On Saturday, April 18, crowds gathered in the Eastview Middle School gyms for the Aviation Expo, a one-day event hosted by the White Plains Youth Bureau aimed at introducing young people to potential careers in aviation. Organizations such as American Airlines, Civil Air Patrol and the WPHS JETS were among those in attendance.
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Wide shot of the Aviation Expo at the lower gym White Plains, New York, U.S. April 18, 2026
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WPHS JETS member Grace Karam sells pinwheels at the Aviation Expo White Plains, New York, U.S. April 18, 2026
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Member of American Airlines addresses crowd White Plains, New York, U.S. April 18, 2026
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Exhibitors at the Aviation Expo White Plains, New York, U.S. April 18, 2026
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White Plains City Councilman Jeremiah Frei-Pearson addresses crowd at the Aviation Expo White Plains, New York, U.S. April 18, 2026
In the upper gym, students had the opportunity to engage with a real flight simulator donated by former pilot and White Plains resident James Parker. The setup featured high-grade monitors, computers, steering controls and detailed control panels, offering a realistic aviation experience. The Civil Air Patrol and the Ninety-Nines—the NY/NJ chapter of an international organization of licensed women pilots—were also present.
Bev Weintraub, a member of the Ninety-Nines NY/NJ chapter and author of the banned book Wings of Gold, spoke about the possibility of organizing a future event to engage directly with students at WPHS.
Downstairs and outside, high-tech robots and drones took to both the ground and sky, drawing attention from attendees of all ages.
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Robot walks around Aviation Expo White Plains, New York, U.S. April 18, 2026
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College student showing young attendees how to operate a robot at the Aviation Expo White Plains, New York, U.S. April 18, 2026
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Drone showcase and flying outside Eastview as part of the Aviation Expo White Plains, New York, U.S. April 18, 2026
“The sky’s the limit. There are so many different opportunities that you can be a part of,” said American Airlines LaGuardia representative Jennifer Kim in an interview with News 12. “Of course, you can fly a plane or be a flight attendant, but there are hundreds of other opportunities within the aviation industry.”
The White Plains Youth Bureau also launched the beginnings of a new youth-led podcast, “In the Terminal.” Students had the chance to interview peers, experts and guests, and are already looking forward to future episodes.
Overall, the Aviation Expo was a thoughtfully planned event that truly served as a “one-stop destination” for anyone—young or old—interested in exploring the breadth of the aviation field.
For students interested in pursuing aviation further, the White Plains Youth Bureau offers the Aviation Academy, an innovative program covering aerodynamics, drone exploration, aviation careers and flight simulation instruction. The program meets every Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Youth Bureau, with transportation available from White Plains High School.
