Stephanie Childress, a corporate aircraft pilot for FirstEnergy, has dedicated nearly 25 years to aviation. Her enthusiasm for flying extends beyond her professional responsibilities, as she often spends her free time piloting her own aircraft with family.
“I always knew I wanted to be a pilot. It’s become so much more than a profession and even more than a hobby. It’s kind of an obsession,” said Childress.
As part of her role at FirstEnergy, Childress assists employees in traveling throughout the company’s service area and beyond for business purposes. She describes flying as transformative: “When I take off in a small airplane, it’s almost like leaving the world behind. Stress melts away. It’s a transformative experience. You get a feeling of freedom, and it opens up your world.”
Childress’s passion is evident each year at the Props & Pistons Festival held at Akron Fulton Airport. At this event, which features aerobatic air shows, vintage aircraft displays, helicopter rides, and other activities for families, she works alongside colleagues from FirstEnergy who volunteer their time to help set up fencing, assemble tents, and greet visitors.
“You can’t put on events like this without volunteers,” Childress said. “Their help is so appreciated, and it makes a lasting impact on the community.”
This year’s festival included a fly-in hosted by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), attracting participants from across the country and making it one of the largest Props & Pistons events so far.
The annual festival is organized by Inspire Aviation, a local nonprofit that raises funds to support aviation and STEM education opportunities for students in Akron. One initiative highlighted by Inspire Aviation is Pilot for a Day, which allows students to learn about flight operations firsthand—including planning routes and using flight simulators—and connects them with veterans whose experiences combine military service with aviation education.
For further information or media inquiries regarding FirstEnergy’s involvement in community initiatives such as these festivals supporting STEM learning opportunities in Akron schools or youth engagement programs led by organizations like Inspire Aviation through events such as Pilot for a Day or veteran recognition efforts linking military history with educational outreach about careers related specifically within fields involving science technology engineering mathematics disciplines please contact Hannah Catlett.
