Day 5 – Thursday, June 18, 2009

Thursday was yet another active day for our students.

Lightning started the day with an early breakfast and then it was time for another flight simulation where they had the introduction to their firing competition later in the day. Afterwards, they had a course on using a compass and then it was time for lunch.
The Intruders spent the morning doing a flight simulation as well. They started their Top Gun Tournament, where they competed for the coveted Top Gun Award. After the simulation, they had water survival rafting on the lake. Like Lightning, they had to rescue one another from the lake and learn how to survive in water in case of a crash.

After lunch, all of the students met up for a special treat. A guest speaker, Bob “Hoot” Gibson came to talk to all of the Aviation Challenge campers about his experiences. Mr. Gibson was a pilot for the Navy and even participated in the Vietnam War. Later in his life, he flew for NASA and participated in a few space missions. After working as a commercial pilot for some time, he has now retired and races planes as a hobby. He was a great example of hard work and determination for our students. He has accomplished much in his life and really showed a love of flying.

After the guest speaker, the students got to spend some money in the gift shop and then they went their separate ways.

The Intruders went to another simulation where they had a fire competition and then they had a round of Mach II Jeopardy. After a Drill & Ceremony competition it was time to prep for Seal Ops and then dinner.

After the gift shop, Lightning got to ride the Mars ride and then they had their Top Gun Tournament. Afterward they had a round of Jeopardy and then it was time for dinner too.
After dinner, the Intruders had a Seal Ops briefing and then participated in Seal Operations in Area 51. After talking about their experiences, they were ready for bed.

The Mach I Lightning team also had a special mission that night. They participated in Operation Blitzkrieg, where they had to go through the wilderness without being spotted by one of the team leaders. They got to climb through the mud and get nice and dirty too. After a long day, they were ready for bed too.