Bob Penkhus

I recently had the opportunity to speak with approximately 25 teens that are participating in the Aviation Education Foundation of Colorado's (AEFCO) "Aviation Summer Experience" program at my airplane hangar in Colorado Springs.  They were there to tour the facilities and ask me any questions they had related to aviation, including how I got interested in flight and how I use my King Air for both work and charitable causes.

Founded nearly seven years ago, the AEFCO "Aviation Summer Experience" is an eight-day program that's primary goal is to expose teenagers to as much aviation as possible and to educate them by taking part in actual flight-related activities, i.e. the "fun activities" associated with flying.  They also offer a winter course, which deals with a ground coursework and meets twice a month during the school year.  Students may participate in one or both programs should they desire and frequently, they continue on to the other. 

In fact, several in the group have either already completed the AEFCO 'Private Pilot' ground school or have logged approximately 10 hours of flight instruction.  Each young adult is serious about pursuing a career in the aviation field: roughly half the group is interested in a military-related career, while several others are seeking careers in missionary flight work.

Their primary goal is simple: to have every young adult fly everyday they take to the air.  For example: Last year, students in the program took part in 140 flights, each lasting approximately an hour each over six of the eight days of the camp; half of the flight hours - 70 - were logged flight instruction that AEFCO provides.

I enjoyed my chat with all the young men and women and I wish them well in their future aviation endeavors!

Sincerely,

Bob Penkhus

Bob Penkhus Motors

1101 Motor City Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 8095

On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BobPenkhusAuto

On Twitter: @BobPenkhus

Additional information can be found at the following websites:

Aviation Education Foundation of Colorado (AEFCO): www.aefco.org

Young Eagle Association: www.youngeagles.org

Come out to Pikes Peak International Raceway (16650 Midway Ranch Road, Fountain, CO) on Sunday, August 22, 2010, for the 9^th annual 'Dubs Along the Rockies', an event in which Bob Penkhus Volkswagen of Colorado Springs sponsors.

This year marks the first time that event attendees can camp at 'Dubs Along The Rockies', making it easier for spectators to relax and enjoy the event.  There will be a show, autocross (open to all models, not just Audi/Volkswagen owners), legends car rentals (on the track) and some great raffle prizes.

Online registration is now available at DubsAlongTheRockies.com, where you can get autocross, show entry, swap meet, camping information and more!  Pre-registering for 'Dubs Along The Rockies' online will save you up to $5 off gate prices.

If you don't have time - or forget to register online - day of the event registrations will be available starting at 7:30 a.m., while the gates open for show participants and spectators at 9 a.m.

As a proud sponsor of 'Dubs Along the Rockies', Bob Penkhus Volkswagen will be holding hourly raffles for all spectators.  Raffle prizes include:

Five (5) Oil, Lube and Filter Changes

One (1) Car Care Kit

One (1) Full Vehicle Detail

Bob Penkhus Motors of Colorado Springs has provided quality products and excellent customer service since 1951.  We are the #1 volume Mazda dealer in the Rocky Mountain region and are also one of the oldest Volvo dealerships in the U.S.  We sell and offer exceptional value and quality with our Mazda, Volvo and Volkswagen lineups, including pre-owned and certified vehicles that suit your needs.