Avination Magazine Q2 April 2018

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April 2018

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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The Next Generation of Aviators.........................................................................6 50,000 EAA Young Eagles Now Enrolled in Sporty’s Learn to Course..................................................................8 Grant Boyd....................................................................................................................11 An Introduction to the Vintage Air Museum...................................................12 The Flying Musicians.................................................................................................14 My Life in the Air, so Far..........................................................................................16 East Carolina University ROTC Trains on STEMPilot Pilot Pro 4 Flight Simulator..............................................................22 Living the Aviation Adventure..............................................................................24 The Aerospace Center for Excellence & Its Partners...................................29 flyGIRL............................................................................................................................30 A Fun & Affordable Way to Start Building an Airplane..............................31 Barn Raising Our Own Air Museum....................................................................32 Lakeland Aero Club’s Mission................................................................................36 Preparing to Become a Helicopter Pilot...........................................................41 Career & Technical Education Program Focuses on Aviation.................................................................................................44 AOPA Scholarship Program..................................................................................47

AB Flight, LLC.............................................. 38 AeroLEDs....................................................... 45 Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR)........................................... 10 Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc..... 40 Bullock Agency, Inc.................................... 45 CommutAir.................................................... 47 Culver Props.................................................. 45 DeLand Sport Aviation Showcase........ 35 EarthX, Inc...................................................... 43 ExpressJet Airlines..................................... 9 FLY8MA........................................................... 13 FSANA............................................................. 37 Full Torque..................................................... 19 General Aviation News.............................. 42 Gold Seal........................................................ 23 Lockwood Aviation.................................... 41 M-Squared Aircraft, Inc............................. 15 M. Arman Publishing.................................. 23 MATCO mfg.................................................. 20 Midwest LSA Expo..................................... 11 North Star Aviation.................................... 10 Open Air......................................................... 31 Piedmont Airlines........................................ 48 Pilotmall.com................................................ 2 RANS............................................................... 23 Republic Airline............................................ 21 San Antonio Light Sport Aircraft.......... 45 Sensenich Propeller Manufacturing Co., Inc............................... 33 U.S. Sport Aviation Expo.......................... 3 ULPower, LLC............................................... 5 Whelen Engineering Company, Inc...... 34 Zenith Aircraft Company......................... 28

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INSIDE

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JAN. 23-26, 2019

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About AviNation AviNation exists to attract, educate and empower youth in aviation.

AviNation magazine strives to give readers insight into the future of aviation by focusing on aviation students, programs, events and innovative approaches to the promotion and continued growth of the aviation industry.

Staff & Contributors Publisher: Jacob Peed Editor: Allison Blazek Editorial Coordinator: Jeff Jorgenson Design & Production: Megan Curtis, Lime Valley Advertising, Inc. Mankato, MN Correspondence Editorial submissions and other correspondence E-mail: jppeed@gmail.com Phone: (515) 408-3763 www.avinationusa.com

AviNation Magazine is here to generate excitement and interest in aviation and to give insight into the future of aviation by focusing on students, programs, events and innovative approaches to the promotion and growth of the industry.

I can’t think of a more engaging and valuable endeavor. Even as it’s cloudy here in the Midwest, I am filled with thoughts of sunny days and clear sky adventures as we continue to support the youth in aviation.

“Thank You again for such a great magazine. I look forward to discovering a way for us to collaborate on future content.”

A Special Note of Thanks Throughout this journey that my family and I have been on, we’ve had people of all varieties and influence graciously offering their time, talents and treasure to help us in our mission to spread the message that aviation as a pathway is obtainable.

I want to thank Dave Shallbetter and Kayla Segerstrom-Perez for their help and support of AviNation and all that they do for our wonderful industry.

I also want to recognize the great editorial contributions made to this issue of AviNation.

Without their help this wouldn’t be possible.

Jeff Auen

John Edgren

Jay Leboff

Grant Boyd

Amber Finchum

Tony Lech

Carol Cali

Cindy Hasselbring Sean O’Brien Sebastien Heintz Andrew Reilly

Marissa Colclasure

As I wait for spring to finally arrive, I can’t help but feel warm and excited knowing that the next issue of AviNation is about to hit the press and then hit the road to sunny Florida for Sun ‘n Fun!

And it’s comforting to know that I’m not alone. AviNation has received such tremendous feedback that I feel compelled to share some of the responses that I’ve received since the last issue:

Advertising Phone: (515) 408-3763 E-mail: jppeed@gmail.com www.avinationusa.com

Gary Cleveland

From the Publisher:

Spring is in the Air!

Kenny Keller

John Zapp

Dick Knapinski

Mike Zidziunas

If you have content that you would like to share in our magazine or would like to start receiving the magazine, please contact us and we will strive to accommodate any reasonable requests.

“Good chatting this morning. And again, thanks for what you’re doing for young folks!”

“I just pulled the AviNation magazine out of the mailbox today. Congrats on a terrific publication.

It’s beautiful!”

“I read the inaugural issue of AviNation and found immediate excitement. Your passion for aviation’s next generation matches ours, and I’d like to jump on a call to learn more.”

So, as you take time to read through this issue of AviNation, take a moment and remember that we have the ability to shape the aviation industry’s future by encouraging, mentoring and celebrating the youth that represent the next generation of industry leaders, business owners and pilots.

Now that’s enough to brighten up anyone’s day!

Sincerely, Jacob Peed Publisher

Thank you to our guaranteed circulation partner and Cornerstone Supporter, General Aviation News.

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THE NEXT GENERATION OF AVIATORS: California Education Program Offers a Model for Youth Outreach

By Amber Finchum The numbers don’t lie. American aviation faces an existential crisis in the coming years as more pilots and support personnel retire than enter the industry.

The problem is clear; the solutions less so. But since when have clear skies been a requirement for flight?

Aviators are problem-solvers above all else and we’re attacking this issue the only way we know how – with hard work, passion and commitment to sharing this amazing industry with the next generation.

Events like the recent “Pay It Forward” educational initiative in Long Beach, CA, offer one approach on how to bring more youth into aviation. Held in conjunction with the National Business Aviation Association’s 2018 Schedulers and Dispatchers Conference, the program exposed students in the

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Long Beach Unified School District to the wide range of aviation career and scholarship opportunities.

The events began on February 5th, when groundbreaking pilot Shaesta Waiz met with 600 local high school students to share her inspiring story. Born in an Afghan refugee camp, she went on in 2017 to become the youngest woman to complete a solo flight around the world, flying a Beechcraft Bonanza A36 over 24,000 nm while visiting 22 countries across five continents.

During her 145-day journey, Waiz met with over 3,000 boys and girls in support of Dreams Soar, her non-profit organization that encourages young people to follow their dreams regardless of challenges or tradition, and promotes the importance of STEM and aviation education.

The outreach effort continued the next day when a group of about 30 local students joined Waiz at Long Beach Airport (LGB) to learn more about the business aviation industry.

“Keep an open mind as you go around and talk to people who are here to support you and share their careers with you,” Waiz told the students. “Listen closely, because I never would have thought I would be a pilot and here I am – anything is possible.”

Students met with various airport tenants and explored the wide array of careers within business aviation, such as those at corporate flight departments, maintenance service centers, flight schools and fixed base operators.

They also had the opportunity to go on board a business aircraft and speak with the pilot and flight attendants about the preparations that go into each flight.

opportunities, so this was an excellent opportunity for them to learn about aviation.”

Jess Romo, LGB Airport Director, reiterated to the students that, “Airports need people, and I hope you see that here today – there are many opportunities for folks as young as yourselves. There are jobs and careers for you to explore here.”

There’s no panacea for solving the aviation workforce dilemma, but as the events at Long Beach demonstrate, sometimes just showing up is half the battle. Youth are ready to learn about our industry – are we ready to teach them?

Students interested in exploring careers in business aviation can find more information, including scholarship and networking opportunities, at www.nbaa.org/students.

The group was fully engaged throughout the two-hour experience, asking questions ranging from, “How much does airplane fuel cost?” to “How long does it take to become a pilot?”

Peter Davis, assistant superintendent of high schools for the Long Beach Unified School District said, “We’re always trying to give kids work-based learning

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50,000 EAA Young Eagles Now Enrolled in

SPORTY’S LEARN TO FLY COURSE

By Dick Knapinski The EAA Young Eagles program reached a milestone in early March. Fifty thousand Young Eagles have now taken the next step in their aviation journeys by enrolling in Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course following their Young Eagles flight.

“More than 2 million young people have been introduced to airplanes and aviation through Young Eagles and 50,000 of them have enrolled in Sporty’s Learn to Fly course to pursue their aviation dream,” said Michael Wolf, President and CEO of Sporty’s, who has personally flown more than 200 Young Eagles. “The fantastic metrics speak to the success of Young Eagles and its impact on the general aviation community.”

A Young Eagles flight is an important and special moment for many young people, but it is only the first step in the EAA Young Eagles Flight Plan, which aims to get as many pilots in the sky as possible. Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course is a huge part of making that happen, as it guides

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the enthusiasm of young people wanting to know more about pursuing aviation.

The EAA Flight Plan begins with an introductory airplane ride for Young Eagles ages 8-17 provided by a volunteer EAA pilot in a GA aircraft. From there, participants have access to a free EAA Student Membership, the Sporty’s course, a free first flight lesson at a local flight school of their choice and the ability to apply for numerous scholarship opportunities available to support continued flight training. EAA also reimburses Young Eagles up to $165 cost when they pass the FAA written exam.

“Sporty’s has been a strong supporter of the Young Eagles program for years,” Brian O’Lena, EAA Manager of Young Eagle and Eagle Flights, said.

“They understand that creating the next generation of aviators is more than a one-time experience. By welcoming over 50,000 Young Eagles to the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, Sporty’s is helping make the dream of flight a reality.”

This progression from Young Eagles flights to enrollment in Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course supports EAA’s mission to grow participation in aviation by promoting The Spirit of Aviation, by giving young people more accessible pathways into the air.

More pilots wanting to “pay it forward” and share their time to fly Young Eagles are also welcomed and encouraged. More information is available at www.EAA.org/YoungEagles.

Learn about our Pilot Career Path Program at expressjet.com/cpp

Subscribe Contribute Comment Become part of the Youth in Aviation movement with AviNation!

AviNation is always looking for quality content and photos, as well as your feedback.

Story ideas? Content suggestions?

Join the movement. Contact us today!

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GRANT BOYD

Grant Boyd is a Private Pilot from Topeka, KS who resides in the “Air Capital of the World”, Wichita, Kansas. A senior at Wichita State University, majoring in Marketing/Personal Selling, he says that the biggest draw to attend the school was the local aviation climate, “From OEMs, such as Cessna and Learjet, to almost a dozen airports, the town is rich in aviation history and is positioned well to build tomorrow’s industry leaders.”

In addition to school, Boyd participates in a variety of aviation-related activities to bolster his resume. Most notably, in 2016 he founded “Boyd Aviation Group,” a niche-aviation marketing and communications firm, with clients ranging from airports to a flying club.

“Before starting the company, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do for a career within the industry. I did know, though, that many small aviation companies do not have quite the marketing effectiveness that larger ones see. So I decided to help solve these issues by bringing affordable marketing to the masses. I have been successful, thus far, and look forward to adding additional clients and handling new challenges,” says Boyd.

The twenty-one-year-old marketer is not one who likes to sit around idly, as one may guess, and also interns at Textron Aviation. As a Customer Service Intern in the Repairs Department, he sees a different side of aviation that he had little experience with before, maintenance. The position has taught him so much, and he would like to eventually migrate into the sales division of the company to try his hand at selling aircraft.

Active in the community as well, he assists the Wichita Aero Club with their monthly luncheons. These meetings have led to many new ideas and passions for Boyd, including air-to-air photography. As well as being thrilled to rub shoulders with the world’s foremost aviation leaders, Boyd was honored to be the recipient of the club’s H. Dean Humphrey Scholarship, which is awarded to those looking to pursue communication or other non-technical roles within an aviation company.

Heavily influenced by mentors met through the Aero Club and other groups within the industry, Boyd hopes to move into a position from which he can inspire and educate younger aviators looking to make a career in the industry. “I hope to donate both my time and money to the organizations that helped to cure my curiosity about flight and molded me into who I am today. Through industry professionals giving back to various youth-aviation oriented organizations and businesses, we will be able to help solve our impending pilot shortage and ensure industry-wide success, for many years to come,” says Boyd.

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An Introduction to the

By Sean O’Brien The Vintage Aviation Museum is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the preservation of vintage aircraft and warbirds, and the stories behind them. The museum’s mission is to restore, fly and share these aircraft to educate and inspire youth, as well as remember all of those who contributed to aviation.

The museum tries to focus on several different areas besides just the aircraft. It goes deeper into trying to preserve and share the stories behind the aircraft such as the pilots who flew them, the crews that maintained them, the men and women who built them, and more.

The museum tries to utilize veterans as part of our living history series for guest speaking and more because it is a great way for the public to learn history from the people who lived it. Rather than a static museum, it is a fly one. After all, an aircraft is best viewed in its natural element up in the air.

The Vintage Air Museum’s home airport is in Woods Cross, Utah. There are a lot of events in the works for 2018, including guest speakers, hands-on workshops, and fly ins. The calendar of events will be posted soon.

Recently, the museum has teamed up with the Kearns Historical Society. With this collaboration, it is now the largest air and ground crew museum in the state of Utah. The museum has also partnered with the Skypark Airport for the 2018 Skypark Aviation Festival and Fly In. This is the largest annual aviation event in the state of Utah. This year’s event will feature a new addition, a military zone which will have warbirds, military vehicles, reenactors and more. Salt Lake Community College and their A&P program have also teamed up with the museum. This collaboration will allow their students to work on vintage aircraft and learn valuable skills and refine them.

The Vintage Air Museum currently has six aircraft in its collection with more on the way.

The collection includes two very rare early B-17 Flying Fortresses, the Desert Rat B-17 E and a C-model B-17, commonly known as a shark tail B-17. Currently, there are only four E-model B-17’s that have been recovered, and the Desert Rat is the only E-model being actively restored to flight. The C-model project will be the only airworthy shark tail B-17 upon completion of its restoration.

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The Desert Rat could be completed in five years, the C-model in perhaps ten years.

The museum is also in the midst of returning a very rare Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon to flight in 2018. This aircraft was donated not long ago and had been sitting dormant for a number of years before it came in. Crews have been working very hard over the last few months getting it ready to return to flight. Currently, there are only three airworthy PV-2 Harpoons in the entire world. It is important to all involved to return this rare aircraft to the skies to help tell the stories behind it. The aircraft has been named “Bad To The Bone”.

Long-term projects include a third Harpoon, a Vultee BT-13, and a Cessna T-50. If it is economically feasible to return an aircraft to flight, then the museum will make every effort to do so. These aircraft will be great educational tools during their rebuilds. Not only will members of the younger generation have the opportunity to get their hands on history and learn valuable skills but also these restorations can be viewed by the general public where they can learn about them and the lengthy restoration process.

The museum is also developing different programs in which to utilize modern technology to help bring some of its artifacts to life and tell the stories behind them. In addition to this, it is working on different programs to tie the past to the present. Many exciting things are in store for not only 2018 but for years to come.

For more information, visit www.vintageaviationmuseum.com.

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The

Flying Musicians SHARING MUSIC AND THE GIFT OF FLIGHT

By Jeff Auen This year, the Flying Musicians Association (FMA) Solo Program received a record 33 nominations. FMA Solo Scholarship applicants, high school music students, juniors and seniors with a passion for aviation are recommended by their school music director and are funded by the nationwide FMA corporate members

and sponsors. The scholarship reimburses recipients for dual instruction, aircraft and instructor, through solo, in partnership with a local flight school, and subsidizes and awards flight gear and lesson materials.

A New Soloist The FMA’s newest Soloist is Isaac Hill of Eagleville, Tennessee. Isaac has exemplified the spirit of the Flying Musicians Association. His passion for aviation and music has been such a bright light to all who have had the pleasure to get to know him - in person and through his blog posts.

Isaac soloed at the Murfreesboro airport under the tutelage of CFI Tanner Quigley of Murfreesboro Aviation. Murfreesboro Aviation has agreed to donate an additional 10 hours towards his private pilot’s certificate. Thanks to Murfreesboro Aviation for their enthusiasm and support of the FMA. Immediately after soloing Isaac wrote to John Zapp, the President of the FMA: “John, I need a new FMA Shirt. I soloed this morning!

We started the morning with two take-offs and landings, then my instructor, Tanner Quigley, said he thought he saw a nail on the runway that he needed to pick up, and exited the plane. LOL! It was an exhilarating experience and I can’t wait to fly again next weekend.

Once again, I can’t thank the FMA, the FMA Solo sponsors, Tanner Quigley and Murfreesboro Aviation enough for this opportunity!”

Isaac is a very busy guy.

Here’s a peek at his life as a musician from a recent blog post:

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“Switching gears to music, I had a great time playing bari sax at the Tennessee Wind Band Conference last weekend at Middle Tennessee State University. Our guest director, Brett Baker from Manchester, England, was fantastic. I’ve really enjoyed participating in the Conference the last four years. Next weekend, I’ll be playing tenor sax in the Rutherford County Honor Band, then on March 3, I’ll be auditioning for a spot on the University of Tennessee Pride of the Southland Marching Band. Wish me luck!”

Looking Ahead in 2018 The total number of 2018 FMA Scholarships available depends upon donations from individuals, corporations and sponsors. We need your help to make more dreams come true. Four FMA Solo scholarships were awarded in 2017. We would love to double that for 2018. Six total award recipients have soloed! Read about and get inspired by the previous and current awardees at www.FMAsolo.org.

The FMA Solo program is growing quickly and making a difference thanks in part to FMA sponsors BOSE & BOSE Aviation, MyGoFlight, Sporty’s Pilot Shop, Gleim Aviation, Voyage-Air Guitars, ToneWoodAmp, AirTurn, Bristell Aircraft, Heaven’s Landing, Sony Pro, Trade-A-Plane, Aviators Hot Line, Sensenich, 121five.com, and many others. If you’d like to donate, become a sponsor or join the FMA, visit www.FlyingMusicians.org. You will also find FMA members happily spreading the word and performing live at major airshows and aviation events nationwide.

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Enjoy. Join. Help.

There is likely an FMA member or two near you. Why not fly in for a local Hangar Jam in your area? Visit the FMA website - Sfor an R E interactive map of QUA D the membership and you can sign up for the free newsletter while you A IRCR AFT are there.

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The Flying Musicians Association (FMA) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2009, is a network of individuals and businesses who share a common passion for both aviation and music. The FMA welcomes all proficiency levels and musical genres. The skills required to play an instrument and fly an aircraft have marked similarities: precision, discipline, patience, and fine motor skills, all practiced in a multitasking environment.

Members share their passions in order to inspire, educate, and encourage M others by SQ creating enthusiasm and promoting personal growth through presentations, U performances, A RED IRCR networking, and scholarships.

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MY LIFE IN THE AIR

By John Edgren

Aviation impacts the lives of almost every person in some shape or form. For some, it strictly represents a means of transportation. For others, it provides a job or hobby. Almost everyone has had some association with aviation whether it be simply living near an airport or just gazing up at airliners flying on a clear day. Of these people, children and adults alike, many dream to fly for themselves, and some act upon it. Many different ways exist to get interested in aviation, but for myself, I was born into it.

My great, great uncle Hobie owned the first airplane in Mahaska County, IA, which he crashed on his first takeoff and never flew again. Mainly because of Hobie, my grandfather decided to get his pilot's license when

R A F O S

he was 19 years old. He built a grass runway on the farm I live on today, and eventually taught my dad to fly.

I had my first airplane ride when I was only three weeks old and grew up flying with my dad in his Luscombe 8E. I also grew up going to various fly-ins such as the Antique Airplane Association fly-in in Blakesburg, IA, and the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI. When not flying or looking at airplanes, I would often just sit around listening to the adults telling stories about flying.

Around the age of 12, my dad passed on the flying “gene� and started giving me regular flight instruction in the same 1946 BC12-D Taylorcraft he learned to fly in. I was ready to solo by the age of 13, but had to wait until I turned 16 to actually do it.

The morning of my 16th birthday I got up early because the winds were forecasted to get stronger than I wanted to fly in later that day. I got the Taylorcraft fueled, did a preflight, checked for Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) and off I went. The T-craft lifted off the ground way earlier than usual without my dad or grandpa in the right seat, and it was ridiculous how

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well the airplane climbed. Before my first turn in the pattern, I was already at pattern altitude. I did three landings, tradition, to show that your first one wasn’t an accident. All of them went great!

Then, when I landed and got out of the plane, my dad cut out the back of my shirt, another aviation tradition after a first solo. After I had changed shirts, April is still pretty chilly in Iowa, my dad offered me to solo his Clipped Wing Taylorcraft, which he uses to fly airshows. I really wanted to solo both T-crafts on my birthday, but I was not nearly as comfortable flying the clipped wing as I am the long wing, and the winds were picking up, so I declined the offer. Dad was not offended and was proud of my judgment. A week later I soloed the Clipped Wing T-craft.

Later in the summer, it was time to go on my first solo cross-country flight! We had determined I would fly down to Queen City, Missouri, to a good friend’s grass strip, as it lies just over the 50 nautical mile distance for a cross-country, and I knew the owner of the strip, Harv Applegate, could hand prop the airplane for my return. I had flown there and back many times before, but even so, I used paper maps and a GPS. My cross country went great! It was a beautiful day, and, at times, I forgot I was even by myself.

For my birthday, all but one of my presents were study books and a Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course DVD set which I would need to pass the FAA Knowledge Test, a step towards getting my Private Pilot's License.

In preparation for the test, I used the Gleim Private Pilot Knowledge Test book and the Sporty’s DVD set.

I fluctuated multiple times between watching the Sporty’s videos and studying the Gleim book, but, ultimately, the videos were the most helpful for me. By the time Christmas break came, I had not prepared for the Knowledge Test as much as I would have liked. I

wanted to take the test soon because my 17th birthday is in April meaning I can get my pilot's license if I have all of the various requirements met. My dad and I talked about it and decided the best thing to do would be to take an Aviation Seminars Test Prep Course over a weekend in January and take the test the following Monday. I would highly recommend taking a Test Prep course, as for me it eased my mind about passing the test. While the course involved two very long days, as a student, I found it much more interesting than two days of High School. Ultimately, I passed the test with a 95%.

I would be remiss if I neglected to share one of my most cherished flying experiences which continues to this day, flying with my grandpa. While my grandpa continues to pass his biannual flight reviews, my mom insisted that before I could fly with him I needed to be capable of flying without him, in the event of a medical emergency. So, as soon as I had enough experience to fly for myself, I started going flying with him. Unfortunately, I cannot log any time flying with

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my grandpa, however, it has been a great bonding experience for him and me and a wonderful learning experience for me. We often wear headsets so we can talk to one another in flight. Sometimes we talk about aviation, and sometimes other things like school and farming. He leaves my flight instruction to my dad, but in flight, we often discuss where the best place to land would be if the engine quit or perhaps why a landing I made didn't happen like I intended it to. Oftentimes when he and I go flying we pick a direction and fly that way for thirty minutes or so, then turn around and fly back home. I would attribute much of my calmness on both my solo and my solo cross-country to what I have learned flying with my grandpa, such as taking into account wind direction to make it back home before sunset. I know my time flying with him is limited, so I fly with him whenever I can, and I will always cherish the memories of flying together.

Many of the coolest flying experiences in my life have occurred at the annual Antique Airplane Association

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fly-in in Blakesburg, IA. At the fly-in, where my dad and I camp in a tent every year, I have had the opportunity to ride in and fly airplanes that I probably never would have anywhere else. Some airplanes I have had the opportunity to go for a ride in include an Aeronca C-3, 450 Stearman, a Waco F-2 and a Beech 18. I have also had the chance to do some flying in a Monocoupe, a Swift, a Fleet, and the only flying Waco S3HD. Last year at the fly-in my dad gave me aerobatic dual instruction in a friend’s T-6, and this past year, the first new make and model of airplane I soloed at the fly-in was a beautiful post-war Aeronca Chief.

An interesting point about being a pilot in a small town is, to my knowledge, no one in my school flies. I think a fair amount of people in my school know that I am a pilot, but it always surprises me when someone I have had classes with for years doesn’t have a clue I am even interested in aviation despite the fact that I wear aviation related T-shirts all the time. It always catches me by surprise how interested and eager most

people are to learn more about aviation and becoming a pilot once they learn that I fly.

Today, I have about 100 hours total time and am planning to do my long cross-country, and night cross-country flights soon.

Before I go to college, I would like to earn instrument and commercial ratings and be a certified flight instructor. Currently, I plan to attend Iowa State University for Aerospace Engineering, and I hope flight instruction can be a part-time job while I am there. However, I am unsure where I will go after college.

Aerospace Engineering could lead to my dream job, an Astronaut, but I have also considered a career as an Airline Pilot. I don’t know if I will ever fly professionally, but I know I will always enjoy flying a simple, antique airplane on a beautiful summer evening with the wind in my face.

I would encourage anyone even remotely interested in aviation to take an introductory flight. In my opinion, no better way exists to experience aviation than to go for a flight, preferably on a calm summer evening in an antique airplane such as a Piper Cub, Taylorcraft or Champ with the windows open. Introductory flights can normally be found at your local airport. Additionally, go to an air show where you can see different pilots flying a variety of aircraft right up to their limits. Many air shows also include opportunities for rides in antique or WWII era airplanes.

Becoming a pilot takes a lot of time and determination, but with enough passion, almost anyone can learn to fly.

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East Carolina University ROTC Trains on STEMPilot Pilot Pro 4 Flight Simulator

East Carolina University’s Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Detachment 600 has been honored as one of the best in the nation.

The group has received the Right of Line award as the 2017 best medium-sized detachment in the United States.

“This award represents the work of many people over many years,” said Dr. Glen Gilbert, dean of the College of Health and Human Performance, where ECU’s ROTC programs are housed. “My congratulations to all of the commanders and cadre of Detachment 600 past and present. I also thank the ECU community for the great support of our ROTC programs making this possible.”

ECU finished first out of 49 medium-sized detachments nationwide, which is based on cadet enrollment of approximately 57 to 82 students. Awards are given in three categories — small, medium and large — based on the number of cadets in detachments.

Air Force ROTC headquarters selected ECU out of seven medium-sized detachments in the southeast region to move forward in the national competition.

Detachments are divided among four regions in the United States.

“ECU’s cadre was graded on production, education, recruiting and retention, university and public relations, and cadet activities between July 1, 2016, and June 30,” said Lt. Col. April Wimmer, commander of ECU’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 600.

“The award is a well-deserved recognition for the outstanding work accomplished by the Detachment

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600 cadre and cadets,” Wimmer said. “We are so thankful for the outstanding support we have received from the university, College of Health and Human Performance, military programs and alumni.”

Unique among schools in the UNC system and across the country, ECU’s Air Force ROTC has a state-of-the-art flight simulator called the Combat Pilot Pro 4 located in Wright Annex.

The simulator provides a realistic representation of the cockpit of an aircraft, complete with pilot’s chair, throttle and control panel. It offers 180-degree views with three computer screens in front and on either side of the pilot.

It also can be configured to show any public airport or military airfield in the world, as well as hundreds of types of aircraft and any weather conditions.

The simulator offers valuable training for those who will eventually get their pilot’s license. It also lets cadets gain much-needed practice for the Air Force Test of Basic Aviation Skills, which is a required test for anyone interested in flying for the Air Force.

The Air Force ROTC Detachment 600 at ECU opened in 1948 when ECU was still East Carolina College.

The first officer was commissioned in 1952. Since then, more than 1,400 second lieutenants have been commissioned.

The Air Force ROTC program is offered at more than 1,100 campuses across the country.

Republished with permission from Jay Leboff and www.stempilot.com.

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LIVING THE

ADVENTU

By Jeff Jorgenson

It was a distinct privilege to interview both Jeff and Liam Shetterly. Jeff is an airshow performer in a North American T-6 “Texan” with Radial Rumble Airshows. Liam, his 12-year-old son, helps with support crew and does some announcing at a few of his father’s shows.

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E AVIATION

URE

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INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): What is it like growing up around aviation?

LIAM: Well, it’s been adventuresome! I’ve always wanted to be a pilot.

INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): Who else in your family are pilots?

LIAM: Well, my grandpa, my grandma, my uncle, my dad and they’re really good pilots too!

INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): How do you know they’re good?

LIAM: I live with them. I’ve seen them fly together, talk to each other and they have all taught me something.

INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): Who was the first pilot in your family?

LIAM: My great grandpa Bill Turrill was the first pilot in our family.

INTERVIEWER: So, Jeff, it sounds like most of your family fly, so you grew up with aviation?

JEFF S.: The Shetterly Squadron is all about grassroots aviation (literally, we would all prefer to fly off of grass runways). We perform specifically for the purpose of drawing people into aviation. THRILL, AMAZE, INSPIRE is our motto. We want to personally get face-to-face with young people, and hopefully, spark an interest in this love that we all share for slipping the “surly bonds”.

Liam’s great-grandfather (Jeff’s maternal grandfather), Bill Turrill used to say, “There are old pilots, and there are bold pilots, but there are no old, bold pilots!” It was a joke, but there is wisdom in it. As I fly aerobatics

close to the ground I am constantly mindful of my “out” -- if all goes wrong, how can I get back on the ground safely? And that mindset has helped me get through several spotty situations in the air.

At Bill Turrill’s funeral, there were around 200 people, and someone had the forethought to ask who had their first airplane ride from Bill. Nearly everyone in attendance raised their hand. It was really cool to see how many people he had touched by General Aviation.

It is a great heritage to have.

INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): Have you flown with your family?

LIAM: Yes, a lot! I’ve flown with my grandmother Micki about a million times in her Champ.

INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): What was it like flying with your grandmother?

LIAM: I did my first wingover with her. So you can probably tell I love flying with her.

INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): So, you’ve done aerobatics.

What is your favorite maneuver?

LIAM: Probably an avalanche. It’s the best feeling ever.

INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): What is that?

LIAM: Well, it’s technically a loop with a snaproll at the top.

INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): What is a loop?

LIAM: You just pull back on the stick and climb while the aircraft keeps going up and over in a circle.

INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): What’s the snaproll like?

LIAM: Well, it’s kind of like a roll and a spin at the same time; it’s very fast and surprising.

INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): What’s your plan when it comes to aviation? Will you become a pilot yourself?

LIAM: Well, I just want to do well in school and training and get my pilot license. I do hope to get my aerobatics license, so I can be an airshow pilot and inspire even more people to become pilots.

INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): Is it legal for you to fly an airplane by yourself?

LIAM: No. You have to be 16 and you have to know the essentials.

INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): What’s it like from being a little kid just along for the ride to transitioning to learning to fly?

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LIAM: As a kid, I remember going to the airport, helping push out the airplane and run it, and I used to always ask if I could fly when we were in the air. Of course, my dad said yes.

INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): Is it hard to do?

LIAM: No, but you have to know some things, like how to keep the wings level and not climb or descend and how to use most of the instruments, that is important.

INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): Speaking to someone who’s never flown, would you encourage them to fly?

LIAM: Absolutely! I’ve encouraged many friends to fly.

It’s the best feeling in the world. It’s so calm up there and you can look down and see all the cities. It’s just an amazing experience.

INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): So, if someone reading this wanted to learn to fly, how would they get started or where would they go?

LIAM: Well, obviously, the first choice would be to look it up online but there are other resources too. You can go to an airshow or a local airport and just ask people.

INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): What is the aviation community like, are they a closed group?

INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): Most aircraft today have a tricycle configuration. The T-6 has a conventional, or tailwheel configuration. How is that different?

LIAM: From what I’ve experienced, it is easier to taxi a tricycle gear airplane. But I think you should go with a tailwheel because it’s kind of like playing the piano. It’s harder to control at first, but then you can fly a lot of other planes as well.

JEFF S.: I would describe a tailwheel as more challenging, but it’s way more fun and it gives you some more options when maneuvering on the ground. I would liken it to driving a stick shift car vs. an automatic.

INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): If you could do anything in aviation, what would you want to do?

LIAM: Very welcoming and open, I think. I meet new people every time I go to an airshow and they’re always very nice to me.

INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): Do you think you have to be rich to fly an airplane?

LIAM: No, you just have to have the attitude for it. If you want to pursue it, go ahead, it’s a good idea!

INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): Do you have a favorite airplane you have flown?

LIAM: Probably the T-6.

INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): So, what is that like?

LIAM: It’s this big, monstrous beast that just glides through the air. And its sound of the crisp, radial engine as they pass by just sounds so awesome! When I first saw it, I was like, I want to go for a ride. It was humongous too, and I’m amazed at what it can do for such a big airplane.

INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): So, it’s easy to maneuver?

LIAM: It’s a very complex airplane. The flight controls are kind of like a Cessna 185. You don’t need much force on the stick, but you still kind of need a lot. It needs very little trimming. You also have to worry about weight, like luggage and gas. The fuel is in the wings. If there is more gas on one side than the other, it starts to turn, so you have to correct it.

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LIAM: I’ve always liked the F-18 Hornet. It’s the coolest plane ever. I’d love to be a Navy pilot and fly a Super Hornet.

INTERVIEWER (TO LIAM): Do you think that is an achievable goal?

LIAM: Well, I know I have to do well in school.

Then, if get accepted for the Navy, I don’t get to fly right away. You have to go through a bunch of training first.

INTERVIEWER (TO JEFF S.): Did you fly for the Navy? What do you fly?

JEFF S.: I served in the Army. At that time there was no option for laser eye surgery, so I had the privilege of commanding a platoon of M1A1 Abrams tanks. In retrospect, that was a lot like flying in formation with other airplanes.

In the history of powered flight, there has never been a better time to get into aviation. That is why, as a lifelong recreational pilot and now airshow performer, I left a thriving career in the medical device field to pursue flying full time with Republic Airline.

INTERVIEWER (TO JEFF S.): You said earlier that aviation has been an adventure, what did you mean by that?

JEFF S.: A few years back, I was looking to start a flight school. I had sourced a Grumman AA1 Trainer and the plane was inspected and ready to go. I just needed to go get it and fly home from Alamogordo, New Mexico, so I brought Liam with me, telling him, “It will be an adventure.” We did our preflight inspection and thought nothing of the cumulous clouds that were building. After all, it was the high desert. We took off and found ourselves in heavy Border:

Building an airplane is the ultimate project for groups, individuals and clubs. Zenith Aircraft Company supplies great designs, shipped as complete kits (with advanced final hole size match drilled parts) that are easy, simple and fun to build. zenithair.com

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turbulence over the mountains and ultimately surrounded by an unforecasted thunderstorm.

We landed in Fort Sumner, New Mexico, now a NASA base. But on this particular Saturday, there was no one around, and, being a NASA facility, the gate was naturally locked. With howling winds and spooky clouds, Liam and I were considering our options and beginning to think we might need to spend the night in the tiny trainer. At this point, Liam was really upset and I explained that this is exactly what I meant by an adventure. It’s something exciting, but it involves risk and the unknown.

In searching our surroundings we discovered a barely legible, weatherworn sign saying “FOR HELP, CALL PAUL.” So we did, and, within minutes, Paul arrived and took care of us. We got to a hotel and ate at a local restaurant. By morning, the sky was crystal blue and we were ready to go. We took off and had a great cross-country flight, landing in Hereford, Texas, for fuel and Wichita, Kansas, for a bite to eat.

On the last leg of the trip, Liam asked in a hopeful tone, “Dad, do you think there might be some more thunderstorms up ahead?” I said that I didn’t think so and then added, “Why buddy?” He said, “I’m just not ready for this adventure to be over yet.”

When we interact with weather, terrain and the sun, we are dealing with forces that are hard to predict and impossible to control. But with planning, mastery of our art, and knowledge of our craft, we can enjoy those elements safely in a way that pre-aviation generations could only dream of.

Aviating is, by definition, adventure.

Photos: John McCullagh Photography

THE

E C N E L L E C X E R O F R E T N E C E C A P S O R AE

By Carol Cali

A little over five years ago, SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In, Inc. made a purposeful chandelle. For those who are not aviation enthusiasts, a chandelle is an aircraft control maneuver where the pilot combines a 180-degree turn with a climb. Leadership recognized that staying relevant in the evolving world of aviation meant that SUN ‘n FUN must be focused on an educational mission that serves the future needs of the aerospace industry. The shift in focus led to the creation of the Aerospace Center for Excellence, where a team of staff and volunteers supports a mission to preserve and enhance the future of flight through world-class events – inspiring and educating people of all ages.

The Aerospace Center for Excellence, or ACE, is a collaboration of partnerships with the government, corporations and generous donors. Sitting on the 25 acres of the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus, ACE is reaching over 20,000 students, funding $2 Million in STEM education programs, including $430,000 in Aerospace Scholarships annually.

Earlier this month, ACE released its first ever Impact Report. This report highlights the five years of accomplishments of the organization as well as its financial position. At this time, copies can be obtained by contacting ACE directly and there are plans to make it available online soon. There are numerous points of interest including the relationship shared with the Central Florida Aerospace Academy and the Lakeland Aero-Club.

& Its Partners

with colleges such as Polk State and Embry-Riddle Universities and starting their college career as a sophomore. What is even more incredible are the benefits these students can take advantage of because of the scholarships available through ACE. For example, students pursuing their private pilot licenses are eligible for a $12,500 scholarship.

ACE is the world’s leader in producing teenage pilots with 63 as of this writing. The number of students that have soloed tops 125. This incredible experience not only enables students to face the world with confidence and decisiveness but to understand the feeling of flight and all that it can offer.

There are over 18 students that have already obtained their Airframe and Powerplant certifications. The combination of pilot and mechanic meld together each day at the Lakeland Aero-Club – the world’s largest high school flying club and the only one with a grass strip at its rear hangar door. The members of the Lakeland Aero-Club, or LAC, reap the benefit of its location in more ways than one. Members literally walk down the street to the club’s hangar when released from CFAA. The partnerships that LAC has established with entities such as ACE, CFAA, Lakeland Linder Airport, and numerous corporate and private donors enables the club to provide challenging experiences that are unmatched.

The Central Florida Aerospace Academy, or CFAA, is a public high school that calls the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus home. The school is not only celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the partnership with ACE but also touts a 100% graduation rate. CFAA currently has 360 students enrolled with four education tracks. The tracks include avionics, engineering, airframe and powerplant, and aerospace technologies (professional pilot).

Students are graduating “job-ready” and are highly sought after if they choose to join the workforce upon graduation. Others are leveraging the college credit partnerships

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By Jeff Jorgenson

flyGIRL

There are many ways to become a pilot and opportunities aren’t always realized in the way we envision. I had the opportunity to interview an up-and-coming pilot, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Natalie Kelley.

ME: So how did flyGIRL start?

NATALIE: My dad was a Navy pilot, flew for the airlines for a while and then retired as a FedEx pilot.

ME: So you got your aviation bug from your dad?

NATALIE: Not really. Flying was always work for him and I never really got to fly with my dad. My uncle is an aerobatic pilot and he took me for many rides as a young girl and I was immediately hooked!

I decided to get my pilot license very early on after I began flying with him.

ME: So how long have you been flying?

NATALIE: I mostly raised a family first and only got my private pilot license in 2017.

ME: So you’re a recent pilot, that’s great! So what inspired you to start flyGIRL? NATALIE: I got a plane in order to build hours and be able to travel. I fell in love with the general aviation community. Everyone is so nice and so encouraging.

But I noticed not as many women were becoming pilots and didn’t seem to have an interest, but then I sort of understood because its a little intimidating at first.

I want women to be more included. I think they just need to know that it is possible and I want to encourage women with a little push.

ME: So tell me about flyGIRL. NATALIE: We have developed some women’s clothing and

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other products for aviation. There’s not a lot out there and I think it’s a way to make women feel more included and excited to show their interest in aviation.

ME: So how is that going?

NATALIE: It is great! We started the website which has become successful. We’re planning a number of improvements and we’re growing.

ME: That’s exciting. I know my daughter would love to have aviation fashion to wear. So as you’re growing, you mentioned you’re also passionate about encouraging women. How is that going?

NATALIE: We have been working with Sporty’s Pilot Shop and are offering a $5000 scholarship for women to get flight training with Sporty’s in Cincinnati.

ME: That’s great. So have you done your pilot training through Sporty’s?

NATALIE: Well, most of it but not all. I just attended a free workshop in Oklahoma with the FAA that included water survival and introduction to hypoxia. It was a great experience. I’ve also attended events hosted by Women in Aviation.

For more information on flyGIRL, visit flygirlllc.com For more information on FAA aviation programs, visit FAA.gov

O T Y A W E L B A D R O A FUN & AFF E N A L P IR A N A G IN D START BUIL

By Sebastien Heintz Attending a kit airplane workshop is an easy way to learn about building and flying your own airplane.

Factory workshops, such as the popular monthly workshops put on by kit manufacturer Zenith Aircraft Company, allow participants to learn the essentials of building their own aircraft without the full commitment of buying the kit first.

At this educational two-day workshop, which is held inside the actual kit airplane factory, participants learn about the tools and skills needed to build their own airplane. By assembling their own rudder section of an actual Zenith aircraft, participants learn about the required hand tools and how to use them properly and safely.

Participants are often pleasantly surprised by how easy and quick modern kits are to assemble with just simple hand tools and by how much fun they had doing it. Once the workshop is complete, participants have part of their airplane built and, more importantly, they have the knowledge and skills to go on with the remaining kit construction.

The two-day workshop experience at the Zenith Aircraft kit production facility in Mexico, Missouri, includes a tour of the factory as well as a demo flight in a Zenith plane! Participation in a Zenith workshop is equal to the cost of buying a rudder starter kit, less than $400.

GIVE THE GIFT OF FLIGHT “Aviation touches nearly everyone’s lives. OPEN AIR was written as a family-friendly guide to inspire anyone with an interest in aviation. It includes ‘pilot hacks’ to save time and money and compliments programs that give rides to share aviation by answering the ‘20 FAQ’s’ I’ve dubbed the ‘two hour conversation.’ It is the most compehensive tool to promote aviation as an ideal STEM learning platform.”

A dynamic, inspirational aviation speaker, Jeff helps organizations navigate the aviation revolution with strategic solutions. A portion of the proceeds of book sales at speaking events go to the organization to help cover his modest speaking fee.

Give Open Air to that loved one and let their career

SOAR

OPEN AIR is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble online.

www.OpenAirForEveryone.com www.avinationusa.com

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BARN RAISING OUR OWN

AIR MUSEUM How the Dream Started and the Adventure Ahead

By Marissa Colclasure

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It is exciting for me to share the love and learning about aviation and all things flight related. First, a little of my own backstory, and why I am so passionate about aviation.

When people ask how long I have been flying, I have to intentionally separate my answer to fit what they are expecting to hear. I have been a licensed pilot since 2002, but have been flying my entire life. You see, one does not need to be a pilot to fly. To me, flying My dad, Rowland Guilford, with his brother Steve is a feeling, a state of planning their trip to Oshkosh ‘74. mind or an adjective to describe daily life. As a young girl, I went tagging along to the airport with my dad every chance I could get, which also led to trips to the hardware store and helping him in the garage on his truck. The idea and notion that flying is more than the actual act of physically flying an airplane in the sky were reinforced by my childhood. Flying was the way that I felt when I was on the ground looking up at airshow performers like Jimmy Franklin’s “Zar” or going to an Air Museum and imagining myself inside the photos that adorned the hangar walls. I would hear stories about how my dad built a Bede BD-4 in my uncle’s garage and flew it to Oshkosh with his brother. I was excited for the chance, the idea of the adventure that can and could happen in my life.

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When I became a flight instructor at 22, I naturally gravitated towards outreach. One of the schools that came through was the school for the blind. There is a profound irony that blind students would open up my eyes to see even more of flight.

While other flight schools Leading students from the school for the blind down the trailing edge of the Citabria at Brackett turned them away, my Airport, CA with fellow instructor Ruben Murrieta. heart leaped and the opportunity to guide these students hands down planes. I arranged to bring our flight school’s plane, an Archer, and a friend’s Citabria. It was in the intimate stitching that these students spent close to an hour getting to know the planes, again, reinforcing the belief that flying did not require taking off in an airplane. That moment in time planted a seed in my heart; there is something wildly romantic about a fabric and wood airplane. Even now, when I talk to mechanics that work on them or pilots that fly them it’s as if it is woven inside of their soul now.

THE FLIGHT CENTER IS BORN

Fast forward 15 years, with community outreach as the foundation, the Flight Center, a 501c3 nonprofit in Louisville, Kentucky, was born.

Ph: 813-752-3711 www.sensenich.com www.avinationusa.com

33

The mission was to create a hands-on, interactive air museum in the same fashion as a barn raising. The scaled and full-scale replicas built by the community become the content that tells the story of flight. The idea is that everyone in the community has something to offer and can contribute to the builds.

community. So, let’s give them the pens to write the stories to be told and the new ones that happen every day. Let’s have our hands work together to shape and form the wood that will make each intricate part that, when together, will create on a magical flying machine.

Barn raising was common in the 18th and 19th centuries in rural areas. The practice involved the whole community gathering to help each other out. Technology has taken our communities and compartmentalized our lives: airports with fences, scheduled play dates, no one just stops by someone’s house just to say hello, etc. For a long time, I used to think what the aviation world needed was barnstorming. The more air museums and air shows I attended, I began to see that there wasn’t a lack of daring stunt flyers or booths for flight schools. We live in a world where fences around the airports will not come down, and, unfortunately, that makes it even that more difficult to get someone involved in the aviation

The Flight Center chose to have the first build be a Pietenpol Air Camper. The idea came from looking at the resources we have available now. We have a Piet support system locally, and the Piet is relatively easy to build. It’s a simple and clean design and comes with the romance of the wind in the wires. We loved the idea that Bernard Pietenpol designed a plane that was economical, which made this a great first project for first time builders.

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BUILDING A PIETENPOL AIR CAMPER

For years, I personally wanted to build a plane but never thought it was feasible. What I have learned is that like any great adventure, you don’t have to have it all figured out in the beginning. We are learning as we go. I would encourage anyone who is an educator

or desires to teach a build for a STEM outreach. The response from volunteers wanting to help has been overwhelming. There is a very large desire not just for the aviation community but for the general public. The reward of watching children, including my own, create something that will fly, the wonder that fills their eyes has been more than worth it.

Our build so far has been helped by many young builders, which include eager third and fourth grade students at Floyds Knobs Elementary School in southern Indiana. Each child signs their name on the ribs they have helped build that will form each wing. The builds also create a wonderful atmosphere to learn.

This is not a journey to step-by-step perfection.

is of high interest to both the children and adults involved in the build. Children are able to see how science, technology, engineering and mathematics can be applied to aviation in particular, but also to other areas of their lives. There is no formal grading or requirements to document their progress on the venture, but the children are engaged in creating something that will one day take to the skies.

Hopefully, their interest in STEM classes and learning will be piqued by this experience.

We have a target of Spring of 2019, so the Air Camper can fly to Broadhead for the annual Pietenpol fly-in. This project

of

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35

LAKELAND AERO CLUB’S MISSION The mission statement of the Lakeland Aero Club is

“Making tomorrow’s greatest aviators......Today.”

By Mike Zidziunas We endeavor to accomplish this mission by emphasizing airmanship, craftsmanship, attention to detail and situational awareness through hands-on experiences. Our aircraft build and restoration projects not only provide hands-on mechanical experience but also engineering, research, reading drawings, type certificates, problem-solving, teamwork and before they know it the students find themselves elbows deep in aviation history.

Lakeland Aero Club flying programs stress the importance of airmanship from the use of simple vintage low powered tail draggers to our high-tech glass panel 172 and Piper Seminole programmed into our Redbird FMX. Lakeland Aero Club has teamed up with Patty Wagstaff to provide upset recovery, spin training and introduction to aerobatics in an aerobatic airplane.

Each summer, starting in 2013, a half dozen or so of Lakeland Aero Club’s best find themselves at the controls of one of the club’s planes barnstorming across the country to Oshkosh Wisconsin. The 15 hours of flying, spread out over three or four days, is all pilotage and dead reckoning. Most of the planes do not even have electrical systems. Flight planning, understanding weather, teamwork and situational awareness are the keys to success.

Once the Xenos motorglider is complete, we will be able to start teaching and soloing students young as 14 in a glider with a self-launch endorsement.

The understanding of aerodynamics that gliders require along with the “stick and rudder” and energy management skills become the core foundation on which their entire aviation careers will be built. Many of our members soloed in a glider at 14 at neighboring glider schools. This takes airmanship, understanding weather and good decision making to a whole new level.

These young aviators will be a tremendous asset to the aviation industry particularly when their future employers seek people who are a cut above the rest.

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®

A youth day camp Sanctioned by FSANA, the Flight School Association of North America | fsana.com

Kids can fly!

Learn to Fly Month chairman Mario Andretti reminds everyone, “May is the month!”

A day camp experience like no other. Campers learn first hand about the dynamics of airplanes and flight and about the myriad of careers in aviation and aerospace. Every camper is given the opportunity to fly an aircraft, however, flight time is only a fraction of the AeroCamp experience and is not required to have a great learning adventure. Camps are held throughout the year at participating FSANA member flight schools around the country. Look for the FSANA and AeroCamp emblems.

Find locations at myaerocamp.com Established in 2009, FSANA is a member-oriented association with a mission of increasing the pilot population by engaging passion-driven people at an early age.

FSANA’s AeroCamp program is a prime example of how member flight schools are engaging the youth population.

Do you have plans for Learn to Fly Month?

During the entire month of May, flight schools across the country are celebrating with open houses, family aviation days, introductory ground schools, contests, local air tours and more. Look for a flight school that displays the FSANA emblem.

—F S A N A ’ S P R E M I E R S U P P O R T I N G P A R T N E R S—

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With the introduction of the FAA Sport Pilot Certificate in 2004, AB Flight was founded to support the light sport aviation community. AB Flight focuses on providing Pilot Training, Pilot Examiner services, Evektor Aircraft Sales, Light Sport Aircraft Parts and Maintenance, as well as Technical Support for Light Sport maintenance facilities across North America.

Our Pilot Examiner is authorized to administer practical tests to Sport Pilot and Sport Flight Instructor applicants in the United States and all its territories.

Led by AB Flight owner Art Tarola, who has well over 8000 flight hours, AB Flight has helped hundreds of people gain their wings and are still flying today. AB Flight strives to continually improve the quality of the flight training experience for our students and all staff members participate in recurrent training. We also work in conjunction with others in the flight training community to share ideas and improve the flight training experience throughout the country. AB Flight is also an authorized Alien Flight Student Training Provider as approved by the TSA.

AB FLIGHT’S SERVICES AT A GLANCE • Flight Training • Instructor Training • International Student Training • Evektor Sales • Evektor Parts • Evektor Service • Rotax Engine Heavy Maintenance • Aircraft Brokerage • GLEIM Aviation Products Supplier At AB Flight we exclusively use the Evektor line of Light Sport Aircraft for its unsurpassed strength, reputation, and comfort. We operate out of the Allentown Queen City Municipal Airport 7 days a week.

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Whether you have already learned to fly or are just beginning, we would love to join you on the flying journey that lay before you!

At AB Flight, we are with you from start to finish in achieving your Sport Pilot certificate. We offer everything from Ground School training material, the Practical Test, and even helping you purchase your very own airplane! From our instructors to our Certified Pilot Examiner we have all the right tools to get you off the ground and achieve your goal of flying.

Call us today and find out why so many people choose AB Flight!

Visit us at display area LP-015 at Sun ‘n Fun in Lakeland Florida on April 10-15, 2018.

ABOUT ART TAROLA

For over 35 years Art Tarola, having established himself as a major player in the aviation community and in many ways has sealed himself as a leader therein. Having built his first aircraft in 1981, a single seat experimental, he soon followed with building 2 more. After about 4 years flying the Mitchell, he moved to building two Ultralight Trainers and began training people to fly ultralights. Art would then spend the next 17 years in ultralight training. However, he would soon find himself back in the shop working on his 6th aircraft an Aerobatic Experimental aircraft to satisfy his desire to experience aerobatic flight.

The following year, Art began studying to earn a degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology from the Upper Bucks Institute of Aeronautics and he didn’t stop there. With the emergence of the Sport Pilot certificate program, Art found himself again training to become a Certified Flight Instructor which he achieved in August of 2005. Since then, Art has seen over 200 people gain

A year after he gained his CFI license, Art again began pursuing further certifications such as a Sport Pilot Examiner. A year thereafter, he became a Designated Flight Sport Flight Instructor Examiner. He now was not only training people to fly but was teaching others to teach which aligns with Arts life objective, “To Support the Light Sport Aviation Community by offering flight training, pilot examiner services, light sport aircraft sales, parts, and maintenance; to improving the safety record of experimental amateur-built and light sport aircraft through education in the areas of airworthiness and operations.

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their Sport Pilot Certificate under his instruction and that number continues to grow to this day.

Art is also a proud member of NAFI, National Association of Flight Instructors, AOPA, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, EAA, Experimental Aircraft Association, LAMA, Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association, FAASTeam Representative, Federal Aviation Administration Safety Team “of which Art earned the title FAASTeam Rep of the Year in 2011”. Art is an importer of the Evektor line of Light Sport aircraft, a line that is unsurpassed in its strength, reputation, and comfort. He has also written a few publications regarding Light Sport Aircraft and has been featured in many articles both online and in print.

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ADVERTORIAL

LEADING THE WAY IN LIGHT SPORT AVIATION

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The Harmony LSA is the latest FAA approved S-LSA aircraft produced by Evektor and represents the next generation of the first FAA-approved light sport aircraft- the SportStar. The Harmony LSA is the Ultimate Cross Country Touring & Training S-LSA. The new tapered wing, enlarged rudder & ailerons, more cockpit space and other innovations bring further comfort and performance enhancements.

ABOUT EVEKTOR

Evektor is an international company and belongs among the leading development and manufacturing companies which are active in the aircraft industry of the Czech Republic. Besides aviation, Evektor has extensive development activities in the automotive and mechanical engineering industry. Evektor company was founded in 1991 and since 1992 it has been active in development and design of aircraft.

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PREPARING TO BECOME A HELICOPTER PILOT

By Kenny Keller Helicopter pilot jobs are already beginning to boom.

Because helicopters were used so much in Vietnam, the industry was previously flooded with “high time� military pilots. We are seeing many of the Vietnam era pilots retire, leaving vacancies in the industry. Unlike airplanes, the majority of helicopters are for work.

Compared to airplanes, they are expensive to operate and not as efficient for cross-country travel.

Our industry will need to capture the interest of the younger generation to fill the vacancies. These careers can be just as rewarding as they are unique. The minimum age to get a private helicopter rating with the FAA is 17 years old. With the help of educational sources like Helicopter Online Ground School, a student can begin their helicopter education well before that and fly solo at age 16.

For more information, visit www.helicopterground.com.

Helicopters can do jobs that require zero airspeed, low altitude flight and landing without a runway. Helicopters are used for trimming trees along power lines, where trucks cannot access. Helicopters are also used for transportation to offshore operations, agriculture spray operations and even to dry cherry trees. The list goes on and on.

I have held jobs as flight instructor, news helicopter pilot and emergency medical helicopter pilot. I saw a need for something to fill in the gaps that often occur in helicopter flight training. Flight instructors often concentrate on the flying and neglect the ground knowledge. This causes students to struggle during the oral part of their practical test. I created Helicopter Online Ground School to fill this gap, and it has grown to help thousands of pilots to date.

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CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

PROGRAM FOCUSES ON AVIATION The Irving High School Aviation Science Academy is part of Texas’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. Now in its fifth year, the academy prepares students to enter the workforce upon graduation from high school. While many schools offer similar programs, the scope of Irving’s program is unique.

Students at the academy study in one of four aviation areas: management, flight, aerospace engineering or aviation maintenance.

Tony Lech is Aviation Coordinator at Irving High School’s Aviation Academy (@IrvingAviation). He provided further information on the program’s technology, partnerships and student achievements.

TELL US SOMETHING COOL ABOUT YOUR STUDENTS. Recently, students in the Irving High School Aviation Academy competed in the Real World Design Challenge, a state and national competition where high school students design and build a UAS to complete a survey and crop spraying mission.

The students are presented with two existing commercial drones as a benchmark and challenged to make a better solution. Using CAD and flight software, the students were able to model and perform test flights with their design and correlate flight characteristics they learned in the Redbird LD

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flight simulator to tweak their prototype. They won the Texas challenge and are headed to Washington D.C. in April to compete at the national level!

HOW DO YOU KEEP STUDENTS ENGAGED? Traditionally, flight instruction is 1:1, and it is difficult to engage a class of 25-30 students with a single instructor and flight simulator. However, we have set up our classroom to allow all students to participate in every flight. Televisions at the front of the classroom, paired with a PA system connected to the simulator headsets, allow students to see the instruments and airplane as well as communicate with the pilots in real time. Using a tablet and the new Redbird Navigator system, I can walk around the classroom, interact with students while we monitor and critique the flight in progress and change conditions in flight all at the same time.

HOW HAVE AVIATION SUBJECTS IMPACTED YOUR STUDENTS’ EDUCATION? “Wow, I’m using Calculus!” is not usually an exclamation of excitement, but students designing a hybrid drone for crop surveying/spraying had a chance to apply complex math in a real-world scenario. When students see math and science are applied in a real-world application it changes

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their perspective. If you’ve ever heard, “When am I going to use this?” in your classroom, then aviation will probably have an answer. Students apply the quadratic formula, trigonometry and more in aviation, and actually enjoy doing it!

Students learn about all types of aircraft beyond airplanes and helicopters, including hot air balloons, rockets, and UAS’s. Beginning in 9th grade, students are exposed to the physics of rockets, launch time calculations and pressure requirements for launch.

Additionally, they explore the ideal gas law and how temperature and density affect the performance of aircraft. Junior and senior students in the “flight track” use the LD simulator to perform private pilot maneuvers, as well as navigation and instrument flight introductions. For navigation planning and longer flights, a computer lab lets larger groups of students all plan and fly at the same time.

WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU ENCOUNTERED? Airspace has been a big challenge when flying drones outdoors. We had to get the appropriate FAA waivers because we are in Class B airspace near DFW airport. Once we worked out the details with the FAA, which was very helpful and understanding, we were able to clear an area of our school for UAS training.

DOES THE ACADEMY PARTNER WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS? Part of student preparation includes building relationships with local industry partners and conducting site visits throughout the school year. The more students can conduct hands-on activities and engage directly with potential

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employers the better equipped they will be to enter the workforce upon graduation.

Colleges and Technical Schools like Spartan College and the Aviation Institute of Maintenance have supported our program for years, and they’ve helped students to see pathway options after graduation. We run an advisory board that includes business partners like Onpoynt Aerial Solutions, which provides UAS resources and training to instructors and students. Our police department and local hospital employ drones and helicopters as well, providing opportunities for students to see real-world applications in their hometown.

ANY ADVICE FOR OTHERS INTERESTED IN STARTING A PROGRAM? If you are interested in aviation, regardless of track, I encourage schools to reach out to local airports and other schools with programs for ideas. We regularly host schools from all over the country to view our program. Anyone in the aviation world is probably very passionate about what they do and will be more than happy to share their love of flight.

Tony Lech is Aviation Coordinator at Irving High School’s Aviation Academy, where he is responsible for writing and teaching its curriculum. For 10 years prior, he served as an Apache Pilot in the US Army. Tony wrote training guides for the Apache and, during several deployments, acted in communications leadership roles and as Chief Tactical Operations Officer.

Republished with permission from Tony Lech and landing. redbirdflight.com.

AOPA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Would you like to learn how to fly? Are you a current high school student or do you know of a current high school student who is interested in becoming a pilot? If so, please check out AOPA’s high school flight training scholarship program! AOPA is offering 20 scholarships at $5,000 each to current high school students, ages 15 to 18 years old, to pursue their primary pilot certificate. Additionally, for AOPA members, two other scholarship programs are available, one for primary certificates, and, new this year, a scholarship program for members to pursue an advanced rating.

More information about all three programs is provided on the website, youcanfly.aopa.org/scholarships.

The deadline for all three flight training scholarship programs is noon, EDT, May 2, 2018.

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