Learn To Fly... Or Learn More About Flight

Teens who'd enjoy hands-on exploration of aviation and aerospace topics will want to sign up for the Summer Academy operated by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at its Daytona Beach, FL campus.

The Summer Academy, which will run from June 11 to August 9, offers educational programs for students ages 12-18. This year's courses -- some of which may be taken for college credit -- are Aerospace I, Aerospace II, Aviation Career Exploration, Aviation Discovery for Women, Flight Exploration, Generations, and SunFlight. Application is required one month before the start date of each camp.

Summer Academy programs include housing in an Embry-Riddle student dormitory, on-campus meals, classroom instruction, and educational materials. Students in some camps will take field trips that may include Kennedy Space Center, Orlando Science Center, Fantasy of Flight, a major theme park, and a water park. Transportation for off-campus activities is provided by Embry-Riddle.

Aspiring astronauts and scientists learn about NASA programs, space shuttle operations, and the history of space flight in Aerospace I. The course fosters a basic understanding of space and space technology through field trips, guest speakers, and classroom lectures. Students design and build two space-station models, one on land and one in a zero-gravity environment (shown below.) The program runs June 21 to July 14. Tuition is $4,100. Complete application packets received by April 12, 2007, get a $200 advanced-registration discount.

Aerospace II provides an overview of US and international space programs, focusing on the Earth and its environment, methods of scientific exploration, and spacecraft-payload criteria at the introductory physics level. The course includes hands-on activities, labs, and classroom instruction. The program runs July 17 to August 9. Tuition is $4,100. Complete application packets received by April 12, 2007 get a $200 advanced-registration discount.

In Aviation Career Exploration, students use state-of-the-art simulation devices to sample various aspects of aircraft maintenance, air traffic management, engineering, flight, human factors, meteorology, and space technology. Also included are field trips, guest speakers, labs, and classroom instruction. Two sessions are available: July 8-14 or July 29 to August 4. Tuition is $1,075. Complete application packets received by April 12, 2007 get a $100 advanced-registration discount.

Industry professionals teach the Aviation Discovery for Women course, designed for female students ages 15-18 with an interest in aviation and aerospace. Topics covered are current developments and career possibilities in aircraft maintenance, air traffic management, engineering, flight, meteorology, and space technology. The program runs July 15-28. Tuition is $3,000. Complete application packets received by April 12, 2007 get a $200 advanced-registration discount.

Flight Exploration is an introduction to flying and flight training in which students practice flight maneuvers and get acquainted with how an airplane responds to cockpit commands. Participants also learn how to comply with aviation regulations and how to analyze weather conditions. The course includes field trips, flight and ground lab instruction, and a logbook to record flight hours. Three sessions are available: June 11-15 (no campus housing available), June 24-30, or July 22-28. Tuition is $2,100. Complete application packets received by April 12, 2007 get a $200 advanced-registration discount.

The Generations program allows a parent/child or grandparent/grandchild pair to share experiences as they learn about aircraft maintenance, air traffic management, flight, meteorology, and space technology. The program runs July 15-21. Tuition is $2,100 per pair and includes flight fees, simulator sessions, field trips, classroom instruction, and materials. Complete application packets received by April 12, 2007 get a $200 advanced-registration discount.

Three SunFlight programs offer flight instruction. All students must possess a Class II Medical before the start date of these courses. Tuition includes field trips, ground lab, classroom instruction, books, materials, and a deposit toward flight fees.

In the SunFlight Solo Camp, the goal is for all qualified students to solo by the end of the program. Two sessions are offered: June 21 to July 11, and July 17 to August 6. Tuition is $5,500. Complete application packets received by April 12, 2007, get a $500 advanced-registration discount.

Students in the SunFlight Private Pilot Camp earn a Private Pilot certificate. The program runs June 21 to August 9. Tuition is $16,500. Complete application packets received by April 12, 2007 get a $500 advanced-registration discount.

In the SunFlight Custom Flight Training Camp, qualified private pilots can continue their flight training. For example, the student could gain an instrument rating or multi-engine land rating or undergo upset training. Tuition and dates will be determined based on the flight training that is needed.

FMI: www.erau.edu/summeracademy