Pilots from across the state converged on Freeman Field in Junction City on Thursday. The occasion was the KDOT Division of Aviation Fly Kansas Air Tour.
The Director of Aviation for the Kansas Department of Transportation, Bob Brock, said the tour is designed to promote economic development for the State. “We have a little over 1,200 kids that come out. They come out to be exposed to science, technology and high paying new jobs for the State. ” Brock said in the near future Kansas will be about 1,500 pilots short.
Brock added Kansas is uniquely equipped to do an excellent job, and airlines are seeking pilots from Kansas because it is a major industry in Kansas.
There are more than 50 planes that are being flown on the tour which began Thursday in Hutchinson and made stops in Wellington. Junction City and Salina. It will continue Friday and Saturday in other cities across the state. During their stay in Junction City pilots were fed lunch and had an opportunity to visit with some local pilots and community members. ( Photos below courtesy of Rick Dykstra )
