AVED
Discovering Aviation & Aerospace Education Summer 2012
Journal
U.S. Brings Home Gold and Silver in 2012 International Aviation Art Contest Founder Judy Rice
Think Global Flight to Inspire Students Real World Design Challenge Seeks to Plug Leaky Pipeline Summer 2012 AVED Journal
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On the Cover Publisher/Editor Kim J. Stevens Marketing Director Andrew Stevens Layout Design Andrew Stevens Photography Kim Stevens Contributing Writers
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AVED Journal
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Jenny Watts Claire Stern Penny Hamilton
Content From the Editor Guest Commentary Alaska Lt. Governor Mead Treadwell Discover Aviation Camp in Prescott, AZ
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Cover Story Judy Rice Rounding the Globe
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Bringing Space Down to Earth Traveling Space Museum Page 8
Aviation Career Academy Bismarck Public Schools
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Aviation Career Day Bismarck, North Dakota
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Real World Design Challenge Fixing the Leaking Pipe Page 14
AVED in Montana Benefits Students & Teachers Page 18 2012 International Aviation Art Contest U.S. Captures Gold & Silver Page 21 Aero Camp First in Tucson a Success
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Artwork by Xincheng (Jack) Zhou of Pennsylvania. Jack was awarded 2nd place in the 10 to 13 year old category in the national competition of the International Aviation Art Contest.
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From the Publisher Global Venue T
echnology has fueled our quest to become global in our outreach to promote aviation and aerospace to the next generation of pilots, engineers and other industry experts. As the doors to international opportunity have swung wide open, we’ve found that there is a generation of wide-eyed and eager young people craving knowledge and opportunity in many nations. The passion for aviation and aerospace on a worldwide basis exists and is being targeted by more and more people here in the U.S. who want to share their experience and hope for our industry’s future and have the drive and means to do so. Advances in information sharing have made it so much easier to reach a wider audience and keep us all plugged in as efforts to evangelize a borderless community play out. We see this in our article (Page 16) on Think Global Flight and Captain Judy Rice’s mission to promote STEM education through aviation and aerospace education throughout the world. We see this global interest in aviation and aerospace growing too as diverse countries expand their interest and influence. Whether its China buying U.S. companies or Australia, New Zealand and Columbia building their own, we are witnessing change. The Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) annual event, AirVenture, is an excellent venue to feel the pulse of global aviation interests. Last year our sister publication, the State Aviation Journal (SAJ), covered the Puerto Rico delegation and the emphasis they have placed on aviation and aerospace. This year we focus on New Zealand. You can read about the emphasis that nation is placing on aviation in the SAJ’s next issue. However, even though there is a growing worldwide interest, there are amazing accomplishments taking place right here in the U.S. Beginning with this issue we look forward to sharing some of those stories; Real World Design Challenge, Traveling Space Museum and the aviation and aerospace education programs of the Montana Department of Transportation, Aeronautics Division. I’m grateful that Lt. Governor Mead Treadwell provided commentary as Chair of the Aerospace States Association. That group’s efforts are important as we promote STEM education. From each corner of our country to indeed across the globe, we invite you to join us on our quest to discover the world of aviation and aerospace education, the programs and the amazing people who are investing their lives and their resources to create a future and an environment for success. Kim J. Stevens
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Guest Commentary
STEM Education and Aerospace States By Lt. Governor Mead Treadwell
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en percent of Alaska’s workforce is employed in the aerospace industry and aviation contributes $3.5 billion to our economy. We are an aerospace state. Moreover, we are an aerospace innovation state. From unmanned aerial systems to the next generation of global air traffic control, Alaska is a prime test-bed for advanced aeronautics systems. To make the most of these opportunities, we need workers skilled in aerospace applications. Nationwide, our aerospace workforce has declined by more than 300,000 laborers in the last decade. The Aerospace States Association (ASA), which I chair, is working to reverse that trend by inspiring a new generation of workers that are not only qualified, but energized by a national vision of American aerospace leadership. Toward that end, ASA is working with educators across the country to improve opportunities for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. Alaska and ASA have been actively recruiting high school teams to participate in the Real World Design Challenge (RWDC). An annual competition aimed at engaging youth in aeronautics and engineering, RWDC invites students to develop solutions to practical aviation design challenges posed by industry experts. In Alaska, the program builds upon Gov. Sean Parnell’s performance scholarship, which encourages students to take tougher classes. This year, Anchorage Highland Tech High School’s team Phoenix – a group of five 10th and 11th graders – won the RWDC competition statewide. They engineered their light sport aircraft wing design after hours of computer simulated testing, and with the advice of local and national mentors. By winning the state challenge, the team won an opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. where they joined winning teams from 39 other states and territories to demonstrate their work and defend their solution with a computer simulation model and an oral presentation before a panel of judges at the National Air and Space Museum. Those students displayed the kind of energy and vision that we love to see in Alaska. I believe their example will help efforts by Alaska’s Workforce Investment Board and Department of Education and Early Development, who recently agreed to work together on an integrated, contextual STEM approach when planning the rollout and implementation of our state’s education standards. I’m excited about the efforts taking place in Alaska, and hope other states will join along by inspiring our youth toward aerospace careers and by engaging their policymakers toward building a network of STEM educators and industry partners. Mead Treadwell was elected in 2010 as Alaska’s lieutenant governor and he serves as chair of the Aerospace States Association.
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Campers, counselors and EAA member Tom Parkes (far left) who has been organizing the Girl Scout aircraft building activities from the very first camp in 1997.
Arizona’s Discover Aviation Camp has Strong Showing in Prescott Eighteen girls were enrolled in this year’s Discover Aviation Camp held June 17 - 22, in Prescott, Arizona. The weeklong camp is organized by Girls Can Fly, a non-profit 501C3 volunteer organization dedicated to the history and future of women pilots. “We had an excellent camp experience this year,” said Stacy Howard, one of
the volunteers and organizers of the event and a regional representative for the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “We had strong participation and support from aviation professionals and the Prescott aviation community.” Housing and meals were included in the registration cost and provided by the Girl Scouts at their Willow Springs Program Center. New activities this year included simulator flights, hangar and air traffic control tower tours, turbine engine demonstrations, professional development classes by industry professionals and tours, simulator and aircraft flights provided by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott Summer Programs.
Crossing the Prescott Airport ramp.
Cleared for takeoff in Guidance Helicopters simulator lab.
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Ready for an early morning flight with Embry Riddle.
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Bringing Space
Traveling Space Museum
Down to Earth By Claire Stern How do people go to the bathroom in space? That is actually a very good question and it happens to be the most frequently asked question of Ivor Dawson, founder of the Traveling Space Museum. As it turns out, he’s actually quite happy to “demonstrate” using the only traveling space toilet exhibit in the nation. It is just one of the many true-to-life exhibits that he uses to bring the experience of space travel down to earth for school children. Dawson’s interactive exhibits are designed to both educate and entertain. With a background as an entertainer himself, Dawson (who really is a jack of all trades) is proud to say that the TSM’s Multi-Axis Sim mimics NASA training by flipping and rotating kids simultanearrival of the Traveling Space Museum’s semi- ously! truck trailer at a school is “reminiscent of a travaccidentally. Dawson’s inspiration came from a three-day trip he took to Cape Canaveral, Florida. For 22 years he eling circus coming to town.” TSM’s many attractions include a full-motion flight simulator, a BD-5J aircraft, a had been the primary caregiver of a loved one suffering from multiple sclerosis and an MS society sent him on the hovercraft and a full-scale lunar rover – to name a few. In fact, TSM brings a dozen or more interactive exhibits to trip for a brief respite. He says, “The whole experience brought me to what I am doing now.” schools. Students are always invited to climb aboard and During Dawson’s trip he had the unique opportunity experience the equipment for themselves. to watch a rare night launch of the space shuttle Atlantis Instead of a regular fieldtrip in which only a certain and then spend time at NASA’s teacher research center. grade level or number of students leave campus to attend, Dawson brings the fieldtrip directly to the school. There He was invited to take a test to become a space educator, and he passed. As a result, NASA sent him 100 pounds is no limit to how many students can participate. Teachers and parents are encouraged to join in the learning experiof space education related material – and subsequently, in 1998, he founded the Traveling Space Museum. ence as well. For an entire day, across a school’s entire The first “show” was at a California middle school. campus, indoors and outside, space educators demonstrate Dawson spent about six hours showing off equipment that how space travel works. It is an experience that students he had borrowed from prop houses that made space travel remember for years to come. It is also an experience that was developed completely props for movie sets. TSM has grown significantly since Page 8
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then and now owns all of its own equipment with the ability to travel anywhere in the continental United States. Full daylong programs open to entire schools cost about $6,000, plus transportation costs if the school is located outside the Los Angeles area. Dawson says TSM is “the best value in terms of bang for your buck” when you calculate the cost of taking an entire school on a fieldtrip for an entire day. In addition, with two national touring companies (one in Los Angeles and one in Maryland) TSM can also host afterschool programs anywhere in the country. Dawson strongly believes that students need to learn the basics, but it’s when they go beyond the basics that some of the most memorable learning takes place. “The kids need to understand that aviation and the development of the airplane TSM Founder, Ivor Dawson with student operating an one-fourth scale F-117 flight simulaare integral to an understanding of space tor. travel.” The Traveling Space Museum was recently featured on the TV show “This Week at NASA” and has more than its fair share of fans. Actress and space travel aficionado Nichelle Nichols (most famous for her role as Lieutenant Uhura in the original Star Trek TV series) has been a strong supporter of the Traveling Space Museum for years and TSM was also recognized by real-life astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Although it is clear that Dawson absolutely loves bringing the dream of space travel to life for students, he is the first to admit that it isn’t easy. “I’ve been a salesman all my life – I’ve even sold timeshares – but nothing is harder to sell than the Traveling Space Museum.” What keeps him going are the rewards. “The rewards are immeasurable when you know TSM Protege, Elizabeth that you’ve inspired hundreds of students.” Clemmons plays flight attenMore details about Dawson and his work with the Travdant with an oxygen mask. eling Space Museum – as well as details about bringing TSM to a school near you - can be found at travelingspacemuseum.org or by calling 323-903-5259. TSM is Few are immune to the also on facebook at Traveling Space Museum, Inc. and the shock of interactivity on the organization also has its own page on NASA’s website at Space Toilet simulation. Ask http://search.nasa.gov/search/search.jsp?nasaInclude=trav Bill Nye. eling+space+museum. Summer 2012 AVED Journal
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Bismarck Public Schools
Learning in a Fun Environment at Aviation Career Academy by Penny Rafferty Hamilton
Sean Davis, Founder of Aviation Education North Dakota and Mike McHugh, Aviation Instructor from the Bismarck Public Schools Career Academy, discuss AOPA Flight Training magazine with new AOPA Regional Manager, Bryan Budds.
North Dakota is a very strong aviation education state. The North Dakota Aviation Council chose “Educate to Aviate” as its symposium theme in the spring. Because Bismarck was the venue, it was a great opportunity to showcase their Bismarck Public School’s Career and Technical Education Aviation Career Academy. In addition to on-site tours of the impressive facility located at 1221 College Drive on the technical center campus of Bismarck State College, Aviation Instructor, Mike McHugh, shared his enthusiasm at every opportunity in the exhibitor area at the Upper Midwest Aviation Symposium held earlier this year. The students built a full-scale model of an airplane frame for display in the conference hotel. This generated lots of discussion and buzz about this important aviation education program. The career academy offers students in grades 11 and 12 an excellent opportunity to learn about aviation careers. If a student moves through the program, they are prepared to pass the FAA private pilot verbal exam. The classroom is equipped with 21 computers with Sporty’s yokes and foot pedals hooked to the familiar Microsoft Flight Simulator program. America’s Aviation Instructor, Rod Machado, not only “talks” to the students as they are “flying,” they learn the basics from his textbook, Private Pilot Handbook. Our student’s enjoy learning in a fun environment,” explained Mike McHugh. “We encourage team work in the classroom. We are especially excited with our Frasca multi-engine flight simulator donated by the University of North Dakota John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. This adds such an incredible dimension to our training. We are the only high school district in the entire state with an aviation training program. Now, we are one of the very few in the nation to have a flight simulator.” Page 10 AVED Journal
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Learn more at www.bismarckcte.org Sean Davis, a senior at Century High School in Bismarck, has over 600 hours of in-class aviation experience at the Bismarck Career Academy. “Mike McHugh, as my instructor, encouraged me to pursue my pilot’s license and to follow my passion for aviation. That is why I founded Aviation Education North Dakota (AEND) in June 2011.” This non-profit expands aviation awareness one student at a time by teaching the fundamentals of aeronautics to our students in grades 4 through 12. “We use the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) PATH to Aviation curriculum to connect math, science, physics, history, and technology to the classroom experience. We use Microsoft Simulator X to help our students connect what they learn in their classroom and apply that to simulated flying. AEND offers our services to any school at no cost,” concluded Davis. The web site www.discoveraend.org describes AEND projects and partnership opportunities. Offering aviation opportunities is an organizational and personal commitment to many across the state of North Dakota.
Mike McHugh, Instructor, works at a white board with Aviation Digital Data Service-ADDS at the Bismarck Public Schools Career Academy for students.
2012 Bismarck Aviation Career Day a Huge Success By Jon Simmers This year’s Bismarck Aviation Career Day was a huge success. The May 3rd event was organized by the North Dakota Business Aviation Association and based out of the Bismarck Aero Center maintenance hangar. More than 400 5th graders from 10 areas schools participated. The 5th graders received a special treat as this year’s event expanded to include three separate locations across the airport. Students learned that the wonderful world of aviation goes far beyond pilot careers. The implied message is that aircraft are fascinating machines Students hear about many different pilot careers from Kelby Hovey, Corporate and there are tons of opportunities available to Pilot for Basin Electric Power Cooperative. have a career at the airport. Students learned about aviation careers from many different sources. Law ennicians; along with airport fire and rescue. forcement careers highlighted by the North Dakota Game Back by popular demand, twelve flight simulators were & Fish Department; many different pilot careers displayed on-hand to allow students the opportunity to fly aircraft! by Basin Electric Power Cooperative Pilots; military caImagine, providing that experience to 400 students in one reers were on display by the North Dakota National Guard day! This year’s simulators were sponsored by Aviation and their Blackhawk helicopter static display; air traffic Continued on next page. control tower; airport operations; TSA; maintenance tech-
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Bismarck 5th graders get a hands on interactive tour of a Blackhawk Helicopter provided by the North Dakota Army National Guard.
Aviation Career Day Continued from previous page Education North Dakota (AEND). AEND is a new organization that is operated by volunteers. Although AEND is Bismarck-based, the organization is looking to branch out by forming other chapters across the state of North Dakota. Although getting every student to the airport for exposure may be ideal, it may not be realistic. The focus of the organization is to bring the airport to the class
room. This will allow the industry to provide the “gift of flight” right in the classroom. For more information about AEND, check out their website at www.discoveraend.org. New this year was a session to help challenge and broaden the knowledge of each student called “Principles of Flight”. This proved to be a fantastic session and a great learning experience for all students. Executive Air Taxi played a large role in this. “This was an amazing day for the students,” commented Mrs. Peggy Kopp, 5th Grade Teacher for Pioneer Elementary. Two important lessons were learned by the volunteers
They’re Here! – The first round of students arrive off the bus for Aviation Career Day!
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North Dakota
Each student lived their dream of flying an aircraft on one of the MS Flight Simulators provided by Aviation Education North Dakota (AEND)
who organized this event. First, don’t take for granted how great the aviation industry really is. Several of the students had never been around an aircraft or the large buildings at the airport. The closest many of these students have been to the airport is watching it on television. The second lesson learned is that no matter how good
the event is, it can be better with a great cross section of people involved. A diverse committee generates great ideas that result in a great event! If you would like to learn more on how you can host an event like this in your community, contact Jon Simmers at jons@bismarckaero.com
Jon Simmers is Secretary, North Dakota Business Aviation Association and CEO, Bismarck Aero Center.
Even the guys from ATC did an outstanding job capturing the attention of the next generation of aviators!
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Real World Design Seeks to Plug Leaky Pipeline By Lara Jackson The United States is currently facing a shortage of highly-skilled mathematics and science professionals. According to Dr. Ralph Coppola, Director, Real World Design Challenge and Senior Director of Government & Strategic Education Programs, Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC), the U.S. is already at a critical point concerning this shortage. 54% of aerospace professionals are age 45 or older with one-third of these individuals being eligible to retire today. But, the key is replacement. Does the U.S. have qualified individuals entering the workforce to replace those who are retiring? The short answer is no. Coppola goes on to explain that of all of the students who enroll in a bachelor degree program, only 7.5% percent of those students enroll in engineering programs. And, of those who enroll in engineering, only 50% graduate with a degree in engineering. “So, the pipeline is already narrow and leaky,” states Coppola who formed the Real World Design Challenge (RWDC) in 2008.
Meeting the Need The obstacle many young people face upon graduation is gaining that “real world experience” employees constantly post as a requirement in their job advertisements. With the development of RWDC, Coppola set out to change this. And, in only four years, the RWDC has already been recognized for its applicable and professional program which prepares young people for a math or sciencebased career. The program Dr. Ralph Coppola offers students a competitive edge when applying for college and an excellent program to include on their resume. In fact at this year’s National Championship Awards Program, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood stated he would hire all of the participating students. The RWDC is an annual high school challenge open to Page 14 AVED Journal
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all high schools and high school-aged children managed by a public-private partnership with the “…goal of sustainably increasing the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workforce,” as stated on the RWDC Web site. According to Charles Huettner, executive director of the Aerospace States Association, RWDC was developed to prepare these high school students for real world problems among real people and working with real software that is used on the job. Coppola explains that the RWDC serves four purposes, all which assist those who participate adapt in the “real Charles Huettner world”: 1. 2. 3. 4.
The students are given a real problem which is de- fined by the aviation and aerospace industry. The students work with professional engineering tools – the software that those in the industry use. The students are in the same roles as those within the profession. The students make a real contribution to society.
The RWDC Board discusses and determines the next year’s challenge over the summer, announcing the new challenge in early fall, just in time for the beginning of the new academic year. Thus far the challenges have focused on sustainability issues facing the aviation industry. According to the RWDC, the 2012 National Challenge was “…to design an efficient, low-carbon-emission and environmentally friendly personal light sport aircraft.” Additionally, the aircraft needed to be designed to accommodate two team members and fly from Kitty Hawk, NC to Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio “…at a minimum cruise altitude of 1,000 feet above ground level.” The winner of this year’s challenge was a team who had the “overall best professional presentation and the best aircraft that flew between the two points – it was just a joy to see,” stated Huettner. According to the RWDC, “… the challenge starts with a
Coppola, Real World Design Challenge Recognized for Achievement Dr. Ralph Coppola, Director Real World Design Challenge and Senior Director of Government and Strategic Education Programs at PTC, received the 2012 Crown Circle Award in recognition of his extraordinary effort to inspire and prepare America’s youth by creating the Real World Design Challenge. The award was presented at this year’s EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis. on Tuesday, July 24.
state-level competition… then compete for the Governor’s Cup. The winner in each state or territory receives an all-expenses paid trip to compete in the national finals in Washington, DC.” The Challenge started four years ago with participants from 10 states and has grown to participants from 30 states and 700 schools. “We’re hoping to double, even triple this participation in the future,” Huttner explains. “This year’s participation was 54% higher compared to last year’s Challenge. We officially had 39 states partner on the Challenge [the state either had the governor or lieutenant governor of the state partner]. Of those states 30 teams participated in the National Challenge in Washington DC,” says Coppola. According to Larry Taborsky, Director, North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, “We have found that that there are many schools out there that are extremely interested in aviation. The kids put in a lot of time and effort. Not only do the kids learn about aviation and engineering, but they learn about the social aspects they take on for the certain position they play on their team and learn how to work with others on a more professional level.”
A Helping Hand In order to help ensure participating students succeed and have a positive experience, the program has enlisted help from professionals from academia and the aerospace industry to serve as mentors. And, distance was not an issue – with the Internet, email and other technology, students could obtain the help they needed no matter the distance or the time difference. For example, the team that won the first
challenge was an all-girls school from Hawaii whose mentor was located at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. But, the major help for participating students comes from a generous donation in the form of professional engineering software from PTC. Each participating student receives the actual software program, which costs over Larry Taborsky a million dollars, to use in creating their project for the challenge. “We are increasing the ‘pipeline’ of future aerospace professionals by providing mentors and excellent resources such as the software,” states James Brough, National Aviation & Space Education Manager, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). “We [the FAA] fully recognize and understand this looming crisis on not having enough aerospace engineers in the future,” continues Brough. Getting the word out there and more exposure is another challenge the RWDC faces, but through its connection with the National Lieutenant Governors Association, the RWDC has made some headway. Traditionally, state education is a focus for lieutenant governors. So, the RWDC has partnered with the lieutenant governors to help spread the word about its program and encourage educators to participate in this program. “This challenge allows for the students to experience a piece of the ‘real world’ work experience and not only use their math and science skills but their people and communications skills and team-building skills too,” says Huettner. “Our [the RWDC] goal is to have every school in the nation involved in this program,” explains Coppola. Interested in learning more about this program and how your state or you can become involved? Visit www.realworlddesignchallenge.org. Summer 2012 AVED Journal Page 15
Rounding the Globe to Raise Awareness
Judy Rice
By Claire Stern Judy Rice was told at an early age that she couldn’t fly because she was a girl. At age 40 she changed her mind set and took flying lessons becoming a successful instrument rated commercial pilot, advance ground instructor and certified flight instructor. Now, about 20 years later she is planning to circumnavigate the globe in an effort to get school children of all ages excited about aviation. “I was never engaged in science during my school years, now I can’t stop teaching it,” says Rice. Her goal is to inspire students about science and the other STEM disciplines (technology, engineering and mathematics) through aviation, primarily focusing on students in grades 6-12. To accomplish her goal Rice founded a Florida-based 501(c) (3) non-profit organization called Think Global Flight. The organization’s mission is to plan and execute a flight across the world in the fall of 2013. With Rice in the pilot seat, the flight will take off from Honolulu, Hawaii, heading west and making 35 stops over 24,000 miles until ending up back in Honolulu. All along the way Rice and her co-pilot, her former flight instructor Fred Nauer, will speak directly to classrooms through the use of streaming video and satellite phones. Students are already involved in planning the logistics of the flight. “We have 15 schools in the United States and schools in more than 10 countries involved,” she says. The students
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Cover Story
Captain Judy Rice and Navigator Fred Nauer on wing of Think Global Flight Cirrus SR20 G3, aircraft donated by Guidance Aviation.
make up command centers which will help facilitate international relations, develop green technology ideas, research global weather patterns and research global air traffic control. During the flight itself students can follow the plane via the Think Global Flight website and Facebook page. Students will be able to interact directly with Rice and Nauer during the flight, asking them questions and seeing in real-time what conditions are like along the route. There is no cost to schools or students who want to be involved in the planning process or who want to fol-
hope is that Think Global Flight will fully engage students and help them understand that what they are learning everyday in school can be applied to real life careers in aviation. Rice attributes much of her own success as a pilot to her flight instructor and soon-to-be co-pilot, Fred Nauer. Now as an aviator herself she strongly believes that it is the aviation industry’s responsibility to develop the next generation of aviators. “It is our job now to grow the minds of our students.” Details about the round-the-world flight including opportunities for students to become involved and specifics about the route are available at thinkglobalflight.org and inquiries can be directed to info@thinkglobalflight.org. AlCapt Judy Rice pictured with Central Florida Aerospace Academy students Cody Fussell and though Think Global Flight already has Savannah Edfors. Central Florida Aerospace Academy is Student Command Center 1.0. a Premier Sponsor in Guidance Aviation, Rice says that the flight will not happen low the flight as it happens. Rice wants to ensure that all without support from more companies and individual dostudents have the opportunity to participate. nors. She says more sponsors are needed to make sure the Arizona-based Guidance Aviation flight school is donathigh-flying plan turns into reality here on the ground. ing the aircraft that will be used during the flight – one of Current supporters of Think Global Flight include Fly To its own high-tech Cirrus SR20 G3 planes. “This aircraft Learn - Powered by X-Plane, Cirrus Aircraft, Guidance has an incredible safety system, good fuel efficiency and Aviation, Sennheiser, Live Your Dream, Aerox, Spideris ideally suited for this mission. It is truly a 21st century tracks, Turtlepac, Janet’s Planet, Brightline Bags, Gulf vehicle,” says Guidance Aviation founder and CEO John Coast Avionics and numerous individual donors. Stonecipher. It features Garmin Perspective, Synthetic Vision and a Ballistic Recovery System which includes a parachute that is launched by a rocket during a worst-case scenario. It also features a glass cockpit, ergonomic design, air conditioning and fatigue-reducing technology for maximum comfort during flight. In addition, Guidance Aviation is donating staff time and resources to assist with the pre-flight planning process and marketing efforts. Stonecipher himself is a huge supporter of Rice’s mission and wants to make sure word spreads about Think Global Flight. “Kids don’t have a lot out there to inspire them, so they aren’t as engaged as Capt Judy Rice and Navigator Fred Nauer with high school representatives from Norway who will they once were about aviation.” His be taking part in Think Global Flight’s Student Command Centers. Summer 2012 AVED Journal Page 17
Students and Teachers Benefit from AVED in Montana By Lara Jackson The Montana Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division offers many aviation education programs for individuals of all ages and David Hoerner, Safety and Education Bureau Chief, has played an integral part in the development of these programs during his tenure with the department over the past two years. One of the programs Hoerner Students check out the DC-3 at the Museum of Mountain Flying. heads and takes great pride in is the annual Aviation Career to provide safe, reliable, and effective aerial support for Academy (ACA), which occurs each summer. Hoerner wildland firefighting.” changed the requirements of this year’s ACA. In the past Hoerner stated about the visit to Neptune, “The kids also junior high school students were eligible to attend the learned about fighting fires in Montana, which is a key Academy, but this year it was only open to high school function of aviation in the West due to forest fires.” students. In addition to learning about aviation firefighting, at“The junior high kids were just too young. High school tendees also had a three-hour tour of the facility, which is when the kids really start thinking about a career,” Hoconsisted of the students learning about smokejumpers, erner explains. professionals who are deployed to remote fires, especially And, not any student in Montana can attend the academy. wild fires. Those interested in attending must submit an essay stating “They [the students] learned how to get into the field and their interest and recommendations also must be submitthe training and risks involved in becoming a smokejumpted. There are only 12 openings to attend the academy. er,” Hoerner explained. According to Hoerner, this two-day academy teaches the The second day of the academy exposed participants students that there are many careers associated with aviato a different side of aviation – military – when they had tion – not just pilots. the chance to visit Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great This year’s academy students visited the Museum of Falls. According to its Web site, “Malmstrom Air Force Mountain Flying in Missoula, where they toured the muBase…is one of three U.S. Air Force Bases that maintains seum and learned the history of aviation especially geared and operates the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic toward mountain flying missile. The 341st Missile Wing reports directly to 20th and the State of Montana. Air Force, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. and is part The highlight of the visit of Air Force Global Strike Command…[It’s] mission is to was “the opportunity to defend America with safe, secure, effective nuclear forces climb inside the DC-3/7and combat-ready/airmen.” 47 the museum has on According to Hoerner, this was a one-of-a-kind experidisplays,” states Hoerner. ence for the students because they actually got to go down Also on the first day of inside the “mock up cabs” at the base, which are cabs the academy, the students underground alongside the missiles. The students also toured Neptune Aviation learned how the missiles operate and their history starting Services of Missoula, with the Bay of Pigs invasion. whose mission is “… “The ACA is a big deal for the kids in our state. This David Hoerner Page 18 AVED Journal
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year’s kids were great. They really got a feel for different aviation careers. In addition to having the professionals explain their jobs, I asked them questions about their finances too – how much money they made – because I explained to the kids that before you know it, you’re going to be making your own financial decisions. This experience really got the kids thinking about their future and career choices.” Also, once the participants complete the academy, they receive a diploma stating they’ve graduated from the ACA. On the other end of the spectrum, the MDT Aeronautics Division offers a workshop for teachers encouraging aviation in the classroom. This annual Teacher’s Workshop counts as a full credit towards the teacher’s required continuing education. This year’s workshop “…guided the teachers through the basics of aerodynamics with the help from several Montana aviation experts…” as stated in the MDT’s April
2012 newsletter Montana and the Sky. After the workshop, the teachers used their aviation know-how preparing various aviation stations for their students. The stations included simulating a take off with a flight simulator, conducting wind tunnel tests, simulating a final approach using voice-activated headsets to make radio calls and learning about famous aviators and their airplanes. All Montana children have the opportunity to participate in the Division’s annual art aviation poster contest. Divided into age groups, the winners of each group are flown along with their family, to the state capitol to receive their trophy. This year’s winners received their trophies from Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger, who treated them to a tour of the Capitol and lunch. “Many schools throughout the state are also adding aviation to their curriculum, including a weeklong aviation class,” says Hoerner. Continued on next page.
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Montana Continued from previous page. “Due to the poor economy, the number of those interested in aviation has declined due to the cost of schooling, but they’re still out there – there are still people training out there. I hope through the programs we offer we get more kids interested in aviation and the different aspects of the industry. We are already planning for the future by showing the kids the opportunities out there for them,” explains Hoerner, a Montana native. After receiving his pilot’s license, Hoerner spent a year in Alaska working as a pilot for a gold mine. As a commercial helicopter and airplane pilot, he had his own business for 25 years where one of his primary functions was to track wildlife from the air MDT Aviation Awareness Art Contest Winners 2012 – Lt. Governor John Bollinger presin addition to conducting search and rescue ents awards to first place winners: Brandon Tromley, Reese Duck and Hannah Vraspir. efforts and recovering transmitters. Hoerner also taught search and rescue efforts. “We take search and rescue seriously here in Montana. The program, which consists of volunteers, has been extremely successful,” states Hoerner, who, in addition to heading the education portion at the MDT Division of Aviation, serves as the search and rescue coordinator. Hoerner is the author of two books, Flying Alaska Gold Grizzlies, Gold Gangsters and a children’s book, Peter Protector Super Mountain Airplane. But, referring to education, “It’s fun teaching the kids and adults about aviation and its importance especially in Amy Stocki, former Montana Pilots Assn Junior Pilot of the Year, now Montana and seeing the kids get excited by aviation.” flies for the airlines.
Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) training during the annual Mountain Search Pilot Clinic. Volunteers are taught how to “home” in on an ELT signal using the homing device.
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International Aviation Art Contest
U.S. Students Capture Gold and Silver Two U.S. students were among the nine winners of the 2012 International Aviation Art Contest for young people sanctioned by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) and the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) managed by the National Association of State Aviation Officials’ Center for Aviation Research and Education. The art contest is designed to motivate and encourage young people of FAI member nations to become familiar with and participate in aeronautics, engineering, and science. The winners were chosen during FAI’s April meeting in Switzerland. Lewis Hwang of Massachusetts received the FAI gold medal in the junior category (Ages 6-9). In the competition for ages 10-13, Karen Ahn of California received the FAI silver medal. More than 5,000 students from 28 states submitted their artwork for the U.S. national competition. The first, second and third place winners were then forwarded to NASAO Center headquarters in Washington for national judging. The three U.S. winners from each category were sent to Switzerland for the international judging. Jonathan Gaffney, President and CEO of NAA said the National Aeronautic Association is grateful to the thousands of students across the United States who contributed their art to the distinguished panel for review. “We congratulate the international winners on this great accomplishment. We are also extremely grateful to our partners at the NASAO Center, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and many other people and organizations who collaborated on this most worthy education endeavor.” Category I (Junior): 6 to 9 year olds First Place: Lewis Hwang, (USA) Massachusetts Second Place: Uma Maheswari, (India) Third Place: Anna Himich, Ukraine Category II (Intermediate): 10 to 13 year olds First Place: Kyoko Sasaki, (Japan) Second Place: Karen Ahn, (USA) California Third Place: Tsunoyashi Kosuge,(Japan) Category III (Senior): 14 to 17 year olds First Place: Dmitriy Yakovlev, (Ukraine) Second Place: Jinsheng Shan, (People’s Republic of China) Third Place: Miwako Kanada, (Japan) The winners receive an FAI gold, silver or bronze medal presented to them by the FAI member countries or by FAI
Karen Ahn received the FAI silver medal in her age category.
President John Grubbstrom at an awards ceremony taking place during the FAI General Conference in October. To see all of the U.S. international entries go to www.nasao. org.
Lewis Hwang received the FAI Gold medal in the junior category.
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First Aero Camp in Tucson a Success
the short fall in professional pilots within the aviation industry as the main reason behind the creation of such a camp. Their hope is that by exposing kids to aviation, and more specifically flying, at an age where they are typically identifying what they want to do as a career, that some may then choose to become professional pilots. Aero Camp is a relatively new idea, however, with Double Eagle Aviation offering the camp this summer in Tucson, it makes it the first camp of this type in Arizona and the Southwest. Although this is the first year Double Eagle Aviation has offered the camp, based upon the success this summer, they plan to offer it again next year. Double Eagle Aviation’s knowledge of the Aero Camp program stems largely from the company’s General Manager, Jim White, who was recently elected Chairman of the Board of Ground instructor Whitney Egerton, left and Aero Camp student My Lam, age 13. Directors for the FSANA in May of this year. “It has been great to see the kids get excited about By Jenny Watts flying, and to watch them forge new friendships.” White also said the camp has been a great way for kids to pracWhile some middle school and high school aged students tice their math and science skills. Math and science are were participating in basketball, soccer, or traditional areas where U.S. kids have fallen behind in recent years camps this summer, a select few had the opportunity to compared to kids in other countries. During their time at participate in something a little more unique. camp, the kids learn about navigation, weather and aeroTwenty-five young people in the 6th – 12th grade partici- dynamics, among other things. White explains that “aviapated in the first annual Aero Camp held at Double Eagle tion is a fun way to learn math and science.” Aviation located at Tucson International Airport (TIA) in Arizona. Although more widely known on the East coast, organizers are hopeful that the program’s success in Arizona will lead to additional Aero Camps in the coming years throughout the Southwest. Double Eagle Aviation is a Part 61 flight school that has been in business at TIA for more than 25 years. They offer traditional ground school and flight training, as well as several accelerated certificate programs. The majority of the company’s students are usually adults, but for three weeks this summer their classrooms and planes were occupied by a younger group of eager students. Aero Camp is a creation of the Flight School Association of North America (FSANA), designed to spark interest in Left to right are Tim Amalong, President and Owner of Double Eagle, aviation early in young kids’ lives. The Association cites Whitney Egerton, ground school instructor and Jim White, General Manager.
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