New Exploration Of Flight Reaching Major Milestones

By Maxine Scheer

During AirVenture 2013, ANN had an opportunity to meet with one of the recent inductees to the Living Legends of Aviation, Greg Anderson, President and CEO of Wings Over the Rockies Museum, based at the former Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado.  Greg was presented with Harrison Ford's Living Legends Award in January 2013 by the actor/pilot/and recent EAA Young Eagle's Chair.  Ford selected Anderson for his achievements and commitment to "making the world a better place through aviation."

EAA veterans recognize Greg Anderson through many accomplishments, not the least of which was founding the Young Eagles program in 1992.  An estimated 1.75 million children have been introduced to aviation through EAA Young Eagles volunteer aircraft flights.

Anderson, a 1972 graduate of The Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs returned to Colorado and established his presence as a leader in the museum world in 2004.  "After many years of preflight planning and take-off, we are entering the climb phase", as he described the development of a new aviation center of education focused on the future, 'Exploration of Flight'. 

In August 2012, a 14.5-acre site at Denver's Centennial Airport Interport Development was secured, and financial supporters have helped move forward design planning and fundraising, identified as the 'Wingspan Campaign'.  "It's not a function of if we will open," said Anderson, as he described the years of progress, "but when we open."  Over $7 million in leadership pledges are reported towards a $21 million budget to establish a world-class facility, open to the public, and planned for future expansions, including space for an aviation charter school.

Anderson also described the "Spreading Wings" program, whose Honorary Chair is astronaut (and former teacher) Eileen Collins.  A temporary space is currently dedicated to this teacher-centric program, established in 2011, with the goal of providing a personal flight experience for one teacher in every school in Colorado's Front Range.  Anderson described his family's legacy as educators and believes that inspiring teachers is essential.

One beautifully restored 1940's Stearman Biplanes has been donated for the program, and highly trained and enthusiastic volunteers provide flight support.  Recognizing that teachers need content in a variety of subjects, and ongoing training, 'Spreading Wings' builds on extensive materials and programs for classrooms and informal education activities developed at Wings Over the Rockies.

Exploration of Flight is expected to serve over 100,000 annual visitors, and by 2020 Spreading Wings, is anticipated to reach al 1,600 schools in Colorado's Front Range, allowing access to over 80% of Colorado's K-12 participation. 

FMI. www.wingspancampaign.org , www.wingsmuseum.org