, inspire and educate our youth. A company that helps make Leesburg one of the great places in which to live and work.

I'll be attending this year's Expo, camera in hand.  Please watch for a pictorial about the event in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, remember that America is an exceptional country with exceptional opportunities. Thank you Projet for helping spread the word.