A Space Flight That Inspired a Generation of Pilots

Nearly all Astronauts, Cosmonauts and space flyers of other nations have one thing in common, they are pilots! Even US astronaut candidates who do not come to NASA with a pilot background are taught to fly! Spaceflight simply inspires us to get off the ground, from 1,000 feet to over 350,000 feet, flying is the thing!

With 2019 being the Golden anniversary of Apollo 11 and the probable return of US based manned space flight, there is a long list of celebrations, events, movies and more in place or being planned. So how can an avid teen aviator or space program fan find out about nearby events to watch or even participate in?

Of course the internet is a great starting place. Below is a listing and in some cases lists of lists, for you to use in starting your search.

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ASTRONAUTICS & AEROSPACE (AIAA) This professional engineering and science organization maintains a national list at: https://aerospaceamerica.aiaa.org/apollo-events/

Teachers can join this professional group free! AIAA also sponsors the design-build-fly competition for college students, a great challenge of engineering and piloting skills where they must build a unique remote control aircraft to complete a complex mission.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ROCKETRY (NAR) The organization for Model Rocket flyers worldwide is featuring Project Apollo Gold: https://www.nar.org/50th-anniversary-of-apollo-11/

On Saturday, July 20th, there will be model rocket launches, Lunar spot landing, photo contests, picnics, parties and more all across the USA! Simply find the nearest local launch on their launch calendar and bring your rockets or build one there! Many will feature launching large scale models of Saturn V/Apollo in addition to more typical rockets, multi-staged, boost gliders, helicopter recovery, etc. Lots of fun going on at a launch and you usually do not have to be a club member to fly! Of course, NAR is a prime organizer behind the Team America Rocket Challenge (see « « January issue of AviNation) with this years Apollo themed contest worth $100,000 in scholarships.

TRIPOLI ROCKETRY ASSOCIATION The High-Power amateur rocketry organization (and these guys and gals are very professional) launches much larger, louder and challenging hardware. Their clubs – called prefectures – can be found at http://www.tripoli.org/Prefectures. Check in with your local prefecture to see if they are hosting a special Apollo launch as well.

You do not have to be at Huntsville, Alabama to participate in the U.S. Space Center’s attempt at a record launch of 5,000 model rockets on July 16th! https://www.rocketcenter.com/ Apollo50 You can launch your own rockets – water, stomp, model, mid, high-power and report that launch to be part of this global rocket event. But if you are in the area, do check out their long list of Apollo 50 activities.

Nearly all aerospace museums and collections across the country will be doing some celebration. Many universities or colleges with aero and space engineering courses are deep into planning their own recognition events – so check out the ones in your area. This latter group is a great place to visit in any case, because many have professional pilot programs as well and you can see what they have to offer!

And, of course there is that new spectacular Apollo 11 movie, already released in IMAX and traditional theater formats. Many IMAX and local theaters will be running special showings during the week of July 14-20. With its super clear imagery, surround sound and incredible true story, you will be signing up for the next class of astronauts in a pounding heartbeat!

Then, there is a real possibility that one of the new US Manned rockets, SpaceX Dragon or Boeing Starliner will be launching from Florida in July. Viewing one of these is an awe-inspiring and never forgotten event. It does take a bit of patience for ground holds and weather, but well worth the effort.

Remember; having a pilot’s license will help! So keep reading AviNation and learn how to get that airborne smile on your face, eyes on your future and maybe even on spaceflight!