2026-acsc-v2

Flight Test Day Camp Inspires the Next Generation of Aerospace Leaders

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 23:34:10 GMT

A Hands-On Introduction to Flight Testing and Aerospace Careers

Colonel Roy Martin USAF (Retired)

The Aero Club of Southern California is pleased to share an exciting educational opportunity for students interested in aviation, aerospace, engineering, and flight testing.

The Western Museum of Flight's Flight Test Day Camp will take place on June 24, 2026, at Torrance's historic Zamperini Field. This one-day immersive program introduces students to the world of flight testing through hands-on learning, aircraft exploration, and real-world aerospace experiences. Participants will learn about aircraft design, flight principles, aircraft systems, and the critical role flight test professionals play in advancing aviation technology.

Students will have the opportunity to explore military and prototype aircraft, view real flight test footage, and gain insight into aerospace careers from experienced industry professionals. The program is designed to inspire curiosity, encourage STEM education, and provide a firsthand look at the innovation that drives Southern California's aerospace legacy.

Programs like Flight Test Day Camp help connect young people with the rich aviation heritage of our region while introducing them to future career paths in aerospace, engineering, flight operations, and technology.

For registration information and event details, visit the Western Museum of Flight .

The Impossible Factory: A Look Inside Kelly Johnson and the Legendary Lockheed Skunk Works

Sun, 31 May 2026 23:48:53 GMT

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 • 7:00 PM • Join author Josh Dean and former Skunk Works Director Steve Justice for a fascinating look at Kelly Johnson, the legendary Lockheed Skunk Works, and the innovations that changed aviation history.

The Aero Club of Southern California is pleased to share an upcoming free public event that may be of particular interest to aviation, aerospace, and engineering enthusiasts.

On June 17, 2026, the Burbank Public Library will host The Impossible Factory , an evening centered around the new book The Impossible Factory: The Remarkable True Story of Kelly Johnson and the Lockheed Skunk Works: America’s Innovation Machine by author Josh Dean. The event will feature Dean in conversation with former Lockheed Martin Skunk Works Director Steve Justice, offering attendees a unique opportunity to explore the history, innovation, and legacy of one of aerospace’s most influential organizations.

Kelly Johnson remains one of the most significant figures in aviation history and was honored by ACSC as the 1982 Howard Hughes Memorial Award recipient. His leadership and vision helped shape the Lockheed Skunk Works into a world-renowned center of aerospace innovation responsible for some of the most groundbreaking aircraft ever developed.

According to event organizers, much of Josh Dean’s research was conducted using the Kelly Johnson archives at The Huntington Library, helping bring new insight into Johnson’s remarkable career and the enduring impact of the Skunk Works program.

Event Details

�� Wednesday, June 17, 2026

�� 7:00 PM

�� Buena Vista Branch Library, Burbank, California

The event is free to attend, though registration is requested to help ensure adequate seating. Additional event details and registration information can be found here: The Impossible Factory – Burbank Public Library Event Registration

ACSC extends its thanks to Hubert Kozak and the Burbank Public Library for sharing this event with our membership and the broader Southern California aviation community.

ACSC Annual Scholarship Award Dinner on June 26, 2026

Thu, 28 May 2026 01:03:29 GMT

Honoring the Next Generation of Aviation, Aerospace, and STEM Leaders at ACSC’s Annual Scholarship Celebration

The Aero Club of Southern California (ACSC) is proud to host its Annual Scholarship Award Dinner on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Da Vinci Schools in El Segundo, California.

This special event celebrates exceptional students pursuing careers in aviation, aerospace, engineering, and related STEM disciplines while recognizing the importance of investing in the future of the aerospace and aviation industries.

Each year, ACSC scholarships help support promising students as they continue their education and pursue careers that will shape the future of flight, innovation, and technology. The Scholarship Award Dinner brings together students, educators, aerospace professionals, industry leaders, and supporters for an evening dedicated to mentorship, opportunity, and community.

��️ Tickets are $50 per person.

Guests are encouraged to embrace the evening’s tropical theme with luau attire as we celebrate the accomplishments of today’s students and inspire tomorrow’s leaders.

Event Details

�� Friday, June 26, 2026

�� 5:00 PM

�� Da Vinci Schools at 201 N Douglas Street, El Segundo, CA 90245

The ACSC Scholarship Program reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting educational advancement and fostering the next generation of aerospace and aviation professionals.

We look forward to welcoming our scholarship recipients, families, sponsors, members, and guests for an exciting evening celebrating the future of aviation and aerospace.

Save the Date: ACSC Scholarship Award Dinner Returns June 26, 2026

Wed, 13 May 2026 16:46:08 GMT

Celebrating the next generation of aerospace and aviation leaders after a record-breaking 2025 scholarship year.

The Aero Club of Southern California is excited to announce the return of our Scholarship Award Dinner on June 26, 2026, celebrating the next generation of aerospace and aviation leaders.

Each year, this special evening brings together the aerospace and aviation community to recognize outstanding students pursuing their dreams across multiple pathways in aviation and aerospace, including:

✈️ High School Students beginning their journeys through STEM programs, aviation education, and flight training
�� University Students advancing in aerospace engineering, aviation management, maintenance, and related fields
��️ Private Pilot Students earning their wings and working toward careers in aviation

More than an awards ceremony, the Scholarship Award Dinner is a celebration of achievement, mentorship, dedication, and the continued growth of the future aerospace workforce. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and members, ACSC scholarships continue changing lives and helping students pursue their dreams of flight.

The 2026 event builds on the success of the 2025 Scholarship Awards Dinner at the Flight Path Museum & Learning Center, where the Aero Club awarded a record $210,000 in scholarships to 20 exceptional high school and university students, as well as educators dedicated to aerospace and aviation.

A special thank you again to the generous sponsors who made the 2025 scholarships possible, including HEICO, Gary Burdorf & Helicopter Technology Company, Sierra Nevada Corporation, the Marsha Toy Scholarship Endowment, all of the Howard Hughes Memorial Award sponsors and attendees, and General Atomics, who provided $30,000 university scholarships to both Sean Kerry and Darby Dermanoski.

We look forward to gathering once again with our members, partners, families, sponsors, and supporters for another inspiring evening recognizing excellence in aerospace and aviation education and training.

�� Date: June 26, 2026
�� Location: To Be Announced

ARTEMIS II LAUNCH — A MAJOR MILESTONE IN HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 05:00:04 GMT

First crewed Artemis mission returns humans to lunar orbit for the first time since 1972

NASA’s Artemis II mission is scheduled to launch on April 1 at 6:24 PM, marking the first crewed flight of the Artemis program. The mission will send four astronauts on an approximately 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth, launching from Kennedy Space Center. This historic flight will be the first time humans travel to the lunar vicinity since Apollo 17 in 1972. Following the mission, the crew is expected to splash down off the coast of San Diego. You can learn more about the mission directly from NASA here:   https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-ii/

Southern California’s Role in Artemis II

California plays a leading role in the Artemis program, with more than 16,000 employees across over 500 companies contributing to the mission. Southern California, in particular, is home to a number of key aerospace companies and specialized contractors supporting Artemis II.

Prime Contractors with Southern California Facilities

Aerojet Rocketdyne -  The Canoga Park facility leads development of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket engines, including upgrades and testing of the RS-25 engines powering the mission.
Northrop Grumman  - With a strong presence in Redondo Beach, El Segundo, and Manhattan Beach, these teams contribute critical engineering and components for the Orion launch abort system.
Lockheed Martin -  Teams in San Diego support recovery operations at sea following splashdown off the California coast.
Boeing  - Facilities in Huntington Beach and El Segundo contribute to SLS and Orion engineering efforts.

Regional Specialized Contractors

AMRO Fabricating Corp – Large, complex metallic structures for SLS and Orion
Karman Space & Defense – Key mission hardware components
Applied Composites – Advanced composite materials
Advanced Test Equipment Corp – Mission-critical testing hardware
Rayotek Scientific – Specialized glass and high-pressure viewing systems

NASA Centers Supporting the Mission

Jet Propulsion Laboratory – Deep space communication and navigation
NASA Dryden Flight Research Center – Aircraft-based tracking of Orion during reentry

Artemis II represents a major step forward in returning humans to deep space, and highlights the depth of innovation and collaboration across the aerospace community, particularly here in Southern California.

IMAGE CREDIT

NASA/Bill Ingalls

ACSC HONOREE NEAL BLUE RECOGNIZED BY SDBJ

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 03:08:02 GMT

HHMA Recipient J. Neal Blue Ranked #3 on San Diego Business Journal’s “Wealthiest San Diegans 2025” List

Aero Club of Southern California Congratulates J. Neal Blue on SDBJ Recognition

The Aero Club of Southern California is pleased to congratulate J. Neal Blue on being recognized by the San Diego Business Journal as #3 on its “Wealthiest San Diegans 2025” list, with an estimated net worth of $5.5 billion.

This recognition reflects more than financial success—it underscores a career of extraordinary leadership and long-term impact in aerospace, defense, energy innovation, and STEM education.

As Chairman and CEO of General Atomics, Mr. Blue has helped lead one of the most influential private technology companies in the country. The San Diego Business Journal article highlights General Atomics’ work in areas including:

Unmanned aircraft systems
Electromagnetic aircraft launch and recovery systems for the U.S. Navy
Hypersonic technologies
Fusion energy research, including major contributions to the DIII-D National Fusion Facility and ITER

The article also notes his role as co-founder and chairman of Cordillera Corporation, as well as the Blue family’s longstanding support of STEM education through the General Atomics Sciences Education Foundation and other educational philanthropy.

An HHMA Recipient

The Aero Club of Southern California was proud to honor J. Neal Blue with the Howard Hughes Memorial Award at our annual gala celebration in October at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott. This award recognizes individuals whose work has made a significant impact on the aerospace industry.

Mr. Blue’s leadership, vision, and support of innovation exemplify the caliber of individuals the Aero Club seeks to recognize and celebrate.

We extend our congratulations to Mr. Blue on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for his continued contributions to aerospace and the broader scientific community.