Patoka Valley Career and Technical Education Aviation students explore regional aviation hub

Evansville Regional Airport Executive Director Nate Hahn (pictured far right) welcomed the 23-student cohort to the airport’s brand-new Airfield Maintenance Facility. This stop highlighted the massive scale of infrastructure management required to keep a regional hub operational. Hahn discussed the technical requirements of airfield upkeep and the various career paths available within airport administration and operations.

A new generation of aviators took to the ground last week as 23 students from the Patoka Valley Career and Technical Education (CTE) Aviation program completed an immersive field study at the Evansville Regional Airport (EVV).

The cohort, consisting of 14 juniors and 9 seniors from area high schools, traveled from the Huntingburg Regional Airport to engage with industry professionals and observe the complex operations of a commercial aviation hub.

Led by instructor Dustin Betz and Huntingburg Airport Manager Travis McQueen, the visit provided students with a comprehensive “behind-the-scenes” look at the multifaceted nature of modern aerospace careers.

The day’s itinerary offered a rigorous schedule designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application, including tours of the EVV Safety Department, the FAA – Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT), and the United Companies Air Center.

While touring United Companies Air Center, Patoka Valley students reconnected with program alumnus Carter Whitehead (left). A Southridge High School graduate, Carter currently works at the Air Center while pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Southern Indiana (USI). Carter shared how the Patoka Valley program provided the foundational skills necessary to transition directly into a professional aviation environment. Picture – Dustin Betz (center) and Vic Betz (right)

“Providing these students with direct access to professionals in air traffic control, safety, and maintenance is vital for their development,” said instructor Dustin Betz. “Seeing these operations in person, and meeting alumni like Carter who are already thriving in the industry, clarifies the high stakes and high rewards of the career paths they are currently studying.”

Airport leadership echoed the importance of introducing students to aviation careers early.

“The key to building the next generation of our industry’s workforce is introducing students to the breadth of careers in aviation,” said Evansville Regional Airport Executive Director Nate Hahn. “We’re proud to be part of efforts like this, helping create those connections right here at EVV.