The Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives hosted its first Aviation Clinic, entitled, "Do You Believe You Can Fly?" on March 10 in Opelousas. Participating youths' imaginations soared to new horizons as they were given exposure, access, and opportunity into a world of new career possibilities. The event was coordinated in partnership with Albert Rutherford, a private pilot, Federal Aviation Administration inspector Mark Lazard, and Travis Hallum, St. Landry Parish Airport director.

Youth throughout St. Landry parish between the ages of 12 and 17 gathered at the Southwest Center to hear Rutherford and Lazard speak on "How to Start Your Career in Aviation." Participants viewed two film documentaries, "Beyond Tuskegee: Closer to the Stars" and "The Arctic Flyer" - a short film about a pilot who flew from the United States to the North Pole in a two-engine plane. The two speakers emphasized that careers in aviation and avionics are in high demand and that participants could began to pursue such opportunities even at an early age.



The program culminated in a tour of the St. Landry Parish Airport conducted by Hallum. While there, participants met members of the Black Pilots of America, who by invitation of Rutherford, flew in from Houston, Texas, New Orleans, and Baton Rouge. The airport's director and the pilots fascinated the young participants as they learned more about the airport, viewed the planes, and sat in the cockpit.

Youth ages 15 and 16 were especially excited as members of the Black Pilots of America availed them an opportunity to participate in a two-week Summer Flight Academy at Texas Southern University designed to further prepare the youth for a career in aviation.

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