JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Hundreds of girls, ages 8 to 18, got a hands-on look at aviation careers Saturday during the 11th annual Girls in Aviation Day.

The event, hosted at Sheltair Aviation at Jacksonville International Airport, marked the fifth year it has been held in Jacksonville.

From aviation games to aircraft tours, the event gave participants a chance to explore the world of flight and aerospace. Organizers said the goal is to help girls picture themselves in aviation careers through interactive, hands-on learning experiences.

7th grader, Macayla McDonald, and Isabella Boop said this event gave them the opportunity to meet new people and explore new career options. 

“I like how they fly the planes, it just looks cool and something I’m interested in,” McDonald said. 

“When we came here, I saw the military force and everything, and I was like, oh my gosh, this is amazing,” Boop said. 

Brianna Dittman, event coordinator and member of the Women in Aviation chapter, said they reached 1,000 RSVPs, calling it one of the coolest moments in her life. 

“We are so serious about implementing into their minds that nothing is impossible,” Dittman said.

Organizers hope events like this one will help break down those obstacles and encourage more young women to pursue careers in flight and aerospace.

Girls in Aviation Day is celebrated worldwide each September through Women in Aviation International.