Austin students learning how to fly
February 29, 2012, 05:22 pm
A group of students in Mendez Middle School in East Austin, Texas, are participating in a virtual aviation training program in cooperation with the Phoenix Arising Aviation Academy. Using desktop flight simulators with a hand controller, students are able to select where they would like to travel to from the cockpit of a digital aircraft. Soaring 2,000 feet above the ground, the students can take free flights to Mt. Rushmore, New York City or anywhere else in the world without leaving the school library.
The program is offered to students after school, hosted by private pilot Zay Collier and his wife Tasha, who founded the nonprofit aviation academy. The goal of the project is to bring exciting, educational programs to low-income communities throughout the region. Grants through the nonprofit organization are bringing virtual aviation training simulations to Mendez Middle School, Martin Middle School and Eastside Memorial Green Tech High School, KXAN reported.
"We really want to show these students no matter where you live, no matter who you are we want to make it possible for you to experience aviation," Tasha told the source.
The program in Austin underscores efforts being made across the country to implement aviation programs in more educational institutions. The Alliance for Aviation Across America is concerned that as many aviation professionals are nearing retirement age, there will not be enough emerging talent in the field to fill the open positions. Thus, programs are being launched throughout the United States to increase awareness of and interest in aviation programs and professions, the source reported.
The academy is also working to launch a full-motion simulator in a new facility expected to open in March. The new facility will cater to interested students as well as professional pilots looking to earn flight hours through full-motion simulation. These pilots and pilot students can also sign up to mentor students interested in the industry, as part of the nonprofit organization's mission to encourage interest in the field, the source reported.
Another example of a mentorship program in action can be seen at Los Angeles International Airport. LAX mentors 100 middle and high school students each year, who are interested in pursuing careers in aviation. Known as Job Shadow Day, the students are brought to the airport to meet professionals and observe what they do on a daily basis, ATVN reported.
Some students who have participated in the mentoring program at LAX have gone on to excel in the aviation industry. One participant was able to acquire his pilot license and fly solo by age 16. Students with a high aptitude in math and science courses are typically interested in the program and do well with the exercises, the source reported.
As part of any aviation information session, students should learn about the importance of pilot insurance as a protection against the unexpected.
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