MEDIA ADVISORY: Aviation World-Record Setter to Make First LA Appearance at Career Day for Valley Students

VAN NUYS, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 04/22/08 --

WHAT: Barrington Irving -- who became the first African American pilot and youngest person ever to fly solo around the globe in 2007 at age 23 -- will make his first Los Angeles appearance when he speaks to students at Aviation Career Day 2008, a career fair for more than 1,400 students from 35 San Fernando Valley middle and high schools. The event will introduce local youth to the exciting world of aviation, including career opportunities. Presented in partnership by Van Nuys Airport -- celebrating its 80th birthday this year -- Syncro Aviation, Los Angeles City Council-member Tony Cardenas and the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley, the event will offer nearly 60 interactive and hands-on displays. Excellent opportunity for visuals: -- Civilian and military aircraft displays, including the U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet, U.S. Air Force T-38 Talon and Coast Guard C-130 Hercules. -- A 40-foot by 40-foot "Super Science" area where students can perform hands-on science experiments and participate in interactive demonstrations. -- An Embry-Riddle University "build camp," where students can create and fly model airplanes. -- A simulated classroom demonstrating student mechanics at work, a small-scale wind tunnel and aircraft flight simulator, and a state-of-the-art manufacturing and technology lab.

WHEN: Friday, April 25, 2008 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. 7 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Dedication ceremony and plaque unveiling honors the life and legacy of Barbara Cesar, co-founder of Syncro Aviation and aviation education advocate. Cesar passed away last November. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Students participate in Aviation Career Day activities. 9:15 a.m. Councilmember Cardenas and students perform science demonstration. 10:15 a.m. and Barrington Irving delivers 10-minute 11:30 a.m. motivational speech to students.

WHO: Dedication ceremony: Councilmember Cardenas, Van Nuys Airport Manager Selena Birk and Syncro Aviation President Pierre-Louis Moroni. Special guest: Aviation world record-setter Barrington Irving. Full day: San Fernando Valley middle and high school students.

WHERE: The Historic Syncro Hangar, 7701 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys (north of Saticoy Street).

ABOUT IRVING: On March 23, 2007, Barrington Irving, a 23-year-old senior majoring in aerospace at Florida Memorial University, climbed into a single-engine plane called "Inspiration" and embarked on a 26,800-mile, round-the-world flight. He returned on June 27 as a record-setter. The Jamaica native, raised in inner-city Miami, hopes his historic flight will inspire other young people to resist negative influences and pursue their dreams.

CONTACT: Stacy Geere for Van Nuys Airport and Syncro Aviation (818) 434-7633

2008-04-22 19:14:35 0342638 MARKETWIRE