Volunteers spark big dreams at AeroQuest Aviation Camp

This summer, 15 volunteers from Piedmont Airlines spent a time at the Sullenberger Aviation Museum in Charlotte (CLT), helping young students explore the world of aviation during the annual AeroQuest youth camp. The camp is designed for rising 4th through 6th and 7th through 8th graders who are curious about flight, science, and innovation. 

Throughout the week, students learned through hands-on activities, met aviation professionals, and toured real workspaces behind the scenes. They did not just learn about planes. They imagined their futures in the sky. 

For many Piedmont volunteers, the experience was as eye-opening as it was inspiring. Brian Sanders, Piedmont’s Director for the Southeast Division in Ground Handling, explained, “It was a chance to give back to the community and represent Piedmont.” But what he and others did not expect was how much the students would impact them. 

Brian recalled a moment with a fourth grader who confidently compared the Boeing 787 800 to the 737 MAX 8 and even brought up Piedmont’s future use of the Embraer E 175. “His knowledge was impressive,” said Brian. “But more than that, it was a reminder of how deeply aviation can inspire at such a young age.”

Piedmont’s Southeast Division Director for Ground Handling, Brian Sanders with campers at Aeroquest

That moment reminded many volunteers that these young people are not just future aviators. They are already part of the story. Their questions and excitement reignited passion in those who serve in the industry every day. As Piedmont First Officer Terry Shaw shared, “The students were curious, excited, and enthusiastic about aviation.” 

The campers were not just learning about their future on the flight deck. They were learning about the wide range of careers in aviation. Volunteers showed them that the industry includes everything from engineering and customer service to marketing and operations. One camper hesitated when talking about women pilots, unsure if that was “normal.” Volunteers turned it into a teaching moment, not just about aviation, but about possibility and representation. 

Piedmont team members from across the operation sharing their day-to-day in the world of aviation.

Programs like AeroQuest do more than educate. They open doors. For many of these students, this was their first close-up look at careers in aviation. For Piedmont, supporting the camp was not just an act of service. It was a real example of the company’s values of community and caring in action. 

As the camp came to a close, volunteers left feeling energized and hopeful. Ashley Gardner, a Hub Control Center Administrative Assistant in CLT, summed it up perfectly. “I loved it and loved talking about aviation with them. They are the future, and it has me excited to see what the future may become with the inspiring minds!” 

Want to join a team that puts community and caring at the heart of everything they do? Visit Piedmont’s Careers page to explore open roles and start your journey.