Another Section Of KidVenture 2012

By Maria Morrison

The first side of KidVenture teaches kids all about the fine tuning and maintenance of aircraft, but the other side of KidVenture shows the other side of flying. There is also a tent filled with other activities for the youngest aviators. This includes a place to decorate your own shirt, color a wooden plane, fly a remote control simulator, and (for ages 6 and under) go around a course in a pedal plane jet. The shirts have P-51 Mustangs on them for you to color however you want. The wooden planes can be B-17’s, or a generic plane. Markers are available and you can design the plane however you want.

The simulator features a Piper Cub, which must have amazing safety records, because the simulator makes it impossible for myself and others to fly it without crashing, much less flying straight. The pedal planes are a big hit for toddlers and slightly older, with their course set up for weaving around cones and screaming with delight.

The other side of KidVenture includes glider simulators, remote controlled helicopters, a lesson on preflighting, and an Air Traffic Control station. In the glider simulators, kids can experience some of what it is like to be in a glider, which they can solo at age 14. When flying the remote controlled helicopter, kids learn about small, precise movements and how to set a point to land at get it exactly. With the preflighting station, kids learn what to look for during a preflight and how to check fuel and oil.

In the Air Traffic Control station, people can play games that teach you about what to do as part of the ATC, with help from a air traffic control personnel. You learn about changing headings and speeds of aircraft while making sure everything stays evenly spaced. Remember that KidVenture isn’t just for kids; all ages can enjoy the stations, games, and experience.

FMI: www.airventure.org