![]() An instructor from Charleston demonstrates for the kids in the Beaufort Youth in Aviation Program. They will visit Lockheed Martin in Beaufort and Greenville, Boeing in Charleston, Gulfstream in Savannah and Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. Participants will learn about the various careers in aerospace, including commercial and military flying, air traffic control, airplane maintenance, drone aircraft operations and engineering. The program is open to children, ages 7-17 however, exceptions to the age limit may be made on an individual basis. The Aviation Association committed the grant money to the program, which will introduce young people to the aviation industry and all it has to offer. So the two joined forces to launch a program called Beaufort Youth in Aviation. Lockheed Martin had given the Aviation Association a $10,000 grant, and Atkins realized that the academy’s objectives matched those of the association. When Beaufort Aviation Association president James Atkins learned about The Altitude Academy, he reached out to Holmes. “I believe the youth deserve to know what is out there for them at an early age,” Holmes said. In March 2021, Holmes created the nonprofit Altitude Academy to introduce local youth to the unlimited opportunities in aerospace. He is also able to support his family and live comfortably. He has met people from different cultures and experienced things he would not have otherwise experienced if it weren’t for his career. He has traveled to Kuwait and Iraq to do contract work on commercial, luxury and military aircraft. Working in the field of aviation has afforded Holmes opportunities he never imagined. He now works as an FAA designated inspector of aircraft for DonB Aircraft International at Beaufort Executive Airport. Holmes began his career working on commercial jets with Express Jet Airlines at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Holmes worked at temp agencies and warehouses to pay the bills while earning an Airframe and Powerplant certification, as well as an FCC radar endorsed license. He left for the suburb outside of Atlanta with nothing but $60, three pairs of jeans and the vehicle he drove. He did some research and found the Aviation Institute of Maintenance in Duluth, Ga. “It rekindled an old flame of aircraft,” Holmes said. He thought back to when he was a kid and how much he loved watching the airplanes soar above his home. After coaching basketball for Lady’s Island Middle School and Beaufort County Parks and Leisure Services, Holmes realized he needed to make more money for his family. The 1997 Beaufort High School graduate returned home after earning his bachelor’s degree in health from Voorhees College. Now he is grown with a family of his own and wants to share the world of aviation with the next generation. Holmes was fascinated with aviation back then, and that fascination continues today. Helena Island, Harriston Holmes would often run outside or to the nearest window when he heard the engines of Beaufort County Mosquito Control’s DC-3 approaching. Helena youth to careers in aviationĪs a boy growing up on St. Program hopes to build self confidence, introduce St.
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