More than 150 seventh-grade students from Yancey County Schools took learning beyond the
classroom during this year’s Aviation Expo at Avery County Airport on September 9, 2026.
The expo was designed to spark students’ interest in aviation careers and provide real-world
exposure to the wide range of opportunities the field offers. The experience also generated
excitement about the new aviation pathway offered this year at Mountain Heritage High School.
By seeing aircraft up close and interacting with aviation professionals, students began connecting
their middle school career exploration with future high school courses and career possibilities.
This experience is made possible each year through the leadership of Steve Holz, a pilot and
aviation advocate who coordinates the participating pilots, aircraft, demonstrations, and airport
activities. His efforts provide students with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience
aviation firsthand.
Cane River Middle School seventh-grade students attended during the morning, followed by East
Yancey Middle School seventh-grade students in the afternoon. The event complemented the
Flight and Space unit students study through Project Lead The Way. Students were divided into
small groups and rotated among aircraft displays, demonstrations, and conversations with
aviation professionals.
This year’s expo featured 12 aircraft, including two helicopters, as well as two drones. The wide
variety of aircraft gave students an up-close look at the many ways aviation supports
transportation, emergency response, agriculture, law enforcement, recreation, and other areas.
One highlight was a Mountain Area Medical Airlift (MAMA) helicopter. Students learned how
pilots and medical professionals work together to transport patients quickly during emergencies.
Another popular addition was a Pilatus PC-12, which many students had the opportunity to enter
and explore.
Students also viewed a Bell 206 helicopter, a Cirrus SR22, an RV-10, a homebuilt RV-8A, a
Cessna 172, a V-tail Bonanza, and a gyrocopter. Pilots invited students inside several of the
aircraft while explaining their features and uses and sharing their own aviation experiences.
Two drone programs introduced students to the growing role of unmanned aircraft technology.
The Yancey County Sheriff’s Office Drone Team demonstrated how drones can support law
enforcement and public safety operations. North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Yancey
County also displayed an agricultural drone and explained how drone technology can be used in
agriculture and natural resource management.
The Aviation Expo allowed students to explore careers both in the air and on the ground. In
addition to pilots, the aviation industry needs aircraft mechanics, emergency medical
professionals, aerospace engineers, air traffic controllers, drone operators, airport personnel, and
professionals working in manufacturing, technology, business, and many other fields.
By speaking directly with pilots and other professionals, students were able to connect what they
learn in their Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes with real careers and workplace
applications.
Yancey County Schools extends special thanks to:
● Steve Holz, pilot and aviation advocate, for organizing the pilots, aircraft,
demonstrations, and airport activities
● Volunteer aviation professionals Jamie Mathews, John Robertson, Jorge Blohm, Clark
Jernigan, Larry Brown, Paul Clark, George Rollins, Travis White, Arvid Albanese, and
Mike Stone for sharing their time, knowledge, and aircraft
● Avery County Airport for providing the facility
● The Mountain Area Medical Airlift (MAMA) team for providing the medical helicopter
experience, Pilot Andrew Mollo
● North Carolina Cooperative Extension Director David Davis for presenting the
agricultural drone
● Yancey County Sheriff’s Office Drone Team members Christian Jones and Cody
Morrow for demonstrating the use of drones in law enforcement
● Project Lead The Way teachers Malinda Silvers of Cane River Middle School and Kateah
Sapp of East Yancey Middle School for preparing and accompanying their students
● GEAR UP Coordinator Gail Branton for picking up and delivering food for the event
● Cynthia Deyton, Yancey County Schools CTE Director, for supporting the event
● Nicole Robinson, Yancey County Schools Career Development Coordinator, for
coordinating the student experience
● Mrs. Amos, Yancey County Schools Superintendent, for speaking to our students about
the new CTE Pathway
The Aviation Expo showed students that aviation includes far more than flying airplanes. It is a
broad and growing industry filled with opportunities for people with different interests, talents,
and educational goals. Students returned to school with new knowledge, memorable experiences,
and a better understanding of the many careers that help keep aviation and their communities
moving forward.
