AG-1, CAF, San Diego Air & Space Museum (SDASM), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Gillespie Pilots Association (GPA), and women pilots of the 99s enthusiastically joined efforts to serve our local youth with this educational endeavor, and sincerely hope to collectively help motivate our future leaders towards the STEM subjects and eventual related careers.
SDASM opened its Gilespie Field "Annex" hangar doors to reveal a magnificant classroom for AG-1's first A-STEM event for 2012.
AG-1, the San Diego aviation unit of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), implemented an Aviation Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (A-STEM) 2012 program on Saturday, January 14, 2012. The overall program goal was to encourage and assist the youth of America. Recent studies point out a serious national shortfall of STEM college graduates in the near future. College bound or not, all students need an extra “push”.
Curator of SDASM and Aviator Terry Brennan explains the inner working of powerplants portion of A-STEM day at the Annex.
Through the resources of East County Chamber of Commerce Business Education Committee and San Diego Junior Achievement, we were reached by Point Loma High School AVID teacher Miss Kellie Larsen. The students were so determined to attend that 35 braved an unusually cold winter morning to arrive via the Trolley. Upon arrival Miss Larsen was overwhelmed, “I just have never seen anything like this! Gosh! So many adult are here to support our students!! This is amazing!” Others also attended to make up a class of 42.
New President of the San Diego 99s, and aviator Annette Goff-Dufek gives the students a hands-on preflight walkaround of a civilian aircraft identifying basic functions and components that make it airworthy.
Cockpits, controls and instruments are explained by husband and wife team of Erich and Jeanne Molder utilizing cut out cockpits from several aircraft types.
The A-STEM event occurred from 9 AM to 3 PM at the San Diego Air & Space Museum Annex on Gillespie Field. It is a fantastic setting loaded with training aids as well as pure history! We are proud to have partnered with the SDASM.
Instructor Chris Fitzgerald, retired Navy H-60 helicopter pilot, explains how it all works.
The H-1 helicopter belongs to Blackhawk Helicopters, Inc.
Attendees were divided into four groups (HORNETS, OSPREYS, FALCONS, and EAGLES) that rotated through several learning stations at the Annex. Students were in direct contact with real aircraft and equipment, with the assistance of qualified pilots/instructors. Professional adults served as monitors, safety and general support. Subjects included power plants, aerodynamics, helicopters, airplane instruments, aircraft pre-flight, and aviation careers.
Instructor Bret Ebaugh, Chief Pilot for California Pacific Airlines, explains the Sidewinder air-
to-air missle.
The program culminated in a free light airplane flight of about 30 minutes for every student. Our local Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) pilots, including GPA and 99s, donated their personal aircraft and time to give this very first flight experience, in most cases, for the students. Yes, they did it for FREE!!
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact:
John Telles email: A-STEM@ag1caf.org
And our many friends at Gillespie Field for making
this AG-1
A-STEM event
a success
A-STEM 2011
Air Group One’s
A-STEM Programs
March 20th &
March 23rd Events
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