Two Harbors Chapter 1128 of the Experimental Aircraft Association, in collaboration with Two Harbors High School and Lake Superior School District Community Education, recently hosted a two part aviation event for local youth.
On Friday Jan. 27, several EAA chapter members, including pilots, aircraft builders and aviation enthusiasts, made a presentation at the Two Harbors High School. Students and parents in attendance had a chance to engage in discussions covering a wide range of aviation topics from aircraft modeling and radio control flying to flying jumbo jets around the world. Topics also included ultralight aircraft, antique and classic aircraft restoration, building and flying your own airplane, general aviation, commercial aviation, and many of the career options available in aviation. One of the most important messages of the day was of setting goals and working to achieve them in a methodical way, if you can dream it you can do it, hold onto your dreams and never quit.
The next Friday, Feb. 3, EAA Chapter 1128 hosted a field trip to the Duluth International Airport where students and some parents had the opportunity to tour Cirrus Aircraft and see firsthand the process of building an airplane from start to finish. The students were also able to see and touch the Cirrus Jet prototype that is now in flight testing.
The next stop was Monaco Air where the students learned about the business of a “Fixed Base Operation,” such as providing services to pilots, fueling aircraft, deicing airplanes and aircraft maintenance. They visited a working aircraft repair shop and had an extensive conversation with the mechanics there, learning what it takes to maintain and repair aircraft and how one goes about becoming an aircraft technician.
Next, the tour visited the Lake Superior College Center for Advanced Aviation professional pilot training program. While there, the students learned about the training process of becoming a pilot. LSC graciously opened up the flight simulator schedules and provided flight instructors for the afternoon allowing each student several opportunities to fly both the single engine Cirrus SR20 flight simulator and the multi-engine Piper PA-44 Seminole simulator.
While some students were in the simulators, others visited the flight line where they had the opportunity to examine and sit in the airplanes and helicopters that LSC uses in its flight training program. At the same time, others took turns touring the FAA Air Traffic Control tower where they spent time with the controllers in the radar room and tower cab observing and speaking with the controllers, learning what the life of a controller is like.
At the end of the day the chatter from the students indicated that they would like to continue to explore farther into the world of aviation. Knowing that our youth are our future, EAA Chapter 1128’s hope is to provide opportunities for students to apply what is learned in the classroom with hands-on experience and will continue to work with the Two Harbors High School and Community Ed to provide more opportunities for expanding horizons.
EAA Chapter 1128 meets the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm in the Arrivals – Departures building at the Two Harbors Airport. Anyone with an interest is welcome. For more information: 1128.eaachapter.org or 218-390-0318.
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Great Job with the kids! We need more pilots and aviation enthusiasts inviting kids into our world at a level where they feel welcome and excited to be there! Best of luck!!