A no-fare air fair in Fernandina

The crowd mingles, conversations fluttering with anticipation as guests grab a flute of champagne, turn to the sky. On the horizon, a speck appears, a small plane, coming closer. Then the sound, a low rumble rising in pitch as it gets closer, low to the ground, bearing down on the group. Then it is upon them, 500 feet above, and just as it passes overhead a proof of pink (environmentally friendly) powder bursts from the window and filters to the ground.

Cheers go up. It’s a girl!

A gender-reveal party in this modern age, made possible by the good folks at A-Cent Aviation.

On May 7, 2023, A-Cent is hosting its second annual Amelia Island Air Fair.  This event is for anyone interested in learning to fly or just aviation in general.  There will be free food and drink, and local businesses will have giveaways and other activities. But the topper is that everyone who shows up will be given a ticket for a free flight, happening throughout the afternoon. These flights are on a first-come, first-served basis, so the early birds will get the worms. After trolling Shrimp Fest in the morning, you can take off to A-Cent and enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the air.  The event is at their hangar at 3990 Centurion Way.  Google it for a precise flightpath.

Learning to fly is a lifelong dream for some. For others, it’s the first step toward a career. But no matter what your flight plan is, Amelia Island provides an idyllic atmosphere for earning your wings. The weather is favorable year-round, which means you can fly often and build time. And let’s face it … our corner of the world is just beautiful from above. I’ve flown all over this nation, and my favorite view of all is returning to the low country, where the Atlantic Ocean sparkles deep blue and the lush green barrier islands are outlined in broad swaths of brown estuary. It’s a sight you can only get from an aircraft.

Our municipal airport was built as a training center during World War II, and I’ve written often about the several youth aerospace programs offered by local organizations and the Nassau County schools. But until recently, the airport didn’t have a facility where the general public could learn to fly. That changed when A-Cent Aviation opened a satellite operation in Fernandina, to complement its headquarters at Herlong airport in Jacksonville. A-Cent is a woman-owned business and one of the leading flight training companies in Jacksonville. With 16 planes in the fleet, A-Cent can take a new pilot from basic training all the way to a multi-engine commercial certificate.

And according to local manager Jack Bishop, the response has been strong. More than 100 people have had training at the Fernandina facility during its two years of operation, and eight folks have landed that coveted private pilot’s certificate. A half-dozen more are on final approach toward their FAA check rides. That’s a good track record for any flight school.

The company provides more than just flight instruction. In addition to gender reveal parties, they have a birthday celebration package for children that takes place in the main airport terminal building. The party includes aviation-themed games and activities, food and drinks, all topped with group rides in an airplane around the island. The company also provides private flights such as sunset island tours and corporate team building events. And adventurous couples can get engaged or even married on an A-cent tour at 5,000 feet altitude … talk about your mile high club.

The Air Fair is your opportunity to learn more about all these programs, and get your own bird’s eye view of Amelia Island for free. And if the aviation bug bites, then A-Cent can be your ticket to an exciting new adventure in flight.

For more information on the Air Fair and all their programs, visit the website at https://www.a-centaviationfernandina.com.

Jeff Schlueter is a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and Airport Support Network and a volunteer representative of the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport.