Air Camp: Careers in Airport Technical Operations

Students will explore the dynamic world of aviation through hands-on, immersive modules that highlight critical careers keeping our skies safe. From emergency response to flight planning and crash investigation, participants will discover the STEM skills, teamwork, and decision-making that drive aviation operations every day.

For High School Students in Grades 9-12

Registration Deadline: October 2, 2026
LOCATION: The Ohio State University Airport
Check-In Located in: Ohio State University Terminal (official address of the terminal 2160 West Case Road in Columbus, OH)
TUITION: $149
EXPLORE FOUR DIFFERENT HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES RELATED TO AVIATION AND AERONAUTICS:

Dispatch
Step into the world of aviation dispatch and discover how flight planning keeps aircraft moving safely and efficiently. During this hands-on experience, students will use real dispatch software to map out a flight route and see how weather, fuel, communication, and safety decisions shape every plan. This pathway experience highlights the essential role dispatchers play in guiding pilots, coordinating operations, and supporting every flight from the ground up.

Aircraft First Response
Explore the environment of Aviation Fire, Rescue, and Security, and discover how this essential career field keeps airports and aircraft safe. During this immersive experience, students will explore the specialized equipment used by Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) teams, learn how responders prepare for aircraft emergencies, and see firsthand how STEM principles guide their work. This pathway experience highlights the essential role first responders play in protecting passengers, supporting airport operations, and maintaining a secure flying environment.

Control Tower
Experience the fast-paced environment of the control tower and see how air traffic controllers manage constant aircraft movement. Through communication challenges that mirror tower operations, students will practice using clear and precise communication and aviation phrases to direct simulated aircraft. This pathway experience highlights the essential role controllers play in ensuring safe and efficient airport operations.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) / Crash Investigation
Investigate and explore how the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) uncovers the causes of aviation incidents. During this hands-on experience, they will examine real aircraft parts, learn how evidence is collected, and see how investigators piece together clues to understand what happened. This pathway experience highlights the critical role NTSB investigators play in improving aviation safety and preventing future accidents.