Aero-Tips!
A good pilot is always learning -- how many times have you heard
this old standard throughout your flying career? There is no truer
statement in all of flying (well, with the possible exception of
"there are no old, bold pilots.") It's part of what makes aviation
so exciting for all of us... just when you think you've seen it
all, along comes a scenario you've never imagined.
Aero-News has called upon the expertise of Thomas P. Turner,
master CFI and all-around-good-guy, to bring our readers -- and us
-- daily tips to improve our skills as aviators, and as
representatives of the flying community. Some of them, you may have
heard before... but for each of us, there will also be something we
might never have considered before, or something that didn't
"stick" the way it should have the first time we memorized it for
the practical test.
It is our unabashed goal that "Aero-Tips" will help our readers
become better, safer pilots -- as well as introducing our
ground-bound readers to the concepts and principles that keep those
strange aluminum-and-composite contraptions in the air... and allow
them to soar magnificently through it.
Look for our daily Aero-Tips segments, coming each day to you
through the Aero-News Network. Suggestions for future Aero-Tips are
always welcome, as are additions or discussion of each day's tips.
Remember... when it comes to being better pilots, we're all in this
together.
Aero-Tips 04.14.06
Our fine friends at the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) provide a surprising amount of on-line material to use in school
classrooms. Educators can choose from dozens of
programs grouped by grade level. Each program includes a lesson
plan with precise instructions as to how to learn a topic in
aviation, and in many cases how to relate that topic to non-flying
skills in math, geography and other disciplines.
The primary school level includes programs teaching about
engines, communication and the phonetic alphabet, and weather
decision-making. Lessons explore things like human reaction
times and how to build a kite.
Programs for intermediate-level students (grades 4 through 6)
explore laws of motion, biography, introductory aerodynamics and
botany. They include interdisciplinary lessons that use air
pressure measurement to teach math, science, social studies,
language arts and even health and physical education.
On the middle school level (grades 7-8) programs expand on the
earlier lessons but at a greater depth. They require more work but
also teach more detail.
High school lessons focus more on calculations, following
directions, writing and recording data and following through with
the experimental process. Emphasis is on learning and exploring
possible careers.
Aero-tip of the day: Even if you’re not a
teacher, take a look at the FAA’s Educator’s Corner
lesson plans for kids. You may find a fun activity for your
children, Scout troops and other organizations that encourage
learning through aviation-related activities.