Education Through Aviation
THERE’S NO LIFT IN A VACUUM
By Kyle Jaracz, AMA Education Director | kylej@modelaircraft.org
Weird title, right? I was thinking the other day about how much better life is with a team in place—a team that mutually supports a common goal. That group enables us to achieve more, and at the same time, have a lot more fun doing it.
To further illustrate the point in about as cheesy of a way as I can, a team is the air that provides lift to our mission. Without that air, lift isn’t easy, is it? So why don’t I share some of those other entities and the work they do to mutually support aviation in our nation. Aircraft certainly don’t operate in a vacuum, and neither does AMA.
For instance, you can look to NASA (an official partner of AMA), an organization that provides a plethora of great resources to those interested not only in space but in aeronautics. To that end, you can access great materials through the NASA website at www.nasa.gov/aeronautics. Catch up on things such as Advanced Air Mobility, the X-59 Quest mission, high-efficiency airliners, and more. You can also sign up for news, start your own flight logbook, download interesting books, etc. If you are searching for inspiration, NASA has a ton of great material.
I know I’m going to blow some of your hair back, but have you looked at the FAA Aviation and Space Education (AVSED) materials yet? You read that correctly, the FAA actually has a department dedicated to STEM AVSED. Visit the website at www.faa.gov/education/programs. The materials are divided by grades K to 4, 5 to 8, and 9 to 12, and also run several interesting programs such as the Airport Design Challenge (virtual experience utilizing Minecraft to promote aviation), ACE Academies, which include hundreds of youth-focused aviation camps across the US), and the Adopt-a-School program that brings experts in aviation to youth across the nation.
I know I have shared a lot of information about the EAA with you as well, but this organization does so much to inspire a love of aviation for all ages, so you really need to get with the program if you haven’t already investigated its resources! From amazing museum and airport facilities in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to a great publication that is provided to its members each month, the organization offers great content that serves to inspire a love of aviation.
AMA also partners with the EAA with several programs, such as UAS4STEM, AeroEducate, and the Build and Fly program. There are EAA chapters across the nation and many of these chapters collaborate with AMA clubs to promote aviation to their communities.
I cannot mention EAA without also mentioning AirVenture Oshkosh. This event is a whirlwind of aviation experiences that occurs each year and needs to be on every aviation enthusiast’s radar.
I will continue next time with even more of our fellow aviation enthusiasts who provide great materials, opportunities, and mutual support across the US!
See you at the flying field!
