Education Through Aviation
by Bill Pritchett, Education Director
billp@modelaircraft.org
“Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad. Philosophy is wondering if that means ketchup is a smoothie.” —Unknown
Since the first two parts of the quote for this month ran, a number of readers told me that it was one of their favorites. Recently I ran across part three. Might we call this additional “food” for thought?
As we find ourselves in the middle of our busiest and best time of the year—flying season—it’s always great to see and hear about people learning to do something. My guess is that more than 90% of us have a comfort zone in which we always try to stay.
If you don’t think so, spend some quality time watching your buddies the next time you’re at the club. Some can almost be predicted in what’s going to happen next! Is this a bad thing? Probably not … after all, it’s a hobby, and if staying in your zone every Saturday and Sunday for a couple hours satisfies your hobby, then so be it.
Consider this though: what if you could do a really nice ________? It could be any maneuver, but certainly one that you can’t do now! If you can fly inverted, that’s great. Now fly an inverted flat 90° turn at each end of the field. A full flight of those will improve a lot of things—inverted elevator/maintain altitude control; inverted rudder control; inverted aileron control keeping wings level. When you’ve got this, make it a flat inverted Figure 8.
This is but one of thousands of examples of something you could try. Learn something and possibly you’ll soon have a fresh approach to the entire hobby. Please take a minute to review our latest overview of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) material we have available. Don’t hesitate to call/email and we’ll send what you need and support your efforts 100%!
AMA’s signature STEM-certified program, AeroLab, gives middle school and high school science and math classroom teachers a “curriculum-in-a-box” for teaching STEM through aviation.
The program is endorsed by retired astronaut Robert “Hoot” Gibson, and provides simple tools to teach the concepts of force and motion, potential/kinetic energy, and centripetal force. The activities also allow students to practice important math skills to determine average speed and distance flown and provide nearly six weeks of classroom activities for “Education Through Aviation.”
AMA’s Education department has several other programs that include:
Scholarships. Since 1970, AMA has awarded high school seniors who are interested in aviation with scholarships for higher education. Since the beginning of this program, AMA has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships.
Flight Training and Safety Programming. Targeted toward youth and adults, AMA’s Flight School is a robust, online educational resource that includes interactive games, videos, tool kits, and instructions for all skill levels and ages of model aircraft enthusiasts. Flight School now includes sUAS introductory and safety information, Know Before You Fly, and an online sUAS Ground School course by Fly Robotics.
Partnerships. The AMA Education department proudly partners in STEM resources and activities with NASA, Alcoa, Civil Air Patrol, FAA, EAA Young Eagles, Science Olympiad, Fly Robotics, National Science Teachers Association, Flite Test, Soaring Society of America, Commemorative Air Force, Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and Aero Telemetry.
Camp AMA. The AMA hosts approximately 40 teenagers at a weeklong summer camp to enjoy flying with the nation’s top RC pilots. From beginners to advanced fliers, campers practice their techniques, watch flight demonstrations, develop new flight skills, and learn best practices to adhere to AMA’s Safety Code.
UAS4STEM. New in 2015, UAS4STEM is a STEM-based program for students in grades 8 through 12. The program is designed to encourage students to learn about the sUAS (drone) phenomenon through teamwork, competition, and success through STEM. Online ground courses will be provided to students at no additional cost. After successful completion of courses, students will receive their build kits. Program registration includes AMA membership and benefits.
Model Aviation Student Club (MASC). A club chartering program for school aeromodeling clubs, MASC gives schools the opportunity to teach aeromodeling curriculum. Some of the membership benefits for MASC include free AMA membership for the faculty sponsor and students, full AMA insurance benefits, scholarship opportunities, and access to the AMA’s educational resources.
University Model Aviation Student Club (UMASC). New in 2015, this club charter program allows for university students with an interest in model aviation to form a club within their college or university. The faculty sponsor or advisor will receive a free AMA membership and monthly copy of Model Aviation magazine. Students will receive AMA membership at a discounted rate, and a monthly digital copy of Model Aviation. Students will also learn about AMA’s scholarship opportunities.
Learn sUAS. This is a new website from the AMA Education department that assists sUAS hobbyists with learning to fly and operate safely. Here you will find free educational courses and up-to-date information.
AMA Day Camp. This is a resource for our education outreach volunteers, as well as any model aviation educator who is seeking guidance. Here you will find ideas, activities, and suggestions for delivering and promoting our education outreach program at home, in the classroom, or out at the flying field!
