08/22/2024
Fly Into Fall
Fly into Fall is a FREE educational and interactive aviation experience for all ages.
Hosted by the City of Midland Airports Department.
Location & Date
Saturday, August 24, 2024 9AM - 2PM
Midland Airpark - 901 Veterans Airpark Ln.
Special Guests
Astronaut Tony Antonelli
A retired Astronaut, Naval Aviator, and Test Pilot. He graduated from MIT with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering in 1989 and earned a Master of Science from the University of Washington in 2002. During his NASA career, Antonelli piloted two space shuttle missions, including STS-119 and STS-132, delivering critical components to the International Space Station. He retired from NASA in 2015 and subsequently held executive positions at Lockheed Martin, focusing on advanced space programs.
Aaron Kinsey
Elected to the Texas State Board of Education in November 2022, is a lifelong Conservative and CEO of American Patrols in Midland. A Texas A&M and Harvard Business School graduate, Kinsey served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force, flying 120 combat missions in the C-130 and teaching pilot training. He is dedicated to improving educational outcomes in Texas, serving on the SBOE’s School Finance/Permanent School Fund Committee and chairing the Texas PSF Corporation’s Committee on Strategic Planning and Policy. Kinsey and his family enjoy the warmth and spirit of Midland, their cherished home.
Brianna Ortiz
A recent LHS graduate, aspires to inspire Midland's younger generation. With a passion for space, she participated in the Higher Orbits program and earned the 2023 Harry Messel International Science Scholar award in Sydney, Australia. Brianna is now enrolled in the Texas A&M Engineering Academy through Midland College, working toward her private pilot license, and employed at Midland International Air and Space Port.
Run the Runway
Sponsored by Midland Athletic Company
Take off at 7:45 AM for the 1-mile Run/Walk or 5k.
You can register at https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Midland/RunfortheRunways or find more information about the run at midlandathleticcompany.com.
Save the Date August 24th, 2024 for a day of family fun! Enjoy food trucks, face painting, jumpers, and much more.
Schedule of Events:
9:00 AM Fly Into Fall Gates Open
9:30 AM Grand Marshals Arrival - Member State Board of Education Aaron Kinsey
10:00 AM Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Fly-in
10:15 AM Flying Tees – FREE T-Shirts (First Round)
10:30 AM Grand Marshal Aaron Kinsey: Speaker/Q&A on being a Captain US Air Force*
11:30 AM Former NASA Astronaut Tony Antonelli: Speaking/Q&A on being an Astronaut*
12:15 PM Flying Tees – FREE T-Shirts (Second Round)
12:30 PM Caiden Reece and Christian Farris: Speakers/Q&A on pursuing careers in the Aviation Industry*
1:00 PM Brianna Ortiz: Speaker/Q&A on being a future Aerospace Engineer
2:00 PM Gates Close
Static Displays
• Aircraft & Helicopters from local pilots
• Hands-on Aircraft Displays
• DPS Plane/Helicopter •CAF Aircraft
• Airport Fire Trucks
• Classic Cars
• Modified Velocity SE airframe used for rocket racing
Educational Booths & Information
• Midland International Airport
• Basin Aviation
• Floris Flight Services
• Commemorative Air Force (CAF)
• Honor Flight
• Midland Development Corporation
• Commercial Pilots and Aerospace
• Civil Air Patrol
• Municipal Court