Learn what it takes to be a pilot
The STEM curricular importance of the education system throughout America is increasing as schools and programs continue to find new ways of getting the attention of kids and turning their studies into interactive and inspiring moments for the youth. The Flight Test Museum Foundation (FTMF) is doing its part to help guide children into the future of stem with the summer program.
FTMF is hosting a free summer Stem program at Blackbird Park, at 2503 E. Avenue, in Palmdale. The goal of the program is to inspire and motivate elementary-aged children in all learning by sparking interest and understanding of how Stem subjects work in action to provide an understanding of the variety of career options in aerospace in their community.
"Our Junior Test Pilots learn to analyze the aircraft to figure out why they were designed the way they are and think like an engineer,” said Lisa Sheldon Brown, director of education at the museum. The children will learn about aircraft like the A-12, SR-71, U-2, F-86 Sabre, C-46, F-16, A-5, and NASA 747. The children will also learn about the principles of aerospace engineering, flight mechanics, and flight test training, including stealth technologies, airplane design, jet engines, and Mach speed systems.
The program was developed by Flight Test Historical Foundation and funded with generous support from sponsors in the local aerospace community, Lockheed Martin Company, and Northrop Grumman.
"We could not run this program without our sponsors, they fund our program staff, but they also help solicit our volunteer speakers,” Brown said. "The career focus is important for our students to understand the variety of opportunities in the aerospace industry that is right in their backyard."
The program takes place every morning at Blackbird Park from Monday-Thursday from 9 am to noon. It is free to children in the 4th grade to high school and will operate through July 20.
