The student-run Aviation Club is at the heart of Humboldt’s efforts to inspire and educate. With support from faculty like Computer Science Instructor David Marshall, the club introduces students to aviation careers through outreach, training, and now, a state-of-the-art flight simulator located in the campus library. The simulator—a GTX MAX Cessna Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD)—features a fully functional cockpit, wraparound screens, and motion that mimics the experience of flying real aircraft like the Cessna 172 or 182.
Whether it’s flying planes, operating drones, or collecting environmental data from above, aviation is no longer confined to commercial airports and cockpits.
“The amount of things you can do in the aviation industry is endless and can be up to your imagination,” says Marshall. “You can become a mechanical engineer, a technician, a pilot—but aviation also intersects with industries like wildlife biology, firefighting, and filmmaking. You might need aerial footage for a film scene or data collection for climate research in a remote area. It’s all connected.”
More than just a high-tech toy, the simulator is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration and can help students log training flight hours toward pilot certification. “It lowers the barrier to entry,” says Marshall. “Flight training can be expensive. This simulator gives students a more affordable way to learn the fundamentals and build confidence before ever leaving the ground.”
The Aviation Club at Cal Poly Humboldt also embraces the evolving role of drones in research and industry. From monitoring whale migrations off the coast to measuring water temperatures, drones are becoming indispensable tools across a range of fields.
For many students, aviation offers more than just a career—it’s a calling. The Aviation Club welcomes anyone interested, whether they’re seasoned pilots, weekend hobbyists, or curious beginners. Through events, mentorship, and hands-on experience, the club creates a space where students can connect with one another, explore new skills, and visualize a future in the skies.
One of the club’s outreach efforts is Airport Day, an annual event that will be held this year at Samoa Field Airport and invites the public to experience aviation up close. Airport Day is celebrated nationally at airports throughout the country and recognizes aviation technologies and passions for flying. Featuring dozens of planes, drones, and appearances from organizations like Caltrans, the Sheriff’s Department, and local Tribal partners, the event sparks interest in aviation careers—especially among middle and high school students.
“Airport Day serves as inspiration for younger generations to learn about the complex world of aviation. Whether you’re a recreational pilot or working in the field professionally, there's something powerful about being around aircraft and the people who fly and maintain them,” says Lee Donohue, president of the Cal Poly Humboldt Aviation Club. “This will be a different kind of experience.”
Airport Day is Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the Samoa Field Airport (900 New Navy Base Rd, Samoa, CA, 95564). It is free, for all ages, and open to the public. For more information, visit the Airport Day event website or email the Aviation Club at aviation@humboldt.edu.