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World-Class Aerospace Campus

Our aerospace focused campus deserves exploration.

The Aerospace Center for Excellence, the most unique educational campus in the United States, is located on the Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL). The ACE Campus includes the Aerospace Pavilion, the Aerospace Discovery Center at the Florida Air Museum, the Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA) High School, The Lakeland Aero Club – a high school flying club, the Piedmont Experience – a Boeing 727 classroom, the Piedmont Hangar, the Tom Davis Education Center, the Buehler Restoration Center, and the Crossfield Discovery Center.

Hover over the cards for a facility's description, and click for more information

Florida
Air
Museum

Florida's Official Aviation Museum

Dynamic displays of the best examples of aviation are waiting at the Florida Air Museum, Florida’s “Official Aviation Museum and Education Center”. The museum offers one-of-a-kind designs, classics, ultra-lights, antiques and warbirds. CLICK HERE to visit the museum's website for hours, special events, exhibit descriptions, and more! 

Piedmont
727
Experience

A Fully Functioning Boeing 727!

Yes, the engines work! The airplane is both a functioning 727 and a state of the art classroom. FedEx generously donated the airplane. A donation from the Tom Davis family, an anonymous donor and 2,000 volunteer hours renovated the former freighter.

Piedmont Aerospace Laboratory

STEMtastic Crafts

Learning Space for Aspiring Aviators

The Piedmont Aerospace Lab houses the education department’s aviation summer camps, STEMfusion workshops and SIM Laboratory. In this facility students are exposed to the world of aerospace through hands-on learning.

Central Florida Aerospace Academy

A Polk County Public High School Career Academy

It is a real public high school with approximately 350 students enrolled. Part of the Polk County Public Schools Workforce Academy System students pursue tracks in aerospace engineering, aviator/pilot certification, airframe and power plant certification, unmanned systems, avionics, and JROTC. 

As a public high school, students attend for free. Dual enrollment credit is available from Polk State College and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Students focused on A&P certifications complete the Airframe portion prior to graduation and can complete the Powerplant certification through a partnership with Travis Technical College.

Lakeland
Aero
Club

World's Largest High School Flying Club

The largest high school flying club in the world hangars on the ACE Campus. Membership is open to young people ages 14-24. The members maintain a fleet of aircraft that they, as club members, own. Members have flown the club aircraft to the AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI as well as other Fly-Ins. The Lakeland Aero Club also owns, operates and maintains a Redbird Full Motion simulator.

Tom Davis Education Center

Summer Camp Central and More!

Summer Camps and small group educational programming occurs in the Tom Davis Center. The facility is capable if hosting overnight and residential programs, with two dormitories and a full kitchen. Based on its location on the ACE Campus, up to 200 campers can utilize the facility in a combination of day and residential programs. 

Buehler Restoration Skills

Hands-on Aircraft Building

Experience the restoration and renovation of aircraft up close and personal. The Buehler Restoration and Skills Center is a working maintenance facility where both flying and non-flying museum attractions are repaired and maintained. The “Innovations in Propulsion” exhibit is on display here featuring most of the aircraft engines in the museum’s collection.

Crossfield Discovery Center

Working With Assembly Materials

Aviation continues to require woodworking and other technical skills. The Crossfield Aerospace Center originally served as the CFAA High School. Today, it is being utilized for a variety of aviation related purposes. 

The
Aerospace Pavilion

Open Air Assembly Facility

The outdoor amphitheater replete with aircraft can be positioned for events, symposiums and hands-on demonstrations. The pavilion can host up to 500 attendees under cover and includes a prep kitchen.

Eickhoff Conference Room

Professional Conference Room

The Eickhoff Meeting and Conference Room sits above the Aerospace Pavilion. Modern, interactive technology is available for small to medium classes or meetings.

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