2024 Student Pilot Forum
October 19th 10:00 am-1:00 pm
Essex County (Caldwell) Airport at C&W Aero Hangar
19 Wright Way STE 3, Fairfield, NJ 07004
Calling all student pilots and future student pilots! If you have always dreamed of learning to fly, this event is for you. Learn about the path it takes to become a pilot, and about the opportunities available to help students along the way. Meet flight instructors and examiners, and people from across the spectrum of aviation careers and passions.
This event is also great for early career pilots looking to network and learn about the many paths aviation has to offer.
Register HERE to reserve your spot for this free event!
Check out pictures from the 2022 Student Pilot Forum HERE!
Get details on the schedule and the speakers below.
Speakers and attending organizations will continue to be announced! We also will be posting further speaker details and biographies.
2024 Panel Presenters
Justine Pasniewski— Aerobatic Pilot & Instructor
Justine is a full-time CFI based out of Andover-Aeroflex airport (12N). She has flown over a dozen different types of single-engine aircraft and now specializes in tailwheel instruction, spin and upset recovery training. She feels most at home in true three-dimensional flight, which she currently enjoys in her aerobatic airplane, Alpha 160A.
Kensho Arcari — Flight Instructor
Kensho started his aviation journey in 2016 flying gliders in Long Island. He completed his ratings at Century Air at CDW and attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a degree in aeronautical science. Kensho now shares his passion for aviation as an instructor at Solberg Airport in Hunterdon County. Kensho likes to spend his free time woodworking, going hiking, and flying to fun destinations to check out new restaurants.
Michael Castania — Aerospace Education Director
Lt Col Castania is the Executive Director of the NJ Aviation Education Council, and was inducted into the New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame in 2022. He has distinguished himself through the last 28 years by providing his knowledge and passion for Aerospace Education while serving on Civil Air Patrol's National Headquarters AE staff, Northeast Region AE staff, and as the New Jersey Wing's Director of Aerospace Education. CAP works with youth groups, schools, colleges, museums, aviation organizations and more to deliver educational STEM materials to educators and flight training to youth across the country.
Christine Clark — Student Pilot
Christine fell in love with aviation while traveling to compete in international synchronized swimming competitions as a teen. She has since been a flight attendant at United Airlines beginning in 2013, and acted as a union representative from 2014-2016. This year, Christine took the leap to follow her lifelong dream of becoming a pilot herself, and is now working on her private pilot license at Solberg Airport. Her goal is to become a flight instructor to inspire others to also achieve their aviation dreams.
Jeff Walker - Air Traffic Controller
Jeff is an Air Traffic Controller in Philadelphia working Newark Approach. He has been a controller for a little over ten years, with the last seven working the approach control airspace over New Jersey, until recently located at New York TRACON. He is currently the Newark Approach NATCA Rep, and is excited to discuss the airspace and answer any ATC questions you may have!
Participating Organizations
These aviation groups will be set up at table to answer your questions and talk flying. If you are interested in setting up a table for your organization, contact webmaster@nj99s.org.
Civil Air Patrol
Mid-Atlantic Pilots Association
Air Fleet Training Systems Flight School
Experimental Aviation Association
Coast Guard
Lighter Than Air & Drone Aviation
NJ99s
Schedule of Events
9:45: Registration Opens
10:00-10:30: Arrival & Mingle
10:30-11:45: Panel Presentations
11:45-12:15: Q&A with Panelists
12:15-1:00: Lunch & Mingle